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Cargo-Loading Tips For Your Truck

Mar. 29 2021 Ownership Tips By DeBary Truck Sales

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Your truck is built to assist you in hauling all kinds of cargo from place to place. However, you need to load up that cargo yourself and you need to make sure you’re doing so carefully. Improper cargo loading can result in damage to your vehicle or to the cargo itself in transit. You may also suffer an injury or cause someone helping you to suffer an injury if you don’t follow good safety protocols.

DeBary Truck Sales is your Florida truck dealer, located in Sanford. Here are some important tips to help you safely load cargo into your truck.

1. Get Your Truck Ready

First, make sure that your truck is in good condition and ready to be loaded. The cargo area should be clean and dry to prevent your cargo becoming dirty or soaked. You should be aware of what your truck’s weight capacity is so that you don’t overload it. An overloaded truck can cause serious safety issues while you’re driving. You can find the weight limits of your truck in your owner’s manual or online.

Park your truck on a level surface, turn off the engine, set the parking brake and remove the keys. For extra safety, you can also chock up your wheels to prevent them from shifting. Try to only load cargo in good weather and good lighting conditions; attempting to load up items in the rain or at night could result in someone falling or dropping something.

2. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

You should also stay aware of your surroundings when loading up cargo. If the truck needs to be moved, then everyone involved should stay clear of the vehicle while it’s in motion. When a vehicle arrives, make sure the way is clear around it. Keeping everyone safe is your priority when loading and unloading cargo.

3. Use The Right Lifting Techniques

When lifting cargo, you’ll want to follow some smart lifting techniques:

  • Wear gloves, a helmet, steel-toed boots and high-visibility garments.
  • Avoid lifting more than 50 pounds by yourself. Always get assistance if you need it, even if the weight is lower than 50 pounds.
  • Keep your elbows close to your body as you lift and only lift items to the area between your thighs and your chest for maximum safety.
  • Try to keep your spine neutral and bend at the knees whenever possible.
  • Turn by moving your feet instead of your torso.

Seeking trucks for sale in Florida? Visit our dealership in Sanford today to take a look at our wide array of new and used trucks for sale. DeBary Truck Sales serves all our Florida customers as well as those of you coming south from the Atlanta metro.