Inland cargo transportation does not begin the moment the truck engine starts. As any domestic Japan mover will tell you, it begins much, much earlier than that. If you want your goods to arrive at their destination safely, there are many things to think about even before you load them onto the truck. Also, you do not need to worry just about the goods, but the safety of everyone involved in the transportation process. If things are not done properly and securely, horrible work injuries can happen! There is proper packaging, loading and unloading, and finally, road safety. In this article, we will talk about some of the most important safety tips for inland transportation of freight.

Safety tips for inland transportation – Loading the cargo

The first things you need to secure is the loading area. It should be away from any vehicles and pedestrians. This way, you reduce the risk of hurting passersby if something does go awry. The loading area should also be firm and flat to secure easier transport. Make sure it is also free from any plotholes and other obstacles that can make moving around more difficult.

The second thing you need to do to ensure the safety of the cargo is to inspect the vehicle. Check the safety features – they should be working and in a good condition. Also, make sure that you have places guards on dangerous parts of the vehicle. Things like chain drives and exposed exhaust pipes can damage the cargo you are transporting, so secure them. Before loading your cargo, stabilize the vehicle, to ensure the maximum safety of the workers.

Finally, consider the size of the cargo when loading it. The rule of the thumb is to use one tie-down for every ten feet of the cargo. However, you should use at least two tie-downs for any cargo, regardless of its size. If the load extends further than three feet from the truck, you should mark it with a red flag. During the night, replace the red flag with a red light to ensure visibility.

Never load unsecured items on the backseats or the rear window area. When stopping suddenly, these items can slide over and hit passengers or even the driver, causing even more hard. And if you are transporting smaller items, put them in the vehicle compartment boxes or into a toolbox. If that’s impossible, secure them by placing a tarp over them and tying it down with strings or ropes.

Safety tips for inland transportation – Transporting your cargo

During the inland transportation of your cargo, it may be in danger in multiple ways. It can fall over or get lost, but there are also weather conditions and theft to think about. Do not worry, though! Following safety tips for inland transportation that every reputable moving service, like Kokusai Express Japan, follows reduces these risks significantly.

Don’t let your cargo fall

Securing your cargo well is one of the main solutions to reduce the risk of your cargo falling over. We have already talked about how you can secure it when loading it. Driving carefully, and often stopping to check for the cargo also helps.

Weather can prove to be a challenge

There are two types of challenges that arise when facing weather changes. Your cargo may be sensitive to different weather conditions but also think about the driver and road safety regulations. The first problem is easily fixed by getting a well-insulated truck. You can also protect your cargo by placing is in water-proof containers.

As far as the drivers go, they need to be very careful. Every driver should always be prepared for any weather. There are a couple of things that every vehicle should have at all times:

• a flashlight,
• windshield washing fluid and the scraper,
• first aid kit,
• jumper cables and
• tire chains or traction mats.

These can all be used in unexpected weather conditions, and if there is a problem on the vehicle.

When driving, always remember to slow down the speed. Moving and cargo forwarding are a competitive business. Still, a reputable Japan moving service will focus on safety over speed. Therefore, in order to secure the cargo, you need to drive slowly and carefully. There are other precautions to take. Always leave extra space between your and other vehicles. This way, if something unexpected happens on the road, you will have the time and space to react and move away or safely slow down. Also, always hold the wheel firmly.

Finally, this is an obvious one but always obey the rules and traffic signs. Some areas, like mountainsides, may have specially designated driving suggestions, so inform yourself about them before traveling.

Theft safety tips for inland transportation

The final problem encountered on the roads that can endanger your cargo is theft. Still, there are a few precautionary measures you can take to ensure the safety of your freight.

Never give people information about where you are transporting cargo, and which ways you are taking. This way, you reduce the chance of thieves finding out about your destination. Also, secure the cargo by getting good locks. A lot of vehicles come with a padlock for their doors, but getting newer lock helps. Some companies even opt for electronic locks, which are fairly secure. Installing a tracking system for your cargo can also be a good idea. This way, you can track it during every stage of transport, but also know if it went off route.

Finally, after arriving at the destination, look for safe parking. Don’t park in vacant lots and poorly lit alleyways. It’s a good idea to park tail-to-tail or face the entrance of the building, so there will be less room between the vehicle and the building itself. Less room means the cargo needs to travel less time in the open before reaching the building. Of course, never leave the keys in the vehicle when you exit it.

Following these simple safety tips for inland transportation will secure your cargo in every step of the journey. NSW Government also had a great little manual with even more tips on how to secure your freight, so give that a read too!