Max 100 Char Title:Cargo Securement: Aggregate Working Load Limit & More - Essay Sample

Introduction

Cargo securement is vital in safeguarding the safety of commercial vehicles. Arroyo Contreras et al. (2016) mention that cargo securement rules involve more than just cargo. It entails items such as blocks, ratchets, brooms, spare tires and any other tools involved in a cargo shipment. This presentation focuses on the cargo securement initiative.

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Cargo Securement Terms

Cargo securement terms include the aggregate working load limit, which defines the sum of the working load limits or the restraining capacity of all cargo vehicles (Arroyo Contreras et al., 2016). Anchor point refers to the article of the cargo where a tie-down is attached. The article of a cargo is a unit of cargo including the loads that can be handled together. Tying down involves securing the load on the vehicle through various anchor points.

Basics of Cargo securement

Cargo vehicles are regularly inspected to ensure that drivers comply with the regulations. First drivers need to ensure that they have all the paperwork required when transporting cargo. Such documentations include motor carrier registration, license, shipping documentation as well as hours of service.

Usually, drivers are examined by inspectors. The inspectors examine how the driver operates the vehicle (Romero et al., 2016). They examine if there any infractions such as lack of seatbelts or drunk driving. Thus, cargo drivers should ensure that they operate by following all the rules.

Vehicle inspection falls under Level I inspection. Drivers need to ensure that their brake, fuel, and exhaust systems comply with all the regulations. Tires, trailer body and wheels are also checked.

Drivers also need to ensure that the cargo is secured correctly. There are things to consider including double-checking to ensure that the load is well distributed, items such as tailgate, doors and vehicle operation equipment should be secured.

Romero et al. (2016) mention that drivers must watch out top violations such as failure to prevent shifting of loads as well as failure to secure truck equipment. Most cargo drivers also forget to manage the web straps as well as ensure sufficient tie-downs.

All cargo vehicles have to adhere to weight restrictions. In this regard, fleet managers and drivers have the responsibility to ensure that they are aware of the regulations and restrictions in each region that they transport items.

Poorly loaded or overloaded cargo vehicles make it difficult to operate safely. This factor may result in excess wear and tear as well as a weak fuel economy (Arroyo Contreras et al., 2016). Ultimately, everyone benefits when fleet operators adhere to cargo securement policies.

Importance of Cargo Securement

Primarily, fleet operators have the responsibility to safeguard the products they transport on behalf of the customers. Singh et al. (2014) note that customers expect their items to be safely transported.

Cargo securement is instrumental in reducing the risk of crashes resulting from falling cargo. By upholding safety, fleet operators reduce firm liability exposure (Singh et al., 2014). Cargo securement also aids in projecting a safety-oriented corporate image.

Without effective cargo securement, some costs may arise including costs due to fatalities, failure to deliver products to the customer, third party insurance rates as well as costs due to vehicle loss on business operations (Romero et al., 2016).

References

Arroyo Contreras, G., Lozano Guzmán, A., Betanzo Quezada, E., & Romero, J. (2016). Cargo securement methods and vehicle braking performance. International Journal Of Vehicle Performance, 2(4), 353. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijvp.2016.10000720

Romero, J., Guzmán, A., Quezada, E., & Contreras, G. (2016). Cargo securement methods and vehicle braking performance. International Journal Of Vehicle Performance, 2(4), 353. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijvp.2016.079919

Singh, P., Singh, J., Antle, J., Topper, E., & Grewal, G. (2014). Load Securement and Packaging Methods to Reduce Risk of Damage and Personal Injury for Cargo Freight in Truck, Container, and Intermodal Shipments. Journal Of Applied Packaging Research, 6(1), 47-62. https://doi.org/10.14448/japr.01.0005