The hazards of improper cargo loading in Washington

Improperly loading cargo onto a semi-truck can cause a devastating accident on the streets of Washington. In addition, a cargo load that’s not loaded correctly will affect how well the truck performs. Or the driver might discover that handling the car is more complex than usual.

Trucking companies and their drivers are responsible for ensuring safe and secure cargo. Therefore, anyone who loads a truck should watch for these common cargo-loading mistakes.

An overweight load

A semi-truck has a vehicle weight rating provided by the truck manufacturer. The rating states how much weight the truck can safely carry.

Weigh stations are available along highways so drivers can periodically check the load weight. A truck over the weight limit might descend faster than usual when traveling down an incline. It might also require extra braking power, making the truck difficult to stop.

An unsecured load

An unsecured load hasn’t been correctly restrained. Cargo sliding around in a semi-truck threatens the truck driver and other drivers on the road. Motor vehicle accidents can occur when a car is struck by falling cargo or must swerve to avoid being hit. The truck driver can also crash if the unsecured cargo causes the truck to sway.

An unbalanced load

An unbalanced load affects different parts of a semi-truck. For example, the uneven weight distribution could strain the truck’s suspension or tires. As a result, those parts of the truck could fail and lead to an accident. The truck could also roll over during a turn if there’s excessive weight on one side of the vehicle.

Proper cargo loading is a must

The time and care it takes to load cargo properly is worth the effort. In addition, putting safe trucks on the road makes highways safer for all drivers.