The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual International Roadcheck inspection blitz will be focused on cargo securement this year — are you ready?
This year the CVSA’s Roadcheck inspection event will take place across the U.S. and Canada from June 6 through June 8. While commercial motor vehicle inspectors will be looking for all safety violations, they will be spending extra time looking for cargo securement violations this year. That’s why we thought we’d put together some tips and handy resources to help you brush up on the fundamentals of cargo securement so that you’ll be ready to sail through your Roadcheck inspection.
Top Load Securement Violations:
1. Failure to prevent shifting/loss off load
2. Failure to secure truck equipment (tarps, dunnage, doors, tailgates, spare tires, etc.)
3. Damaged tie-downs(unacceptable wear on chain or cuts and tears on web straps)
4. Insufficient tie-downs
5. Loose tie-downs
- Mind your tie-downs. Three of the top five load securement violations involve tie-downs, so it’s smart to spend extra time checking them in the days and weeks leading up to Roadcheck. Be on the lookout for worn out or damaged tie-downs.
- Don’t forget the small stuff. Cargo securement is about making sure that EVERYTHING in your truck is secure, not just your load. This includes items you might overlook like shovels, chains, and spare tires.
- Do your research. Cargo securement requirements can be very complex, but a quick check of the regulations now can save you a huge headache in the future. You can click here to access the FMCSA’s Driver’s Handbook on Cargo Securement. You can also click here for the Canadian cargo securement requirements handbook.
- Don’t rush through your pre-trip. We all know that time is money for truckers, but speeding through your pre-trip inspections and preparations sets you up for failure. Start early and take your time. Don’t get behind the wheel until you’re sure that you’ve done everything you can to make sure your cargo is secure.
- When in doubt, ask. If you’re unsure how many tie-downs you need or if you have a unique type of shipment that you’re not sure how to secure, just ask someone you trust!