CARGO SECUREMENT POLICY

All cargo transported must be secured in accordance with applicable federal regulations such that it cannot shift, fall, tip, spill, blow off, or otherwise become dislodged from the motor vehicle. All cargo must remain secure under normal driving conditions, including but not limited to emergency braking, evasive steering maneuvers, acceleration, deceleration, and travel over uneven road surfaces.

Non-compliance with any provision of this section may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-Departure Inspection Requirements

No driver may operate a Company vehicle until completing the following mandatory cargo inspection:

• Package Orientation: Verify all packages are positioned upright with shipping labels and directional arrows facing the correct orientation
• Loose Item Elimination: Ensure no unsecured boxes or materials remain in the cargo area
• Weight Distribution: Confirm heavier items are positioned on the vehicle floor and not stacked in an unstable manner
• Securement Device Verification: Confirm proper installation and use of load bars, cargo straps, nets, or restraining devices as required
• Movement Prevention: Ensure no cargo can roll, shift, slide, or become dislodged during transport

In-Transit Responsibilities

During route operations, drivers must:

• Re-inspect and re-secure cargo following any sudden braking, sharp turns, or loading/unloading of heavy items
• Conduct cargo securement inspection each time the cargo compartment is accessed
• Immediately correct any cargo shifting or unsafe stacking conditions observed

End-of-Route Requirements

At route completion, drivers must:

• Perform comprehensive final cargo area inspection
• Remove all transported items from vehicle
• Document any securement equipment deficiencies in Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR)

HELPER RESPONSIBILITIES

Helpers are required to:

• Provide assistance to drivers for loading and securing heavy or oversized items
• Verify proper cargo orientation including "This Side Up" indicators, directional arrows, and fragile handling markings
• Secure appliances, furniture, and large packages using appropriate straps or load bars
• Immediately communicate any observed safety concerns to the assigned drive

COMPANY SECUREMENT STANDARDS

Box Truck Requirements

All box truck operations must utilize:

• Load bars positioned across the rear cargo area
• Cargo straps for all appliances, oversized goods, and items exceeding 50 pounds
• Cargo nets when transporting multiple loose packages
• E-track rail systems for securing cargo straps

Prohibition: No driver may operate a box truck containing unsecured freight.

Cargo Van Requirements

Cargo van operations must include:

• Deployment of cargo nets or restraining straps
• Package stacking maintained below driver shoulder height
• Clear floor pathways maintained for safe cargo access
• Prevention of projectile hazards during vehicle braking

Package Orientation Standards

Packages bearing the following markings require specific handling:

• Directional Arrows: Must maintain upright orientation as indicated
• Fragile Designations: Require protective handling procedures
• Moisture Protection: Must be protected from wet surfaces and conditions
• Hazardous Materials: Must comply with applicable federal transportation regulations

Heavy Item Protocols

Items exceeding 50 pounds must be:

• Loaded exclusively on vehicle floor surfaces
• Secured using appropriate cargo straps
• Handled using team lifting procedures when helper assistance is available
• Protected against sliding using blocking or bracing techniques

Appliance and Oversized Freight Standards

Major appliances and XL program items require:

• Mandatory securement to both E-track rails using cargo straps
• Side protection systems to prevent tip-over incidents
• Balanced weight distribution
• Exclusive use of team lifting procedures

PROHIBITED PRACTICES

The following practices are strictly prohibited:

• Operating vehicles with loose boxes positioned at the rear of cargo compartments
• Stacking heavy items above fragile or lightweight packages
• Ignoring directional arrows or fragile handling designations
• Operating vehicles with unsecured appliances or heavy items
• Using damaged, defective, or inadequate securement equipment
• Departing Company facilities without completing required securement inspections
• Loading vehicles beyond safe weight capacity limits

Violations of prohibited practices will result in progressive discipline including retraining, written warnings, or suspension based on violation severity.