Logistics Management

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Load Securement – Help or at Least do no Harm!
March 3, 2008

Do you remember when either your teacher or parents told you to ‘just sit there and be quiet’?  And sometimes we really had something important to say, but were told to be silent?  Do you think it is the fault of our coaches, teachers, drill sergeants, and or parents when we see something we know is wrong and under the right circumstances could be harmful, that we remain silent and say it’s really someone else’s responsibility not ours?

Let’s take load securement for example.  Just the other day I saw a flatbed that passed me going in the other direction on a ramp with a load that did not have the proper securement on the front and back pallets; and I bet that many of us have seen the picture of sheet rock loaded on the roof of a small car. These are two great examples of the loaders and drivers being guilty of simple or gross negligence. 

If you are the shipper, DC, or big box store do you think have any responsibility to ensure that your product is transported safely to its destination….at least know that it was properly secured when it left your charge?   The answer must be “YES”…and having drivers sign waivers, which you believe will hold your company harmless, is certainly misguided….because you are admitting that this improper.

While the law looks generally to the carrier and its driver for load securement especially when vehicles are loaded in the presence of the driver, there are some drivers who either don’t have the right equipment, don’t know the requirements or perhaps are just ignorant of the consequences.  Logistics professionals need to know the law and enforce good common sense and may no longer watch and ignore safety rules and or laugh at those who are attempting to do ridiculous things to move materials.   Warehouse teams cannot sit idly by and allow these vehicles to go on the public roads – even for a mile.  Call the police or call the carrier’s safety department!

Picture this…Your team loads a vehicle either improperly because the driver told you to do that or put it on a vehicle not designed for the products; or you watch someone fail to properly secure the load the way you would if the shipment was going out on your truck….there is an accident and everyone including your company is named in the negligence law suit.  The trial attorney asks you if this is the way your company normally operates and you say – ‘Absolutely not’ you respond.  He then says “and knowing this was improper and against the law,  you let the vehicle leave and as a result…”   I hope you have deep pockets and more importantly can face the people that are suffering as a result of your team’s act of indifference.

Hippocrates said “...As to diseases, make a habit of two things – to help, or at least do no harm”.  This must hold true for all logistics professionals – Either help or ensure that no harm is done.  Being silent can no longer be an option!  If you don’t know what the rules are for cargo securement, consider yourself admonished and get them today from the FMCSA. 

Posted by John A. Gentle on March 3, 2008 | Comments (1)