7 Reasons Why Load Shift Happens | How To Prevent Load Shift

19 Mar Blog

Load shift is a dangerous and costly problem in the transport and logistics industry. When cargo shifts during transit, it can result in damaged goods, vehicle instability, accidents, and delays. Understanding why load shifting happens and how to prevent it can greatly improve safety, efficiency, and the integrity of shipments.

Why Load Shift Happens

Several factors contribute to load shifting, and each can have significant effects on the stability of your load. Understanding these causes is key to preventing them:

1. Improper Load Distribution: If the cargo is not distributed evenly, it can create instability, causing the load to shift during transit. For example, placing heavy items too far from the center can cause uneven weight distribution.
2. Inadequate Restraints: Without the proper restraints like straps, chains, or blocks, cargo can easily move. It’s essential that restraints are strong and correctly applied to hold the load in place during transit.
3. Forward Shifts: Forward shifts happen due to braking while driving forward, accelerating in reverse, or going downhill. These actions cause the load to push forward, which can destabilise the vehicle if not properly secured.
4. Backward Shifts: Backward shifts occur when braking in reverse, accelerating forward, or traveling uphill. This causes the load to move backward, which can affect the vehicle’s balance and create a safety hazard.
5. Sideways Shifts: Cornering and traveling on cambered roads (sloped) can lead to sideways shifts. When the vehicle turns or moves along uneven roads, loads can shift laterally, potentially affecting the vehicle’s control.
6. Upward Shifts: Uneven road surfaces can cause upward shifts. Poorly maintained roads with bumps or dips can cause the load to rise, potentially breaking the restraint or dislodging the cargo.
7. Human Error: Poor loading practices, such as overloading the vehicle or neglecting to secure the load properly, can also cause shifting.

Why Load Shift Happens & Tegral’s Solutions

Several factors contribute to load shifting, and each can have significant effects on the stability of your load. Tegral offers specific solutions to address each of these challenges:

1. Improper Load Distribution

Tegral’s Solution

Dunnage Bags: These high-quality inflatable bags are essential for securing and stabilising cargo during transportation. Made with a durable poly-woven outer layer and a two-layer polyethylene lining, Tegral’s dunnage bags are strong, reusable, and perfect for a variety of transportation methods, including rail, road, water, and air. They prevent load shifting and enhance cargo safety.

2. Inadequate Restraints

Tegral’s Solutions

Tegral Ratchet Straps: Always use high-quality restraints such as ratchet straps, chains and binders. These tools are essential in preventing shifts. They must be securely fastened and properly tensioned to prevent the load from moving. For loads that rely on friction for restraint, ensure they are also restrained vertically to withstand force. Use our strong ratchet straps to prevent straps from loosening during transit. You can also use our Good-n-Tight ratchet tightener to get that extra bit of tension.

3. Forward and Backward Shifts

Tegral’s Solutions

Cargo Bars: Similar to shoring bars, these bars prevent load shift through blocking, however instead of hooking into a track system, these bars rely on the friction provided by their rubber feet and the tension created when tightening the bar. Often used in rigid trucks and container transport.

Shoring Bars (Pogos): Shoring bars, also known as blocking bars or pogo sticks, are vital for reducing load movement inside fixed-body vehicles and trailers. Their high-strength build ensures that loads remain securely in place, minimising the risk of shifting during transit. These bars are an essential tool for many types of freight, especially in container transport.

Plywood and Corflute: These materials are used for creating barriers and separating layers of cargo, keeping loads securely in place. They’re lightweight yet strong, offering excellent protection against shifting while maintaining flexibility. Corflute is often used in refrigerated transport and can be used alongside shoring bars.

4. Sideways Shifts

Cornering and cambered roads can lead to lateral load movement, which can affect vehicle control and load integrity.

Tegral’s Solution: Dunnage bags can also be used for sideways shifts.

5. Upward Shifts

Tegral’s Solution

Anti-slip Friction Mats: Friction mats prevent upward shifts by increasing grip between the cargo and the vehicle deck, reducing movement caused by uneven road surfaces. These mats also absorb vibrations and shocks, keeping the load stable even on bumpy terrain.

6. Human Error

Tegral’s Solution

Human error is hard to prevent, and mistakes do happen. However these mistakes can be minimalised by providing operators with the correct training on how to use the load restraints and providing them with adequate equipment to restraint the load.

Read more in the Load Restraint Guide.

With the right knowledge and combination of load restraint, you should be able to prevent load shifts a lot more easily. Give us a call and we can advise on what equipment will best suit your fleet!

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