Greetings, Fleet Safety Pros,
Last week, in our Fleet Safety Myths: Weird but True Driving Laws edition, we uncovered one particular myth that struck a chord with our readers:
🐶 MYTH: You can transport animals in an open pickup truck in California without restriction.
❌ FALSE. Under California Vehicle Code §23117, it is illegal to transport an animal in an open truck bed unless it is properly enclosed or tethered.
Many of you, in and outside of California, shared stories of near misses and roadside “I can’t believe I saw that!” moments, from unsecured work ladders bouncing down the freeway to pets riding loose in truck beds (if you see this, please safely, and using hands-free, call local law enforcement or animal control; NTSI might be a Fleet-focused and driver safety company, but the safety of animals is paramount. If they have to ride in the bed, use proper load securement techniques for those critters!).
In a lighter load securement spotting, someone even saw a Star Trek Enterprise NCC-1701 in the back of a pick-up heading north on the 5 freeway (though, because Starfleet does load securement right, the Enterprise was very securely strapped down!).
These real-world reminders reinforce that even when the cargo is not exotic or even alive, the consequences of neglecting securement can be, at best, a nuisance and, at worst, fatal.
For fleet drivers, fleet load securement is not just common sense, it is compliance, safety, and liability prevention all in one.
Why Fleet Load Securement Matters
Improper load securement is one of the leading contributors to preventable accidents across the country. According to both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), unsecured or poorly secured loads account for thousands of roadway incidents every year, many involving commercial or utility vehicles.
Even minor oversights, like an unlatched toolbox, shifting equipment, or loose debris, can turn into roadside hazards in seconds. The FMCSA’s regulations on 49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I require that “cargo must be firmly immobilized or secured on or within a vehicle by structures of adequate strength, dunnage, shoring bars, tie-downs, or a combination thereof.”
In other words, if it can move, it can become a missile.
Real Risk, Real Consequences
Here is the truth: even a 20-pound item falling from a moving vehicle can hit another car with the impact force of a small bomb. Loose ladders, pipes, and even paper debris cause drivers to swerve, overcorrect, or brake unexpectedly, triggering chain-reaction collisions.
Beyond the physical dangers, fleets face steep legal and financial penalties when securement violations occur. The CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria identifies improper or insufficient tie-downs as a critical violation that can immediately sideline a vehicle.
And that is before considering reputational damage. When clients see your company’s logo on the side of a truck, they should trust that your drivers, and your brand, are SAFER, not riskier. A visible commitment to Fleet Load Securement protects both drivers and company reputation.
SAFER Fleet Load Securement: Five Quick Fleet Tips
✅ 1. Conduct a Pre-Trip Load Inspection
Before wheels roll, verify that all cargo is secured, properly distributed, and compliant with company and DOT standards.
NTSI’s SAFER model begins with “S” for Safer, and that starts long before the ignition turns.
✅ 2. Match Equipment to the Load
Select tie-downs, straps, or nets rated for the load’s weight and type. Do not reuse damaged or frayed materials.
A $5 strap failure can lead to a $50,000 incident.
✅ 3. Keep It Even
Uneven weight distribution is one of the most overlooked causes of rollovers and brake imbalance.
Ensure weight is centered and secured across axles.
✅ 4. Recheck at Every Stop
Vibration and movement can loosen restraints over time. Incorporate a “securement check” at every stop, especially on long hauls or rough terrain.
✅ 5. Train and Retrain Regularly
Fleet Load securement requirements change, and so do best practices.
Make sure your team understands the why behind every strap and chain. Behavior-based fleet training keeps good habits from becoming careless shortcuts.
Small habits build a culture of accountability. When fleet drivers treat securement as part of safety, not an afterthought, your company builds a stronger, SAFER fleet identity.
Fleet Load Securement Training
Because load securement has become so vital to our clients, NTSI has launched a new Load Securement classroom add-on module, with an online version coming soon.
Integrated into NTSI’s signature SAFER framework, this course teaches both the practical and behavioral elements of proper load securement.
Like every NTSI program, it combines proven defensive driving principles with behavior modification strategies that reinforce accountability and consistency across your fleet.
If your drivers could benefit from brushing up on load securement, and every fleet can, give me a call today at (843) 952-3550 or go ahead and book an appointment!
Fleet Takeaway
Fleet Load securement isn’t always about camels, gorillas, and starships, but the principle is timeless: control what you can control. From toolboxes to trailers, a secure load reflects a secure and SAFER mindset. By making Fleet Load Securement part of your team’s routine, you create a safer road for everyone.
Fleet drivers who take ownership of their securement practices show professionalism, respect, and foresight, the same qualities that define every SAFER trained driver.
So, whether your fleet rolls through city streets, construction sites, or long stretches of highway, make this your mantra:
Secure it, check it, and drive it SAFER.
Until next time, Fleet Friends, stay smart, stay steady, and keep every load locked, latched, and SAFER for the miles ahead.
