How Improper Cargo Loading Causes Accidents
Shifting Loads: Cargo that isn't properly secured can shift during turns, braking, or lane changes. This sudden weight redistribution can cause the driver to lose control or the truck to roll over.
Overloading: Exceeding weight limits puts excessive stress on brakes, tires, and suspension. Overloaded trucks take longer to stop and are more prone to mechanical failures.
Improper Weight Distribution: Cargo concentrated in one area creates handling problems. Rear-heavy loads can cause steering difficulties; front-heavy loads can stress the cab connection.
Unsecured Cargo: Loose items can fall from trucks, creating road hazards for following vehicles. Large items can cause fatal crashes.
Liquid Surge: Partially filled tankers experience liquid surge during acceleration and braking, affecting vehicle stability.
Overloading: Exceeding weight limits puts excessive stress on brakes, tires, and suspension. Overloaded trucks take longer to stop and are more prone to mechanical failures.
Improper Weight Distribution: Cargo concentrated in one area creates handling problems. Rear-heavy loads can cause steering difficulties; front-heavy loads can stress the cab connection.
Unsecured Cargo: Loose items can fall from trucks, creating road hazards for following vehicles. Large items can cause fatal crashes.
Liquid Surge: Partially filled tankers experience liquid surge during acceleration and braking, affecting vehicle stability.
Federal Cargo Securement Regulations
FMCSA cargo securement rules require:
• Proper tie-downs: Number and strength requirements based on cargo weight
• Blocking and bracing: Preventing cargo movement within the trailer
• Weight distribution: Proper placement to maintain vehicle handling
• Regular inspection: Checking cargo securement within 50 miles of loading and every 3 hours thereafter
• Documentation: Records of cargo weight and securement methods
Violations of these regulations establish negligence. Inspection records, loading documentation, and witness testimony can prove improper loading.
• Proper tie-downs: Number and strength requirements based on cargo weight
• Blocking and bracing: Preventing cargo movement within the trailer
• Weight distribution: Proper placement to maintain vehicle handling
• Regular inspection: Checking cargo securement within 50 miles of loading and every 3 hours thereafter
• Documentation: Records of cargo weight and securement methods
Violations of these regulations establish negligence. Inspection records, loading documentation, and witness testimony can prove improper loading.
Identifying Liable Parties
Multiple parties may be responsible for cargo-related accidents:
Shipper: The company that owns the cargo may be liable for misrepresenting weight, providing inadequate packaging, or loading cargo themselves.
Loading Company: Third-party logistics providers or loading dock workers who physically loaded the cargo.
Trucking Company: For accepting improperly loaded cargo, failing to verify weight, or not training drivers on cargo inspection.
Truck Driver: For failing to inspect cargo, continuing to drive despite signs of problems, or improperly securing loads they handled.
Trailer Owner/Lessor: If defective trailer equipment (tie-downs, bulkheads) contributed to the failure.
Shipper: The company that owns the cargo may be liable for misrepresenting weight, providing inadequate packaging, or loading cargo themselves.
Loading Company: Third-party logistics providers or loading dock workers who physically loaded the cargo.
Trucking Company: For accepting improperly loaded cargo, failing to verify weight, or not training drivers on cargo inspection.
Truck Driver: For failing to inspect cargo, continuing to drive despite signs of problems, or improperly securing loads they handled.
Trailer Owner/Lessor: If defective trailer equipment (tie-downs, bulkheads) contributed to the failure.
Building Your Cargo Loading Case
Evidence in cargo loading cases includes:
• Bills of lading and cargo manifests showing stated weights
• Actual weigh station records
• Photos of cargo condition after the accident
• Loading dock records and procedures
• Driver inspection logs
• Witness statements about loading process
• Expert analysis of cargo securement failure
These cases often require expertise in cargo handling practices, physics of load dynamics, and trucking industry standards. Our attorneys work with industry experts to prove how improper loading caused your accident.
• Bills of lading and cargo manifests showing stated weights
• Actual weigh station records
• Photos of cargo condition after the accident
• Loading dock records and procedures
• Driver inspection logs
• Witness statements about loading process
• Expert analysis of cargo securement failure
These cases often require expertise in cargo handling practices, physics of load dynamics, and trucking industry standards. Our attorneys work with industry experts to prove how improper loading caused your accident.