Tips To Keep Enclosed Trailers Safe
Transporting goods from one end of the country to another is mainly done by hauling trailers. Be it large or small, trailers are what every truck driver needs to successfully transport large scale items. But no matter the type of goods you’re transporting there are always different options when it comes to trailers. You have open-air, utility trailers, flatbed trailers, gooseneck trailers, cargo trailers and dump trailers. All your bases are covered with these trailers but if you are in the market for the safest and most convenient trailer then you should consider an enclosed trailer.
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Benefits of Enclosed Cargo Trailers
Safe
The number one reason why you should get an enclosed shuttle trailer is the fact that it offers protection not just from the elements, but thieves too. Since an enclosed cargo trailer has no other opening than the back sliding door, it is a lot safer than any other trailer on the market. The level of security depends on how well its build and what locking system it uses.
Secure
Not only do you have the items in the trailer safe from external factors, but the trailer itself is also more secure. How? Well, when you have items in closed quarters, travelling at speeds of 100km/h is a lot different than when you have them on an open trailer. Sure, straps and chains can be used to secure the load, but even if a load in an enclosed cargo trailer shifts it’s still going to be a lot safer than one that shifts on an open trailer.
Affordable
Depending on the material they’re made of and the locking system they come with, enclosed trailers can be quite affordable. But if a secure load means the world to you and it should, you shouldn’t cheap out on getting a quality shuttle trailer.
How to Secure a Cargo Trailer?
Lock
Other than getting a quality trailer, making sure the load and trailer itself are safe and sound requires some additional preventative measures. One of the first and most important things you need to do is to lock the trailer whenever it’s unhitched. This includes locking your spare tyre too. A simple lock for the trailer can make a big difference. The same can be done for the spare tyre too.
Tracking Device
Just as you need to keep an eye on your pet the same needs to be done with your trailer. Investing in a quality GPS tracking device will inform of more than just your trailer’s location. You’ll also know when the trailer has been unloaded and loaded and when the doors have been locked or unlocked. This costs more than your regular GPS device but it makes a trailer a lot safer.
Insure
As preventative as it gets, insuring your enclosed trailer is a great solution when all of the aforementioned safety measures fail. If your trailer does get stolen, at least you’ll get some compensation for it.
How to Secure Cargo in an Enclosed Trailer?
Chain Tie Downs
No matter what you’re hauling, it needs to be tied down and the best way to do so is by using chain tie-downs. Chain tie-downs are durable and strong, and are able to secure a large variety of loads. But since chain tie-downs are strong, you need to be careful when securing your load. The tie-downs can end up damaging the cargo so make sure to use them only when necessary.
Securing Light Items
Lighter items always need to be up top. This is because if you were to put them on the trailer first they can end up getting crushed by heavier items. Heavier items will also provide support for lighter ones and thus, lighter items will keep the centre of the weight lower. The latter makes for safer load measurement.
Securing Heavy Items
As you already know, heavy loads need to be loaded onto the trailer first. If you were to put heavy items on top and somehow avoid getting lighter items damaged there is still the risk of them shifting. Heavy items should also be put closer to the front of the trailer so that the centre of weight is closer to you. This prevents the trailer from swaying and makes your trip a lot safer.
Mats
Friction is your biggest enemy when securing a load onto a trailer. Friction creates all kinds of mishaps and accidents which is why you need to eliminate it or have or minimise it. This is where you want to utilise anti-slip mats. Just as the ones you have in your truck, these mats prevent the load from slipping and shifting. Using mats allows you to use fewer lashing straps which reduces the time needed to load the cargo. Just make sure to keep mats clean from grease or dirt as both can affect their resistance.
Marking
If you have a load that will stick out make sure you mark it. The load itself may protrude by up to 1 meter from the trailer and it should have a marker sign illuminated by a red light or a white light towards the front. The sign must be attached at a minimum height of 35 cm and a maximum of 1.7 meters across the load that’s protruding.
