National Trailer Safety Week (June 1-7, 2025) serves as an important annual reminder of the risks and responsibilities involved in towing. Whether hauling equipment, vehicles, or materials, safe trailer operation hinges on one key principle: proper load securement.
The Danger of Improperly Secured Trailers
Improperly secured trailers are a common contributing factor in collisions investigated by commercial trucking safety professionals. Some of the most dangerous assumptions stem from underestimating the risks of short-distance trips. A common phrase heard in the field—“It’s fine, I’m just going down the street”—often precedes poor load securement decisions. However, short urban trips can subject loads to significantly more dynamic forces than a long highway drive.
Consider two towing scenarios. The first involves a 50-mile highway trip after loading a trailer at a home improvement store. This journey may only involve moderate acceleration, cruising at a steady speed, and deceleration during the exit. With properly rated ratchet straps and minimal braking events, the load may remain stable throughout.
Now contrast that with a short, eight-mile trip across town. This route may include twelve stoplights, two traffic circles, two sudden braking events, sharp turns, rough rail crossings, and stop-and-go traffic. All of these events subject the load to forward, lateral, vertical, and rearward forces, each testing the strength and positioning of the securement. Add in aged or worn equipment, like decade-old straps or frayed tie-downs, and the risk increases significantly.
To underscore this contrast, consider two real-world examples. In one case, a 5,100-pound tractor is secured to a gooseneck trailer using four chains, each with a 6,600-pound working load limit, and ratchet binders rated at 4,200 pounds. This configuration meets and exceeds FMCSA load securement guidelines, offering peace of mind and safety in transit.
In the other, a high-value load consisting of a luxury motor coach towing a C8 Corvette and a high-end golf cart is secured using basic 2-inch ratchet straps. The golf cart lacks directional restraint to prevent forward or rearward movement. The Corvette, strapped through its wheels with minimal downforce and no wheel protection, faces potential damage, not only to the car itself but to other property and motorists should a failure occur.
Proper Load Securement Strategies
There are multiple affordable, accessible, and safer ways to secure a vehicle load properly.
Options include:
- Wheel basket straps – (Mini Cooper) Ideal for low-clearance vehicles and prevent direct contact with wheels.
- E-track systems – (Ford) Secure heavier or irregular cargo with adjustable anchor points.
- Through-the-wheel straps – (Jeep) Designed for strong directional support and commonly used in professional towing.
For every type of cargo, there is a safe, purpose-built solution. Investing in the correct equipment and taking time to research options can prevent costly or dangerous outcomes.
Equally important is routine inspection and maintenance. Smaller utility trailers, often used for personal or light commercial hauling, require just as much attention as FMCSA-regulated commercial rigs. These trailers frequently have greaseable hubs that benefit from regular lubrication. A good practice is to grease the fittings before every trip, eliminating any uncertainty about maintenance history.
Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections
Pre-trip and post-trip inspections are critical. While not required by any regulatory body for non-commercial drivers, they maintain "best practices" for ensuring a safe journey. These checks help identify problems while the trailer is stationary, long before they escalate into highway hazards. Resources such as FMCSA inspection checklists are readily available online and can be adapted for trailers of any size.
Trailer safety begins before the engine starts.
From load securement to mechanical integrity, every step taken before the trip enhances safety on the road. National Trailer Safety Week is a timely reminder that diligence and proper equipment are the best safeguards against preventable incidents.
Do you have a case involving improperly secured cargo? Our Commercial Trucking, Transportation Safety, and Towing Expert Witnesses are standing by, ready to discuss the specifics of your case and see how they might be able to assist. Reach out today for more information!
