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Dry Van – How to Load and Secure Your Loads Safely

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  • GLI Dispatch Services
  • July 29, 2025

Dry Van – How to Load and Secure Your Loads Safely

Dry van trailers remain the backbone of over-the-road freight transport, offering a secure, enclosed environment for a wide range of cargo. From electronics and furniture to textiles and packaged foods, these trailers protect freight from weather, road debris, and theft. However, despite their durable exterior, what happens inside the trailer plays an equally vital role in ensuring the shipment arrives intact and safely.

Proper loading and securement techniques are essential. Without them, even enclosed trailers can lead to cargo damage, vehicle instability, and road hazards. This guide breaks down how to correctly load and secure freight inside a dry van, ensuring safety, compliance, and peace of mind throughout the haul.

Understanding the Dry Van Trailer

A dry van trailer is a fully enclosed, non-refrigerated trailer designed for general freight. The standard size in the U.S. is 53 feet, although 48-foot trailers and box trucks are also commonly used. These trailers are ideal for moving goods that don’t require climate control but still need protection from the elements.

Typical cargo transported in dry vans includes retail products, food and beverage shipments, household goods, electronics, machinery, and textiles. Given the variety and volume of goods transported, load securement becomes a non-negotiable part of the process.

Why Proper Loading and Securement Matter

Many believe that the walls and doors of a dry van are sufficient to contain cargo. In reality, freight can still slide, tip, or collapse without proper restraint. This leads to costly damages, accidents, driver injuries, or violations. Securement is not just about safeguarding the shipment — it’s about keeping the driver and others on the road safe while protecting your business from liability or fines.

Unsecured loads have contributed to countless roadway incidents, underscoring the need for best practices in loading and restraint. Secure loads travel more predictably, reduce wear and tear on equipment, and help avoid insurance claims and regulatory setbacks.

The Right Equipment for the Job

Securing freight begins with using reliable tools designed for stability and protection. Among the most commonly used equipment in dry van trailers is the E-track system, which provides flexible anchor points for various tie-down methods. Installed along the walls or floor, E-tracks allow for rapid deployment of straps, load bars, or load locks to fit cargo of different sizes and shapes.

Load bars or shoring bars offer horizontal reinforcement by locking into place across the trailer’s width. These are critical when segmenting freight or preventing movement of partial loads. For vertical support or restraining tall stacks, multiple bars can be placed at varying heights.

Ratchet straps provide targeted security and are essential for odd-shaped items or pallets stacked high. Their tensioning mechanism allows cargo to be tightly anchored, and corner protectors can be added to prevent strap damage.

Another tool often overlooked is the load lock, which operates similarly to load bars but relies on pressure rather than locking points. These are suited for lighter cargo or temporary fixes.

Finally, dunnage materials — including airbags, foam blocks, wood planks, or cardboard inserts — help fill gaps and add stability. They’re especially helpful when dealing with mixed cargo or oddly sized freight.

Step-by-Step Loading Techniques

Loading a dry van safely begins well before the trailer is full. Planning the load layout is crucial. Heavy items should always be placed at the bottom to lower the center of gravity, while lighter items can be stacked on top. The cargo should be arranged according to the delivery schedule — the last items loaded should be the first to be delivered.

Before any freight is placed inside, inspect the trailer’s interior. Check the floor, walls, and anchor systems for wear or damage. Clean the trailer thoroughly to remove debris, spills, or any residue that might affect traction or cause slipping.

As loading begins, maintain tight placement of goods to eliminate space where movement could occur. Boxes and pallets should be aligned neatly, with consistent stacking to avoid pressure points that lead to collapsing. Avoid stacking above safe height levels and never overload one side of the trailer, which can cause dangerous imbalances.

Importantly, begin securing the load as it’s being built up — don’t wait until everything is inside. Locking down each layer or section ensures stability throughout the entire process and makes it easier to correct any loading mistakes early.

Best Practices for Securement

Once the cargo is loaded, go through a securement checklist. Use the E-track system in tandem with load bars to prevent lateral and longitudinal shifting. Ratchet straps should be applied with even tension, making sure not to crush or damage sensitive items. Always check that the straps are undamaged and free of wear.

If any spaces remain between pallets or boxes, insert dunnage to fill the void. Mixed loads — such as combining electronics with furniture — require special care. Use dividers or padding to separate items with different weight distributions or fragility.

Before closing the trailer doors, give the entire load a final inspection. Gently push or pull sections of the cargo to ensure everything is firmly in place. Confirm that no part of the load is likely to fall or shift during transit.

Legal Requirements and Compliance

Federal and state transportation authorities impose strict rules on load securement. These regulations require that all cargo be fully restrained to prevent shifting under normal driving conditions. Tie-downs must meet strength standards, and cargo must not obstruct visibility or emergency exits. Overloading or poorly distributed weight can lead to penalties, vehicle impoundment, or accidents.

Staying compliant involves regular training, equipment checks, and documentation. Properly secured loads reflect professionalism and reduce your company’s exposure to legal risk.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Even seasoned drivers and warehouse teams can make errors. The most frequent include using worn-out straps, failing to inspect anchor points, or relying too heavily on trailer walls to contain the load. Neglecting to fill spaces between cargo or loading in a hurry without layout planning can compromise an otherwise smooth trip.

Vigilance and attention to detail are key. Prioritize safety over speed, and always ensure the correct equipment is used for the load type.

Final Thoughts

A dry van trailer is only as effective as the securement inside it. Using quality equipment, following structured loading practices, and ensuring full compliance with regulations will prevent cargo damage and keep the supply chain moving safely.

Investing the time and effort into proper load securement protects not only your freight but also your drivers, your equipment, and your business’s reputation.

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