“Alongside the steps we have already mentioned, correctly balancing a load is key to the securement of your cargo. To demonstrate, let’s take the following example. Your next job is to a haul a load of machined steel components. They have been stored in 10, 5ft x 5ft metal containers with a total weight of 40,000 lbs. If all of the containers are loaded against the bulkhead, you will have too much weight in the front of the trailer, which will overload your drive axles, causing excessive wear and tear and decreased fuel efficiency. Depending on individual state regulations you have a couple of options: 

1.    5 containers at the nose of the trailer and 5 containers at the rear of the trailer

2.    10 containers in single file down the middle of the trailer.

Each option will require you to fashion a makeshift containment structure out of hardwood nailed to the floor in conjunction with dunnage appropriate for this type of cargo. This will prevent the containers from sliding backwards upon acceleration and sliding forwards any time you apply the brakes. It is important to ensure these structures are reinforced properly should one of the pieces of lumber fail en route to your destination. Be wary of unsuitable dunnage. For example, dunnage made from cardboard would be unsuitable for containers weighing up to 4000 lbs each. There is no end to the types of cargo that you could be tasked with hauling in your dry van trailer, with any combination of shape size and weight. The responsibility falls on both you AND your motor carrier to properly secure your cargo to prevent movement in transit. Just because the trailer doors are closed and they are out of sight once loaded, they should not be out of mind.”