In 2017 alone, trucks transported a total of $10.4 trillion worth of goods. While there are many ways to ship goods, using a dry van is one of the most popular options.
Dry vans are enclosed cargo spaces that offer a heightened level of security and protection to goods that are being transported. They’re especially popular for shipping consumer goods but can be used for other purposes as well.
If you’ll be shipping cargo with a dry van, however, you need to be sure that you secure your load properly. Here’s how you should secure cargo with dry van shipping.
Start By Inspecting the Trailer
When using dry van shipping, it’s important that operators complete an inspection and ensure that all parts of the vehicle are in working correctly. Whether it’s for dry van freight loads or general van load shipping, thorough inspections are essential for safe transit.
Inspectors should be sure to remove any debris or items that have been left in the vehicle before loading cargo. Anything on the vehicle, including paper, plastic, and other items, should be picked up and removed. If there are any loose objects in the trailer, then it could interfere with cargo space and cause problems while in transit. A dry van operator should be sure to inspect the trailer before loading it up to prevent any risks to the van cargo shipping process.
Verify Equipment Functionality
When securing cargo in a dry van, you need to be sure that all of the equipment in the truck is working properly. Everything should be functioning as it’s supposed to. This is particularly critical when dealing with dry van freight loads where every piece of equipment, from load locks for dry vans to the van itself, plays a role in ensuring the cargo’s safety.
You need to check all tarps, tires, and tools that are on board and should also verify that the tailgate is working correctly. Ensure that all equipment has been secured, including the doors and the tarps. Having load straps for dry vans in top condition is also necessary to maintain secure van cargo shipping.
Always make sure that anything that’s used as part of the vehicle’s operation and cargo transport is secure and functional. This is a key practice for transportation carriers that haul dry goods, ensuring that the cargo remains intact throughout the journey.
Pay Attention to Load Limits
You also need to pay attention to load limits. It’s important to check the load limit of your tie-downs and verify that you’re adhering to all load limits, especially when working with dry van cargo securement. Ensuring that load limits are respected is crucial for both safety and compliance, particularly in van load shipping.
There are systems that keep cargo secure, and these require load limits, so you need to be sure that you’re following them properly. The load limit should be a minimum of half of the cargo’s weight so that everything is secure. This rule is essential to follow in all loads for dry van transportation to ensure stability and safety.
Verifying that you have met all those limits is very important and is necessary to meet the cargo securement rules that are stated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It’s a critical step in ensuring your dry van load reaches its destination safely.
Stack Your Loads Correctly
When securing cargo for dry van shipping, you need to stack loads properly as well. Proper stacking is an art and a science, crucial for any van shipping expert aiming to maintain the integrity of the cargo and the vehicle.
Verify that the heaviest items you’re transporting are placed at the bottom while the lighter items are placed on top. Doing this will help to ensure that driving the truck will go smoothly and that the driver will have plenty of control. It will help to ensure that there isn’t a risk of heavy items causing damage to lighter-weight cargo. This method is essential in van cargo shipping to avoid shifting during transit.
Distribute Cargo Evenly
In addition to stacking items properly, it’s also important to evenly distribute any cargo that you’ll be shipping. This is a foundational principle in dry van cargo securement and ensures that the van’s balance is maintained, preventing accidents and unnecessary strain on the vehicle.
The weight of your cargo should be spread evenly on your trailer’s axles. This will help prevent long-term damage to the van and will reduce the chances of vehicle handling problems. Any imbalance in loads for dry vans can lead to significant issues, including tire wear and mechanical failure.
An uneven load can cause many issues and could affect the tire tread and pressure and could cause axle problems as well. It could lead to your vehicle needing more maintenance. Your vehicle could become more costly to maintain, and this can raise the operating costs of your business. The last thing any transportation carriers that haul dry goods want is unexpected maintenance expenses due to poor load distribution.
While it may seem like a small thing, spreading the cargo evenly along the axles is very useful and is important for securing your vehicle and ensuring that it works properly. This ensures a smooth ride and minimal wear on your dry van shipments.
Make Use of Bracing and Blocking
If your load doesn’t fill up the entire trailer, then you should consider using bracing and blocking to compensate. This is a valuable technique in dry van cargo securement, especially when dealing with partial loads for dry van shipping.
With bracing and blocking techniques, you’ll use load bars, load straps, dunnage, friction mats, bracing, and blocking to stop cargo from moving around during transit. Using these tools to prevent the movement of cargo is helpful and will allow you to prevent damage during shipment. The right combination of tools ensures your dry van shipments remain secure and undamaged.
Consider using bracing and blocking methods if necessary to ensure that your load is secure and stable at all times during transit. This is a critical practice in secure van operations, preventing costly damages and delays.
Use Speed to Test Your Load
Once you’re on the road, you’ll want to test your load a bit to verify that it’s completely secure. This is one of the most practical tips for secure shipments, allowing you to catch any issues early on in your journey.
You can do this by altering your speed once you’re on the road and trying to detect whether the cargo has shifted at all. Check how the tires are doing when changing the speed of your vehicle and take note if the weight distribution doesn’t feel quite right. This hands-on approach is what separates a van shipping expert from others in the field.
If you’ve noticed any problems, then you’ll want to stop the vehicle and put some additional effort into securing the load. Ensuring that your load straps for dry vans and other equipment are correctly adjusted is crucial for safe van cargo shipping.
Make Stops Along the Way
In addition to testing the load at the beginning of transit, you should also make additional stops along the way to your destination as well. This will allow you to check your cargo and verify that everything is still securely in place and that nothing has shifted. Regular checks are an important part of dry van load security and help to avoid unpleasant surprises.
If there have been any shifts during transit, then you can correct your cargo to ensure that your load is balanced. Adjustments on the go are key to maintaining a secure van and ensuring that dry van shipments arrive safely and on time.
Securing Dry Van Shipping Using These Tips
If you’ll be using dry van shipping soon, then you’ll want to be sure that you know how to secure it. Be sure to pay attention to load limits, evenly distribute your load, and use bracing and blocking to keep your load as secure as possible. Following these practices not only secures your cargo but also ensures that your operations remain efficient and cost-effective. Dry van shipping is a reliable and versatile option, but only when the cargo is properly secured.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is dry van cargo securement?
Dry van cargo securement involves using various techniques and tools, such as load straps, bracing, and blocking, to keep cargo stable and secure during transport in a dry van. Proper securement is crucial for preventing cargo damage and ensuring safety on the road.
How can I ensure my van load shipping is secure?
To ensure secure van load shipping, inspect your trailer, verify equipment functionality, stack loads correctly, and distribute weight evenly. Regularly checking your cargo during transit and making necessary adjustments also contributes to safe shipping.
Why is even weight distribution important in van cargo shipping?
Even weight distribution in van cargo shipping is essential to maintain vehicle balance, prevent tire and axle issues, and reduce the risk of accidents. Properly distributed loads also help minimize wear and tear on the vehicle.
What tools can I use to secure my dry van load?
Tools such as load locks for dry vans, load straps, dunnage, friction mats, and bracing can be used to secure your dry van load. These tools help prevent cargo from shifting during transit, ensuring a safe and damage-free delivery.
What are some tips for secure shipments in dry vans?
Some tips for secure shipments in dry vans include inspecting the trailer before loading, using appropriate tie-downs, stacking and distributing cargo properly, and using bracing and blocking techniques. Regular stops to check the load during transit are also recommended.
How do transportation carriers that haul dry goods ensure cargo safety?
Transportation carriers that haul dry goods ensure cargo safety by following strict loading and securement protocols,
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