The trucking industry plays an important role in America. Trucks are responsible for moving 72.5% of America’s freight by weight. The industry also brings in a considerable amount of revenue in taxes, earning $875.5 billion in 2021. These two statistics alone show how important the trucking industry is to the US.
But the industry is also fraught with risks.
Truck drivers often break rules, working continuously and tiring themself. This often leads to truck accidents.
A truck accident victim will have to go through a range of difficulties. The victim gets some respite from their losses in the form of a compensation claim. But that’s tricky as well. This is why one should hire a truck accident attorney from Steven A. Bagen & Associates, P.A or other reputable law firms. With their help, victims can breeze past the complications of a truck accident claim.
There are numerous reasons why truck accidents happen. They are:
- Distracted driving
- Poor truck maintenance
- Improper cargo loading practices
- Reckless driving
- Manufacturing/spare part defects
This article focuses on how cargo loaders contribute to truck accidents.
Cargo Loaders and Their Role in the Trucking Industry
Cargo loaders are crucial when it comes to trucking. They are responsible for loading cargo, and making sure it stays put throughout the trip.
Inexperienced cargo loaders or those who perform their job duties half-heartedly can be problematic. Such cargo loaders lead to the following situations.
Overloading
All trucks come with a weight limit. Different trucks come with different weight limits. A box truck can carry up to 26,000 pounds, while a flat bed truck has a weight limit of 48,000 pounds. Exceeding these limits can lead to problems.
Cargo loaders may overestimate or ignore weight limits. The truck driver may experience one of the following difficulties when operating an overloaded truck.
- Tire or brake overheating
- Failing brakes
- Risks of tripping when taking turns in windy situations
- Increased stopping distance
- Lower brake efficiency
Improperly Secured Cargo
Cargo needs to be secured properly before a truck starts its trip. A failure to follow this can have disastrous results.
Improperly secured cargo tends to shift around when the vehicle is in motion. This makes the truck harder to control. The shifting cargo may also force the truck to move in the direction it leans. The truck driver may lose control of the truck, forcing it to go off-road.
Improperly secured cargo can be particularly dangerous in turns, as there are chances that the truck may roll over to the side.
Uneven Weight Distribution
Cargo loaders are expected to ensure that weight is evenly distributed. The failure to do so makes it trickier for trucks to maneuver, especially in turns. Taking a turn too fast often leads to the truck rolling over to the side.
Then there’s the trouble with moving liquid cargo. Driving around with a half-empty tank means that the liquid inside will slosh around. The additional force generated by the liquid makes the trucker harder to control.
Impact of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents have numerous consequences for just about everyone. You don’t have to be a part of an accident to be affected by it. Here are some ways people suffer due to truck accidents.
- Victims experience serious injuries, sometimes even death
- Toxic cargo, if spilled, can affect soil quality, endangering the health of the flora and fauna nearby
- Flammable or inflammable cargo spills can have devastating effects on everyone in the vicinity
- A lot of people will be affected if trucks carrying important cargo, like medical supplies, are involved in an accident
Final Thoughts
Truck drivers get most of the hate when it comes to accidents, but there are other players as well. One of them is a cargo loader. Securing cargo correctly or not taking certain factors into consideration will have bad side effects.
It’s high time cargo loaders realize the importance of their job and act on it. Just performing their job duties correctly will reduce the massive number of accidents.