When it comes to ensuring vehicles are loaded and unloaded lawfully, the operator bears a great deal of responsibility.

As an introduction, we decided to put together a rundown of the basics. This is what operators (and transport managers) need to know about safe vehicle loading, and their responsibilities in relation to it.

Legislation

Laws governing the safe loading of commercial vehicles are numerous. The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, for example, require that “all parts and accessories and the weight distribution, packing and adjustment of their loads shall be such that no danger is likely to be caused to any person in or on the vehicle or trailer or on the road.”

Another example is the Health & Safety at Work Act 1999. This legislation places the onus on the employer to ensure employees utilise safe practices in the workplace. As an employer, you must have policies in place to ensure your vehicles are not overloaded. You also have a duty of care to carry out appropriate risk assessments (maintaining physical records of such is advisable).

The Impact of Overloading

There are a number of ways in which overloading bears a negative effect on the vehicle and, by extension, the operation. Besides the more obvious consequences, such as fines and being called to public inquiry, overloading will often result in:

• Lack of stability (difficulties with steering and longer stopping times);
• Excessive strain on the tyres (overheating and premature wearing – blowouts being a common consequence);
• Increased fuel consumption;
• Voiding of insurance (if a vehicle has an accident and is found to be overloaded, insurance on said vehicle could be rendered void).

Methods of Prevention

When it comes to prevention, operator responsibilities are various. However, to ensure your vehicles are loaded safely and securely as per the minimum legal requirements, there are some crucial methods to utilise:

1. Check the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

You should check your vehicle’s GVW before it goes out onto a public highway. You can do so by using your own weighbridge or one nearby. The vehicle is allowed to leave the yard unchecked only if you’re taking it to the nearest weighbridge to be checked.

2. Create written guidelines

Best practice guidelines should be created and made available (whether in print or digitally) to all staff involved in the loading/unloading of vehicles. These guidelines should detail the procedures to follow in the event of a roadside stoppage by an enforcement agent.

3. Ensure drivers are trained

Anyone involved in the loading or unloading of commercial vehicles must have undergone the requisite training. Ensuring all of the relevant staff are enrolled on a programme of appropriate training is the best way to secure your operation against the risks of overloading.

Key Points – What Drivers Need to Know

As an operator, you should regularly reinforce to your drivers the importance of best practice. Ensuring they are up to speed on the following points is crucial to maintaining a culture of safe vehicle loading and unloading.

• Axle Weight

The driver needs to consult the vehicle plate (VTG6) to ascertain the total weight that can be imposed on each axle. Knowledge of axle weights is crucial in ensuring even load distribution (i.e. that no axle is overburdened).

• Payload Weight

Whenever a driver arrives at a loading premises, they should always inspect the details of the load. It’s advisable to consider the weight of the pallets/packaging, as such factors can drastically increase the weight of the load. It should be made clear to the driver that if they have any concerns about the load, they should contact their employer before leaving the loading premises.

• Maximum Vehicle Weight (MVW)/Maximum Trailer Weight (MTW)

Understanding the maximum weight that their vehicle and trailer (if applicable) can carry is a vital part of a driver’s job. To work out the maximum payload, the driver should first ascertain the kerbside weight before leaving the loading place. Kerbside weight is the unladen weight of the vehicle plus the weight of accessories, the driver, fuel and other fluids. The kerbside weight can then be deducted from the GVW. This will provide the driver with the payload capacity. Ensuring drivers are aware of this process is the responsibility of the operator.

Anyway, in terms of the fundamental undertakings, that about wraps things up. This is a crucial part of the health of a transport operation - for this reason, legislation is myriad, and operational responsibilities multilayered. We will go into the subject in more detail in future posts.

Not only that, but I'll be discussing the topic at more length in my upcoming webinars. There are numerous dates pegged for the future. You can select your preferred date here: