Cargo Trailer Loading Tips
When transporting goods, understanding the best practices for loading a cargo trailer is crucial. Whether you are a business owner transporting products or an individual moving personal belongings, the way you load your trailer can significantly impact the safety and efficiency of your transport. Correctly loaded cargo ensures optimal trailer balance, reduces the risk of damage, and maximizes the available space. In the following guide by Lone Star Trailers, we will explore some practical tips to enhance your cargo trailer loading experience. When you're done reading, visit us in Lacy Lakeview, TX, to browse our trailer selection.
Distribute Weight Evenly
You’ll need to ensure that the weight in your trailer is evenly distributed in all directions. Generally speaking, a 60/40 ratio is ideal, with 60% of the cargo weight over the front axle or towards the hitch of the trailer and 40% of your cargo weight over the rear axle or towards the back of the trailer. Adhering to this rule should help your trailer to remain balanced on the highway.
You also should attempt to balance weight evenly from left to right to avoid putting too much pressure on your trailer’s tires, which can cause them to burst. A tire blowout is bad enough in a passenger vehicle, but it’s disastrous in a trailer loaded up with bulky cargo!
Pack Well
Think about the shape and size of your cargo when packing your trailer. Put large, rectangular items in first, as these will fit better against the walls of your trailer. Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter objects on top to prevent them from shifting during transport. If you have a lot of smaller items, put them into boxes before loading them into the trailer. This will help to keep everything in place and prevent any items from getting damaged.
You should also be mindful of the height of your packed cargo, as it’s illegal to exceed certain heights when transporting goods. If you are unsure about how high you can go, check the local law and regulations for your area.
Center Your Heaviest Weights
If you intend to haul especially heavy cargo, then you may need to alter the above rule slightly. Heavy cargo needs to be centered over the axle or axles of your trailer in order to reduce strain on the trailer and make sure it’s balanced.
You’ll still want to be mindful of the weight limits of your trailer and towing vehicle so that you aren’t overburdening either, which can cause issues with climbing hills, braking quickly and trailer sway. An overweight trailer can even break the hitch connection, which will wreak havoc on your journey!
Loading your cargo trailer correctly is paramount to ensuring a safe and efficient journey. Follow these tips from Lone Star Trailers, and you can optimize your trailer's balance, minimize potential damage, and make the most out of your available space. We invite you to visit our dealership in Lacy Lakeview, TX. We also invite those in Waco and Temple, TX, to explore our wide selection of quality cargo trailers.