Safety Tips for Loading a Commercial Semi-Truck

Commercial semi-trucks are utilized in many different industries to haul a variety of cargo from one destination to another. Loading a truck can be a challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be difficult if you know the right safety precautions to take. Here are some tips to help you load your vehicle without any incident. If you have any questions or want to shop commercial semi-trucks for sale, feel free to get in touch with us at Victory Custom Trailers in Metamora, MI.

Prepare the Truck for Loading

A safe loading experience starts by making sure that your commercial semi-truck is up for the task. Inspect it for any potential issues that need to be addressed. The first thing to do is to check that the floor and the truck’s cargo bay are both clean. That way, your items won't get dirty or damaged when you load them.

Next, make sure you understand the truck's weight capacity. It's illegal and dangerous to exceed this limit. The weight of the cargo should be well within this limit. Finally, position the truck for safe loading. Park the vehicle on a level surface and chock the wheels to prevent any movement while loading. Make sure the engine is turned off and the keys are removed.

Check the Loading Area

Identify the working area and make sure that only authorized personnel are present. This helps reduce the chances of mishaps. Don't step towards the vehicle until it comes to a full stop. If the driver needs to back up the truck, everyone else should clear out of the loading area. The driver has limited visibility and it helps to back the truck up in a clear area.

Use the Correct Technique

When you start loading, you’ll want to distribute the weight in your commercial semi-truck evenly. Balancing the weight will make it easier to drive the vehicle. You don’t want to put too much weight in the rear as it can be extremely dangerous, especially at higher speeds. It’s best to get some help for lifting heavy cargo items that are over 50 pounds.

When lifting the cargo, position your elbows close to the body and bend with your knees, not at your waist. Try to keep your spine neutral. When you need to turn around, do so with your feet and not your torso. Make sure you use the proper strategies to prevent accidents.

Secure the Cargo

After you’ve completed loading everything, you’ll need to secure the cargo. This helps prevent the items from shifting around during transportation, which could damage them or cause safety risks in the unloading process. Different types of cargo will need to be secured in different ways, but common options are straps, tie-downs, and load bars. Fasteners should be tight, while chains should have a bit of slack.

With these simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to load your truck in no time with the confidence of an expert. If you’re looking to buy a commercial semi-truck, visit Victory Custom Trailers in Metamora, MI, to see what we have in stock. We welcome all those coming from Detroit and Flint.