So here’s my story and a lesson for van owners; last Tuesday, I was transporting some supplies when I heard a loud boom followed by the sound of tins rolling around in the back of my van. This could only mean one thing – I had not secured the van load properly.
According to the Highways Agency, around 22,000 road impact incidents in the UK are caused due to objects falling off vehicles.
Add to this, the fact that businesses can take legal action on grounds of stolen goods and/or damaged assets is reason enough for you to be concerned about the safety of your cargo.
Here are a few ways you can secure your van load, eliminate the risk of damaged goods and maintain personal as well as public safety.
Plan Ahead
Last-minute preparations and rushing through-loading could lead to accidents and cargo damage.
This is why planning in advance and knowing the nature of your cargo is a good idea. In short, this information can help you prepare for your journey and arrange for the tools and security equipment you would require while loading, transportation and unloading.
You can ask yourself the following questions to plan ahead:
- What is the state of the cargo? Solid or liquid?
- Is the vehicle appropriate for this kind of cargo?
- Is the cargo non-slip or can it topple forward or backwards?
- Is my load securing equipment in immaculate condition?
Asking these basic questions can give you an idea of the equipment – or arrangements – you need in order to avoid an incident.
Line The Floor
Add a layer of wood, especially plywood, if your van doesn’t already have a floor lining. This provides a flat base for non-slip goods to sit on and adds a sturdy layer between the cargo and the van.
As an added bonus, you will be able to easily unload the cargo by sliding it off the van instead of having to pick it up.
Follow The Large Items First Rule
Ever packed a suitcase? Loading a van is the same, with perhaps a little more tact.
Start off by fixing bigger cartons, materials and items and then add the smaller articles around them.
Large items can be used to build a makeshift structure for smaller items; since the former are also usually heavier, packing them first can eliminate the risk of them rolling around and damaging the goods inside.
Similarly, keep the heavier loads at the bottom and the lighter loads at the top. This helps reduce the chances of heavier items falling on smaller packages and causing damage to the cargo.
You can also use a cargo bar, cargo net or a ratchet strap to stop heavier objects from sliding and rolling around while you’re driving. Fragile items, such as mirrors and chinaware, should be closer to the bottom of the van to avoid breakage in case of unexpected bumps.
Balance The Load
Make sure a load of your van is centred and as close to the structure as possible. The skeleton of the vehicle gives support to the cargo kept along the walls, especially heavier cargo.
Placing heavier goods on one side of the vehicle (on the right side for example) could increase the chance of it toppling over if you make a sharp turn.
This is why it is important to space out your load and store heavier packages of more or less the same weight on both sides.
Check The Weight Ratings On Your Van
Anchor points in the van can be used to hook straps in and secure objects. Make sure the gross weight (GVW) of your vehicle is enough for the goods you’re transporting – this will also help you avoid heavy penalties due to an overloaded van.
Tether items to the van in the direction of travel; if you secure the goods perpendicular, it will put extra strain on the straps to hold the contents back.
Check the quality and condition of your security straps and nets regularly – remember, even a small hole or tear could decrease its strength significantly.
Drive Carefully
Vans make up 16% of all motor vehicles in the UK which means that owners need to be even more careful while they’re on the road.
Carrying a van loaded with goods comes with its own set of driving protocols, especially since sudden movements, sharp turns or last-minute braking could damage the material you’re carrying.
Similarly, smaller items may roll over if you take a sharp turn or hit the brake pedal at the last minute. For your and the cargo’s safety, it’s better to pick a low traffic route to your destination so that you can drive slowly and carefully to the unloading point.
Lock Up Properly
Did you know a van is broken into every 23 minutes? These statistics show that it’s extremely important to use proper locks and upgraded security.
With van thefts on the rise, it might be a good idea to not leave a loaded van unattended. This may sound obvious, but make sure all the doors are locked and the windows are shut even if you’re going to grab a snack from the shop across the road.
For added security, you can opt for CatLoc – a security device installed around the vehicle’s diesel particulate filter (DPF) or catalytic converter to prevent vehicle theft or cargo tampering. With this device, any attempt to break into the vehicle will activate the alarm and notify the authorities of possible theft.
If you’re looking for cheaper security options, you can also invest in steering wheel locks, hand brake locks, lockable fuel caps and wheel nuts.
These are some of the ways you can ensure the safety of your cargo van and eliminate the risk of theft, property damage or tampering.
Commercial Van Solutions 