Cargo securement refers to the proper loading, securing, and containment of freight or materials being transported on commercial vehicles to prevent the cargo from shifting, falling, or being ejected from the vehicle during transport. Federal regulations require truckers and commercial drivers to use appropriate tie-downs, chains, straps, tarps, and other equipment to ensure their cargo remains stable and secure throughout the journey, with specific requirements varying based on the type of material being hauled. Proper cargo securement is critical for road safety because unsecured or improperly secured loads can shift during braking or turning, cause vehicles to tip over, or result in debris falling onto roadways and striking other vehicles.
In personal injury cases, cargo securement violations can lead to serious liability for trucking companies and drivers when improperly secured loads cause accidents that injure other motorists, passengers, or pedestrians. These accidents often occur when cargo falls from trucks and strikes following vehicles, when shifting loads cause trucks to jackknife or roll over, or when loose materials create road hazards that lead to multi-vehicle crashes. Personal injury lawsuits involving cargo securement typically require proving that the driver or company failed to follow federal safety regulations, used inadequate or defective securement equipment, or overloaded the vehicle beyond safe capacity, and these cases can result in significant compensation since commercial carriers are expected to maintain high safety standards to protect the traveling public.
