US Truckers, Drivers, Owner-Operators: Keep Your Cargo Safely Secured
US Truckers, Drivers, Owner-Operators: Keep Your Cargo Safely Secured
Keep Em Safer – Truck And Freight News
To keep your cargo safe, compliant, and out of the ditch, you must master strict load restraint, even distribution, and transit monitoring.
For US truckers, this means strictly adhering to federal rules, securing with rated equipment, preventing cargo theft, and continuously monitoring stability.
===
KEEP EM SAFER
Keep your cargo safe and help reduce road accidents – with Keep Em Safer – a truck freight and cargo warning system that tells you when a Tie Down Strap, Rope or Chain becomes loose.
===
1. Follow FMCSA Securement RulesThe Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates minimum securement standards. Ensure your aggregate working load limit will is at least 50% of the cargo’s total weight.
Tie-downs:
Always use properly rated chains, binders, and straps. Never use damaged or knotted restraints.
Blocking & Bracing:
Utilize dunnage, blocking, bracing, and friction mats to stop forward, rear, and lateral movement. Check FMCSA Cargo Securement for the full handbook and guidelines.
2. Manage Weight and Distribution
Evenly distributing weight protects your axles from overloads and keeps your rig balanced in sharp turns.
Low Center of Gravity:
Always position the heaviest cargo as close to the trailer floor as possible.
Avoid Shifting:
Ensure there is minimal to no empty space; fill gaps to prevent sudden inertia shifts that can lead to rollovers or downtime.
Verify Weights:
Utilize certified truck scales to stay legal across all state lines.
3. Prevent Cargo TheftOver-the-road (OTR) freight requires active theft deterrence.
Secure Parking:
Stick to well-lit, monitored truck stops or rest areas.
High-Security Locks:
Utilize heavy-duty padlocks, kingpin locks, and gladhand locks, particularly if you are hauling high-value or targeted freight.
Telematics:
Leverage real-time tracking, dashcams, and fuel cards to monitor both driver behavior and route integrity.
4. Periodic En-Route Inspections
Never assume a load will stay perfectly secure from pickup to delivery.
Initial Inspection:
Re-check all tie-downs, tension, and tarps within the first 50 miles of your trip.
Periodic Checks:
FMCSA requires you to re-check your cargo and load securement devices periodically (every 150 miles, or whenever there is a change of duty/extended driving time).
5. Weather Preparedness
Adverse weather introduces severe forces to your vehicle and load.
Pre-Trip Weather Check:
Always check forecasts for your entire route before setting out.
Secure Tarps & Chains:
Make sure all coverings are cinched tight to prevent wind-whip or water damage.
Adjust Driving:
Reduce speeds, maintain safe following distances, and be prepared to chain up or pull over if conditions warrant it.
Always refer to your specific carrier’s requirements and the official FMCSA Regulations to guarantee you remain within legal and safe operating parameters.
KEEP EM SAFER
Keep your cargo safe and help reduce road accidents – with Keep Em Safer – a truck freight and cargo warning system that tells you when a Tie Down Strap, Rope or Chain becomes loose.
For product updates and release dates on Keep Em Safer road safety cargo products get in touch via our website and follow us on social media.
Arvo Poldmaa
KEEP EM SAFER – Owner and Inventor
Australia: +61 427 680 526
connect@keepemsafer.com
https://keepemsafer.com/
https://www.facebook.com/keepemsafer/
https://www.instagram.com/keep.em.safer/
@FMCSA @MuthaTrucker @motortrend @FreightWaves @trucknhustle @leadpedal @thetruckersnetworkttn @OverTheRoadATS
If you drive a truck then you need Keep Em Safer, a Truck Transport Warning System that tells you when a Tie Down Strap, Rope or Chain becomes loose.
Transmitter for a Tie Down Strap
Transmitter for a Tie Down Strap
Transmitter for a Chain
Transmitter for a Rope
The Keep Em Safer patented safety and security system ensures you can go on that long-haul drive, trip to the building site, or tip – with the confidence that your load will arrive safely and securely, as intended.
