The transport of goods by road is an essential activity in international trade, as it enables the efficient distribution of goods around the world. In this sense, the loading and stowage of goods on trucks plays a fundamental role in ensuring the safety of the cargo, the protection of goods and the correct operation of the transport.
The person responsible for loading and stowage by truck may vary depending on the context, but in general, it falls on the shipper and the consignee. This was ratified in the Law on the Contract of Land Transport of Goods in Spain, Royal Decree-Law 3/2022, which establishes the rules and conditions for the transport of goods by road, amending Law 15/2009.
The role of the carrier in truck loading and stowage
The carrier, with the modification of the Law, is no longer in charge of ensuring that the cargo is correctly stowed and conditioned in the truck, in accordance with the applicable safety standards and regulations. This involves supervising the loading process, ensuring that the cargo is distributed in a balanced and safe manner, and that it is properly secured to prevent movement during transport.
In addition, the shipper must take into account the characteristics of the goods, such as their weight, fragility or dangerousness, in order to take the necessary measures to ensure their safe transport. He must also have the proper equipment for loading and stowage, such as ramps, lifts, lashing straps and safety equipment, and the company must adequately train its workers on loading and stowage techniques.
Carrier’s legal responsibilities for loading and stowage of goods
The carrier has a number of legal responsibilities in relation to the loading and stowage of goods. First, he must comply with applicable national and international regulations.
It must also have the corresponding insurance to cover any eventuality during the transport of the goods, and take into account the laws and international agreements on the carrier’s liability in case of loss, damage or delay in the delivery of the goods.
Stowage slips, and in our context European stowage slips, are essential to comply with everything necessary to comply.
How to ensure proper truck loading and stowage
There are several measures that can be taken by the carrier and the shipper to ensure proper truck loading and stowage. First of all, it is essential to carry out proper load planning, taking into account the characteristics of the goods, weight and volume, load securing methods and applicable regulations. It is also advisable to use information and load management systems to ensure efficient control of the process.
On the other hand, it is important to use the right equipment and materials, such as pallets, containers, truck corner protectors, tie-downs, inflatable bags, materials for protection of goods with padding, tarpaulins and nets, to secure and protect the cargo during transport. In addition, proper stowage techniques should be used, such as balanced weight distribution on the truck, correct positioning of goods and the use of appropriate securing systems.
In addition, in the case of dangerous goods, systems such as Tygard are essential for safety in these cases.
The importance of safe loading and stowage in trucks
Safety is a fundamental aspect of truck loading and stowage. Improperly stowed or inadequately secured cargo can cause damage to the goods and to third parties, as well as accidents on the road. Therefore, the various parties must ensure that they comply with safety regulations and have the necessary equipment to ensure the safety of the cargo.
In addition, as mentioned above, it is important to adequately train workers on proper loading and stowage techniques, as well as on the safety procedures to be followed during the process. Periodic inspections of vehicles and loading and stowage equipment should also be carried out, and proper maintenance should be performed to ensure their correct operation.
In the recent post How to secure cargo on a truck, you will find a lot of additional information on this subject.
Cooperation between the carrier and the shipper in the proper loading and stowage of goods
Truck loading and stowage requires effective cooperation between the carrier and the shipper. Both must work together to ensure that the cargo is properly prepared and stowed in accordance with transportation needs and applicable regulations.
To this end, it is important to establish fluid communication between both parties, share relevant information on the characteristics of the goods and transport requirements, and collaborate in the planning and control of the process. In addition, it is advisable to establish clear agreements and procedures on responsibility and requirements for loading and stowage, and to carry out adequate monitoring to ensure compliance.
It is important to note that since the modification of the Law in March 2022, effective in September of the same year, the loading and unloading of goods in trucks with more than 7500 kilos will be actions for loaders and forklift drivers, except in cases such as removals, tank vehicles or transport of live animals, among other exceptions.
For more information, we recommend reading Royal Decree-Law 3/2022, of March 1, on measures to improve the sustainability of road freight transport and the functioning of the logistics chain: here.
