As a professional truck driver, your safety is the most important aspect of commercial trucking. It’s essential that you follow these tips to minimize risks while on the road.

Assess Your Load

The first step is to assess the cargo you are carrying, which means using a scale to determine the weight of your load. Make sure you are loading your cargo evenly, so it does not shift or move during transport. If your truck is equipped with a scale, use it to help balance out the weight of any heavy items against lighter ones.

Ensure that once you’ve loaded up, nothing can fall off or shift around while driving. Check each item in your cargo area for damage and make sure everything is secure by tightening straps and tying cargo down as needed. Look over each item carefully to ensure there are no leaks or spills.

Secure Your Load

The first thing to do is secure your load. It should be tied down so that it cannot shift, or if it does shift, it can’t cause damage to other things. Most of the time, this means using straps, chains and chocks.

The best way to ensure your load is secure with just one person is by using the recommended amount of tie-downs based on weight and size (usually two per every 1,000 pounds). Straps should be spaced evenly across the entire surface area of the load so as not to create weak points where shock could transfer into other parts of your truck.

Inspect Your Vehicle Before Each Trip

Before you start your truck, run through a checklist of safety basics. As you progress through the list in your mind, remember the following considerations:

• Brakes
• Tires
• Lights and other safety features (like turn signals)
• Overall condition of the truck (check brakes and tires again!)

Reduce Distractions

It’s simple. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. If you need to make or receive a call, pull over before doing so. Don’t text and drive! If you must use your phone as a GPS (and we strongly recommend against it), don’t try to multitask—pull over if possible, set up your route ahead of time while parked at a safe location, then start driving again once the directions are set in motion.

Call 1-800-790-3387 today for all your logistics needs!