This article breaks down 7 expert techniques for effective cargo securement on flatbed trailers. Along the way, we’ll highlight how ET Transport’s dedication to excellence ensures your cargo’s utmost safety and security throughout its transport.
1. Understanding the Nature of Your Cargo
The foundation of successful cargo securement is a deep understanding of the freight’s characteristics. Each type of cargo, with its distinct shape, size, weight, and securement points, requires a tailored approach.
ET Transport’s expertise in handling various materials, from delicate machinery to heavy lumber, means we’re adept at identifying and applying the most effective securement methods for your cargo type.
2. The Importance of Flatbed Inspection
Before loading, a thorough inspection of the flatbed is critical to identify potential issues that could impact cargo securement. This includes checking for damage, ensuring robust anchor points, and maintaining a clean deck.
Our fleet, featuring primarily models from 2019 or newer, undergoes extensive routine maintenance. This practice ensures that our flatbeds are always in optimal condition, minimizing risks during flatbed loading and transportation.
3. Selecting the Right Securement Equipment
Selecting the appropriate trucking supplies and cargo securement equipment is a science and art that should match the cargo’s unique requirements. This includes choosing proper tie-downs, chains, tensioners, dunnage, and edge protectors based on the cargo’s weight and nature.
ET Transport’s diverse equipment inventory, including specialized tensioning devices and protective gear, ensures that each load is secured with the most suitable tools, offering a tailored securement solution for every type of cargo.
4. Effective Cargo Loading Strategies
Loading cargo onto a flatbed requires strategic planning to balance the weight evenly, maintain visibility for the driver, ensure operational safety, and reduce wind drag to avert any run-ins with low-hanging obstacles.
At ET Transport, we employ various methods, including forklifts and cranes, to optimally position your cargo, ensuring maximum safety and minimizing any risk of accidents during transit.
5. Freight Securement Techniques
Properly securing the cargo involves using both direct and indirect tie-down methods. Direct tie-downs anchor the cargo to the flatbed, while indirect tie-downs are looped over the cargo. Tensioning devices should also be used to apply the necessary force to maintain the tightness of the tie-downs.
Our experienced drivers employ various advanced techniques to guarantee that your load is securely fastened, going beyond standard requirements to provide enhanced safety.
In the dynamic world of freight transportation, mastering the art of securing cargo on flatbed trailers is crucial. Given their open design, flatbeds pose unique challenges that require specialized knowledge to ensure that loads are safe and secure during transit.
6. The Importance of Double-Checking
After securing the cargo, a thorough check is crucial to ensure everything is tight and in place. Conducting another check after a brief driving period is also recommended to retighten any tie-downs that may have loosened as the load settles during transit.
At ET Transport, we believe in leaving nothing to chance. Our protocol involves comprehensive initial checks and ongoing inspections after departure, ensuring tight and secure tie-downs. This meticulous approach to double-checking at every stage emphasizes our commitment to your cargo’s security.
7. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment
Continuous vigilance is the key. Regular monitoring and adjustment of the cargo during transit are essential for maintaining securement, especially in response to temperature changes that can affect tension.
ET Transport’s consistent adherence to this practice goes hand in hand with our impressive 98% on-time delivery rate, highlighting our ability to balance diligent cargo monitoring with efficient delivery schedules.
Partner with ET Transport for Secure Flatbed Shipping
By incorporating these expert techniques into our services, ET Transport meets and exceeds safety standards in flatbed transportation. Our deep understanding of cargo securement intricacies and our state-of-the-art fleet and professional team position us as your ideal partner for safe and efficient transportation solutions.
Choose ET Transport for reliable and secure flatbed transportation solutions. Contact us today for flatbed rentals or to discuss how we can support your flatbed shipping requirements with our expertise and dedicated approach to cargo securement.
Why Ship With ET Transport?
- Asset-based and Canadian: We are a Canadian-based company with 2 locations in Canada (Ontario & New Brunswick).
- Dry, cool, heated, and flatbed: Whether your load requires heating, cooling, or custom-tailored delivery options – we’ve got you covered.
- Fully Certified (Learn more about our certifications).
- Over 100 trucks: Our fleet of modern trucks can be used to transport your goods in Canada and across the border.
- We own over 200 trailers to transport your perishable and non-perishable goods.
- 98% On-time delivery: We’re constantly innovating our trucks to ensure the most accurate and reliable delivery time for you.
- We offer 24/7 Customer Service.