Annual CVSA event and cargo securement

The regular inspection of commercial trucks is necessary to ensuring that they are safe while they are being operated on the road. During June 6-8, 2017, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will be conducting its annual inspection blitz in South Carolina and the rest of the United States. For this year, the focus of the inspection event will be securing cargo.

Verifying that a commercial truck’s cargo is secured is a normal part of the Level I inspections conducted by the CVSA. The organization states that its inspectors will be targeting cargo securement in order to stress to drivers and fleets its importance.

The CVSA has issued a flyer that provides cargo securement tips that can be helpful for drivers and fleets and that can be implemented before the event begins. The organization advises drivers that they should make sure that the loads being transported and the equipment are secured properly. The tie-downs used to secure the cargo should also be examined for damage and wear. There are several violations related to cargo securement that can be issued. Drivers can be cited for loose tie-downs, insufficient tie-downs, damaged tie-downs, the failure to prevent the shifting or loss of cargo and the failure to secure truck equipment. During the 72-hour event, inspectors will be mainly conducting the North American Standard Level I inspections. These inspections are considered to be most comprehensive inspections and include the evaluations of both the truck and the driver.

Occupants of other vehicles who sustain injuries in semi truck accidents should speak with a personal injury attorney. The attorney may investigate the accident and may file a lawsuit against the liable parties. Financial compensation may be obtained if a truck accident was caused by truck driver fatigue, an unqualified truck driver behind the wheel, negligent truck maintenance or defective parts.