As the owner of a commercial fleet, you know you face a variety of liabilities, especially when you are transporting cargo. No matter the size, weight, or price of the items, it is your job to make sure they meet weight regulations. Failure to do so could cause serious auto collisions, injuries, fines, and more.
Although each state has different laws when it comes to the appropriate cargo weight on a commercial truck, there are basic rules you need to know. The following can help you stay on course and avoid mishaps while importing and exporting goods:
- Each of your trailers are designed to handle a certain maximum load. This load consists of the empty trailer itself, plus the added weight of cargo. Therefore, overloading a trailer beyond its rated capacity is very dangerous.
- Do not speed, or your cargo could be at risk for falling off the truck.
- Leave a safe distance between the car in front of you, because it takes you longer to accelerate and brake in a large truck.
- Whenever you are entering a curve in the road, slow down. Going around a sharp turn fast could cause your cargo to shift or fall off, causing severe damages.
- A rollover accidents could happen if you take a curve too fast, overcompensate when your tires slip, or high winds are present.
- Always check the weight of a truck at a designated weight station to help avoid infractions.
- Make sure you truckers are checking that the contents inside the trailer are properly secured and fastened.
At Jeffers Insurance, we understand that trucking is a high risk business, which is why these tips are meant to keep your truckers, others drivers, and the cargo being transported safe from harm. The last thing you want to happen is to be blamed for a severe road mishap. However, with a very real potential for catastrophic losses, you should secure primary truck liability insurance for your company. Work with our professionals to go over your current policies and limits so you may be protected with the right coverage.
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