A cargo spill refers to any unintentional release of goods, liquids or raw materials from a truck or other vehicle specifically designed to transport freight while it’s traveling on the roadway. Any type of cargo has the potential to spill, but some of the most common culprits include large equipment and machinery, bulk dry goods (e.g., grain, gravel, mulch or sand), general packaged goods, livestock and certain hazardous materials (e.g., chemicals, oil or gasoline).
Cargo spills happen more often than the public may realize. In fact, recent data from the Department of Transportation (DOT) revealed that shifting, falling or spilling cargo causes more than 3,000 accidents on U.S. highways each year. When cargo spills occur, they can wreak major havoc on the road, causing significant obstructions and closures and threatening truck drivers’ safety. Furthermore, these incidents often contribute to secondary accidents that may seriously injure—or even kill—additional motorists and pedestrians. If these incidents involve hazardous materials, they could also harm the environment by polluting the air with dangerous toxins and contaminating nearby soil and water sources.
Depending on the overall damage and amount of cargo spilled, these incidents can disrupt trucking companies’ operations for extended periods, tarnish customer trust and loyalty, and prompt costly litigation and legal penalties. This could lead to lasting reputational damage, reduced employee morale and diminished financial stability. With this in mind, it’s vital for trucking companies to understand how cargo spills happen and take steps to prevent them. This article highlights the top causes of such incidents and related mitigation tips.
Common Causes of Cargo Spills
While various factors may contribute to cargo spills, these incidents generally stem from one of the following primary problems:
Improper loading—Cargo should be loaded on a truck based on the width, length and height of the trailer. The weight of the cargo must be evenly distributed and placed in accordance with the truck axles. Additionally, loaded cargo shouldn’t exceed the vehicle’s predetermined weight limit for freight. When freight is overloaded or not loaded properly, it’s much more likely to shift throughout the trailer when the truck starts moving, impacting the vehicle’s traction and stability (especially during abrupt maneuvers) and making it vulnerable to tire blowouts, braking issues, steering problems and rollovers—all of which can cause a cargo spill.
Poor securement—In addition to being properly loaded, cargo must be firmly secured within a truck. Specific securement standards vary based on the type of freight being transported, but typically include the use of restraints and other load securement devices (e.g., straps, tie-downs, load binders, chains and hooks). Without adequate securement measures in place, cargo will be prone to sliding or shifting within the trailer. This movement can make the vehicle particularly susceptible to tipping as it turns, resulting in a cargo spill. Poorly secured cargo may also travel longer distances and cover more substantial portions of the road during a spill, causing further damage.
Vehicle or driver issues—Even when freight is safely loaded and secured, accidents can still happen on the road, potentially resulting in cargo spills. Some of these accidents may arise from poor vehicle maintenance and subsequent mechanical issues or breakdowns. In contrast, others may occur due to unsafe driving behaviors, including speeding, making sudden turns or lane changes, engaging in distracting activities behind the wheel, following other vehicles too closely, or neglecting to comply with local traffic laws. High-impact accidents, namely fishtail and jackknife incidents, are most likely to result in cargo spills.
Mitigation Tips
It’s crucial for trucking companies to implement adequate risk management measures to prevent their vehicles from tipping and, thus, protect against cargo spills. Key best practices include the following:
Ensure proper loading and securement measures. Trucking companies should carefully assess the unique characteristics of their fleets and the freight they will be transporting to determine appropriate cargo loading and securement practices. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all arrangement; these measures will differ between individual vehicles, loads and journeys. At a minimum, trucking companies must ensure even cargo distribution in their trailers, utilize approved restraints and other load securement devices that are capable of keeping the freight firmly in place, and never allow loads to exceed their vehicles’ provided weight limits for carrying cargo.
Conduct routine vehicle inspections and maintenance. Commercial fleets should be kept on frequent and documented maintenance schedules to ensure all parts and mechanical systems are in good condition, with certified professionals conducting repairs when necessary. Trucking companies should also require their drivers to inspect their vehicles before and after each journey for any damaged, missing or worn parts—including all cargo restraints and other load securement devices. Drivers should never be permitted to operate vehicles in need of repairs.
Implement safe driving policies. Trucking companies should implement several policies that promote safe driving habits to limit the risk of vehicle rollovers and subsequent cargo spills caused by driver error. These policies may address topics such as driver qualification standards, defensive driving techniques, distracted and impaired driving prevention measures, adherence to local traffic laws, and vehicle breakdown and emergency response protocols.
Provide employee training. In addition to enforcing safe driving policies, trucking companies should regularly educate their drivers on common causes of cargo spills, the potential implications of these incidents and top mitigation strategies. This training should emphasize how damaging these incidents can be and highlight the valuable role drivers play in protecting against them, thereby fostering a culture of safety and encouraging employees to further prioritize accident prevention.
Maintain compliance. The DOT and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have specific regulations regarding proper loading and securement practices for different types of cargo, particularly food, livestock and hazardous materials. Potential requirements include using certain restraints and other load securement devices and conducting periodic checks to confirm that freight remains intact throughout each journey. Trucking companies should work alongside legal counsel to review all applicable DOT and FMCSA requirements and ensure their operations are compliant. This compliance should be well-documented.
Conclusion
Cargo spills pose various risks for trucking companies. By reviewing the ramifications of these incidents and implementing necessary prevention strategies, trucking companies can protect their operations while limiting major losses. Yet, even with these measures in place, cargo spills may still occur.
Having proper coverage (e.g., commercial auto, workers’ compensation, environmental and pollution liability, and specialized motor truck cargo insurance) can provide trucking companies with much-needed financial protection for associated losses. Contact the Transportation Insurance experts at Deeley to discuss your company’s specific risks. Call or text 410-213-5600 today.
