The safest trucking companies abide by their own SOPs (standard operating procedures) to maintain the integrity of cargo shipments. They follow trucking safety tips that focus on the condition of cargo, the vehicle, and the individuals involved. It is essential to focus on each area to ensure overall protection throughout the haul. By practicing great care and attention to these factors, trucking companies can facilitate safe trips without incident. This also establishes trust between clients and other players within the supply chain.
If you are new to trucking or needs cargo truck service, here’s an article that shares a set of essential tips to protect your cargo. Learn how trucking safety is practiced by various logistics companies.
10 Smart Practices for Maintaining Cargo and Trucking Safety
1. Choose high-quality packaging materials
The appropriate packing materials will depend on your type of cargo. Standard closed vans accept boxed, palletized, and even loose cargo. Get the correct size for individual items. For packing several items together, use packing peanuts, paper fillings, and the like to reduce shaking and movement. Choose packaging made of sturdy materials like corrugated cardboard, wood crates, plastics (HDPE or PET), aluminum, or tin.
2. Separate fragile items
Place fragile items in an extra-sturdy box. Rough roads can cause jolting and sudden movement of items inside the truck. Dedicate a separate area for fragile goods, where they can be stored without any obstruction. Accidents to fragile items can compromise trucking safety.
3. Shrink wrap or palletize retail goods
Shrink wraps are a great way to create a lightweight, tight, and secure packaging for retail items like beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical goods. It is also an impeccable space-saver, eliminating the need for bulky boxes and containers.
4. Clear the area before loading cargo
One of the most important trucking safety tips is to maintain a clear, barrier-free loading area. Risk of collision in the loading dock can cause serious injury to truck drivers, logistics coordinators, and material handlers. It can also subsequently cause cargo damage, which can lead to significant financial loss for the client and trucking company.
5. Secure all cargo
Prevent loads from shifting by using securement devices. Examples include chains, ratchet straps, binders, and nets. Be sure to carry extra tie-downs in case of any tearing or damage along the road. For open-top or flatbed trucks, trucking safety is practiced by covering cargo with tarpaulin, camper shells, or tonneau covers. This protects cargo from the elements and holds them in place.
6. Place proper dunnage
Cushioning absorbs shock, protecting fragile goods from inevitable movement and impact during the transport process. Dunnage materials like air bags or foam are commonly placed in voids or empty spaces between cargo. This creates a secure, packed environment that is safe for various types of commodities.
7. Distribute cargo weight evenly
The rule of thumb is to place the heaviest cargo at the bottom and towards the front, just behind the cab. This practice protects both your cargo and the vehicle, as the truck’s movement is powered by the rear axle. Straining this part can affect the truck’s stability and cause accidents.
8. Perform a pre-trip inspection
A well-maintained vehicle is the key to a safe journey from start to finish. A responsible trucking company in the Philippines must regularly perform pre-trip inspections to ensure the utmost safety of the truck, driver, and cargo. The best way to remember the routine is the acronym BLOWBAGETS:
- B – Battery
- L – Lights
- O – Oil
- W – Water
- B – Brakes
- A – Air
- G – Gas
- E – Engine
- T – Tires
- S – Self (Driver)
Dedicate at least 15-30 minutes before each trip to thoroughly inspect the vehicle, as to minimize the risks of accidents and road troubles.
9. Perform regular load checks
Long haul trips have a bigger risk of experiencing load shifts. Cargo restraints should also be checked during the trip. Once a truck makes a rest stop, truck drivers must perform a routine inspection to monitor the following:
- Tie-down conditions
- Vehicle stability
- Cargo stability
- Cargo weight distribution
This part of trucking safety is non-negotiable. Authorities recommend checks to be done within the first 80 kilometers or 3 hours of the trip.
10. Don’t skip the post-trip inspection
Before cargo is unloaded, perform a post-trip inspection to check for any loosened or unsecured loads. This helps prevent untoward incidents during the unloading process. It also lets material handlers identify potential safety hazards or areas that require extra attention during this stage.
The post-trip inspection also involves an overall examination of the vehicle’s condition, as well as the truck bed. After assessing the truck, maintenance personnel must carry out the necessary upkeep in preparation for the next trip or load.
How the Safest Trucking Companies Practice Cargo Safety
- Professionally trained staff and crew – A reliable trucking company in the Philippines provides adequate logistics training to all its staff, building a fully competent and well-versed logistics team.
- Strict regulatory compliance – In order to operate, trucking companies must adhere to specific safety, road, and industry regulations. This helps maintain a roadworthy fleet, knowledgeable staff, and high-quality services
- Proper packaging – Logistics companies typically promote the use of proper packaging to ensure cargo safety from start to finish.
- Proper cargo securement techniques – Materials such as blocks, chocks, straps, and dunnage are readily available for securing bulky, heavy, or general dry cargo.
- Real-time tracking – The use of GPS and AI-assisted devices like drones help enhance the tracking capabilities of a trucking company in the Philippines. It provides accurate and rapid data for route planning and deliveries.
- Sophisticated devices – Truck safety wouldn’t be complete without the help of technologically-advanced solutions. Examples include anti-theft sensors and cameras, as well as geofencing for warehouse areas. Specialized trucks like reefer trucks use temperature sensors to monitor the condition of perishable cargo.
- Cargo insurance policies – Logistics companies in the Philippines offer comprehensive cargo insurance policies to protect clients from potential financial losses or cargo damage. Insurance can either be mandatory or optional (especially for higher coverage amounts), but is highly encouraged for cargo shipments.
Trucking safety is a must for all logistics services. It protects cargo beyond its value and much more. By practicing these tips, cargo, personnel, the vehicle, and clients are safeguarded against any type of damage, whether physical or financial.
ALSO READ: A Businessman’s Complete Guide for Choosing a Logistics Company in the Philippines
360 Logistics aims to be one of the safest trucking companies in the Philippines. It leverages cutting-edge solutions to power its trucking services in Metro Manila. It offers flexible, customizable logistics services to enhance your supply chain process, no matter where you are. Experience customer-driven, full-circle service today. Connect with us here to get a quote.
