FTA advises on van loading arrangements 24 June 2010

FTA (the Freight Transport Association) has published a best practice guide for transport managers to safely securing loads in vans.

James Hookham, FTA's policy director, says the new publication is also aimed at reducing the number of incidences of overloading – still the most common offence in the LCV sector.

"With many of our members running vans as well as trucks, FTA recognises the strong need for consistent and clear guidance regarding the safe securing of loads, especially in the face of more onerous operator liability," comments Hookham.

"We wanted to fill the void in guidance, with meaningful advice based on realistic data not only to improve the safety of drivers and passengers in commercial vehicles, but also to remove any legal ambiguities, so that operators know exactly where they stand," he adds.

FTA commissioned the TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) to conduct the research project, which, unlike previous studies, accounts for the typical forces experienced by an LGV and its load in a collision.

While the DfT's (Department for Transport) code of practice on load retention only accounts for deceleration forces of 1G, as found in normal driving conditions, a serious collision can generate more than 20 times this force., warns Hookham.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Freight Transport Association Ltd

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