It is the customer’s / shipper’s responsibility to ensure that the shipment is loaded in such a manner as to be in compliance with all applicable local and en-route load security and weight laws. If a driver is not satisfied that a load is secure, then the driver has the option to refuse the load, without repercussion.
Some load security issues to watch for:
Load Security: Give the freight a fighting chance to stay on the skid
Load security starts well before the truck shows up at the dock: put the freight on the skid so that it will stay on the skid. Once a skid is on a truck, it is a relatively simple matter to keep the skid from moving, but it is almost impossible to keep the freight on a poorly-loaded skid from sliding or toppling.
The most common cause of freight toppling or sliding while en-route is not rough roads or rough driving, it is poor skid loading and wrapping.
Skid loading problems to avoid:
- Do not use a skid that is smaller than the outside dimensions of the freight;
- But, if you must use a skid that is smaller than the outside dimensions of the freight, absolutely do not use a skid that is smaller than the footprint of the freight: freight that overhangs the loading surface of the skid has already started to topple;
- Put heavier freight nearer the bottom of the stack;
- Ensure that the freight packaging (e.g., cardboard boxes) are strong enough to support the weight of the freight stacked on top of them: otherwise the boxes will crush and the freight will topple;
- If freight is irregularly shaped, stack the widest surface facing down, and put dunnage between each layer.
- Run the shrink wrap right down over the actual skid: if the shrink wrap is around the freight, but not around the skid, then what you have done is built a nice projectile that is free to move into any available space, without the inconvenience or restraint of being attached to a skid.
- And always use lots of extra shrink wrap: the ideal amount is probably double what you have already used.
Load security: Load it so that it won’t move
Load Security enroute involves placing and securing the freight in the truck in such a manner that it will not move during transit
In a van, be sure the freight is blocked / strapped / locked in place, so that it will not move forwards, backwards, or sideways. If you need straps and/or bars to provide load security for your shipment, request these, and Copper Run will have the driver bring them to the loading location.
On a deck, the driver will strap / chain the freight onto the deck, and will arrive with the equipment to do so.. However, certain shipments may need corner boards to protect the freight from strap compression damage, or external framing to provide a gripping surface for the straps, and/or to protect the tarps (if used) from sharp edges or projections on the freight. Such special equipment requirements should be discussed with Copper Run prior to booking the shipment.
Shipper and Driver Responsibilities
Both the shipper and the carrier/driver have significant legal responsibilities regarding load security. If there is a load security issue on the highway, either or both may be found to be responsible and/or liable.
Shipper: it is the shipper’s responsibility to load the freight securely, in accordance with legislated standards and procedures, and to the satisfaction of the driver: loading is not a carrier/driver responsibility.
Carrier / Driver: it is the carrier/driver’s responsibility, before accepting a shipment for carriage, to be satisfied that the load has been securely loaded to the driver’s satisfaction by the shipper. Enroute, it is the carrier/driver’s responsibility to monitor the security of the load, and to stop driving if a potential load security problem becomes evident.
The equipment required to ensure load security, which may include bars, straps, chains, blocks, bunks, or frames, may be supplied by either the shipper or the carrier. If you, as a shipper, want the carrier to arrive for loading with certain load security equipment, tell copper run what you need in advance, and we will make the necessary arrangements with the carrier. Please understand also that there may be a price uptick if a substantial amount of equipment is required.
Dry vans will usually, but not always, carry 2 or 3 straps or load bars, and flat decks will usually have an assortment of chains and straps, and often a regular (low) tarp kit. If you need extra straps or bars, or lumber tarps, or specialized equipment, just let us know when you book the shipment.
When load security equipment that has been provided by the shipper is to be delivered with the load, treat the load security equipment as part of the shipment, and note it on the Bill of Lading. The driver can then sign that the equipment has been put on the truck, and at the end of the trip the receiver can sign that the equipment has been delivered by the truck. In this way, there is an indisputable record that shows who had the equipment, and when.