Lesson 1Protection of fragile goods: packaging standards, void-fill, edge protection, pallet overwrap, corner boardsDis section focus pon protecting fragile cargo using packaging, cushioning, an palletization. Learners match product fragility to packaging standards, void-fill, an edge protection fi reduce breakage an claims een linehaul an final-mile moves.
Assessing product fragility and riskPrimary and secondary packaging choicesVoid-fill and cushioning material useEdge protection and corner board setupPallet overwrap and unit load stabilityLesson 2Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and axle weight distribution principles for tractor-trailer combinationsDis section clarify GVWR, GCWR, an axle weight concepts fi tractors an trailers. Learners plan loads dat respect legal an manufacturer limits, using axle spacing an adjustments fi avoid fines an safety issues.
Definitions of GVWR, GAWR, and GCWRLegal weight limits by axle groupEffects of axle spacing and wheelbaseAdjusting fifth wheel and tandemsWeigh station procedures and ticketsLesson 3Trailer sealing, chain-of-custody procedures, and secure parking practices for overnight stopsDis section covers trailer sealing, custody documentation, an secure parking choices. Learners link seal control, paperwork, an driver routines fi prevent theft, pilferage, an disputes over responsibility during overnight stops.
Seal types and selection criteriaSeal application and verification stepsChain-of-custody records and sign-offsDriver routines at secure parking sitesResponding to seal irregularitiesLesson 4Pallet stacking, floor loading patterns, and center-of-gravity considerations for stabilityDis section address pallet stacking, floor loading, an center-of-gravity control. Learners design patterns dat maintain stability, prevent crushing, an keep lateral an longitudinal balance within safe operating limits.
Safe pallet stacking heights and tiersInterlocking versus column stackingFloor loading patterns and aislesManaging center-of-gravity locationPreventing load shift in transitLesson 5Load planning methodology: pallet-level weight checks, load plan diagramming, and software tools for load optimizationDis section presents structured load planning, from pallet weights to software tools. Learners create diagrams, check axle impacts, an use optimization features fi balance safety, cube use, an service constraints fi each shipment.
Collecting shipment and pallet dataManual pallet-level weight checksCreating trailer load plan diagramsUsing load planning and TMS softwareBalancing cube, weight, and serviceLesson 6Security for high-value products: seals, tamper-evident devices, lockable container measures, carrier vettingDis section explain layered security fi high-value freight, including seals, locks, an vetted carriers. Learners design securement plans dat align wid customer requirements, insurance terms, an regulatory or contractual obligations.
Risk assessment for high-value loadsTamper-evident seals and devicesLocking bars, padlocks, and door hardwareCarrier vetting and security auditsDriver instructions for secure handlingLesson 7Inspection checklists for pre-trip, en-route, and post-delivery inspections relating to load security and conditionDis section develops inspection routines tied to cargo security an condition. Learners apply checklists before departure, during transit, an after delivery fi detect shifts, damage, or tampering an document findings correctly.
Pre-trip cargo and trailer inspectionEn-route walk-arounds and checksPost-delivery condition verificationDocumenting defects and irregularitiesCorrective actions and escalation pathsLesson 8Securing methods: straps, load bars, dynamometer-rated devices, Dunnage and blocking/bracing techniquesDis section covers mechanical securing methods such as straps, load bars, an blocking. Learners choose appropriate devices, calculate working load limits, an apply dunnage an bracing patterns dat comply wid carrier an legal standards.
Working load limits and safety factorsSelecting straps, chains, and ratchetsUsing load bars and cargo netsDunnage placement and material choiceBlocking and bracing pattern examplesLesson 9When to choose alternative equipment: refrigerated trailers, curtain-side vans, step-deck or flatbed considerationsDis section explain when fi select reefers, curtain-sides, or open decks. Learners match freight characteristics, handling needs, an route conditions to equipment, balancing protection, loading efficiency, an cost.
When refrigerated trailers are requiredCurtain-side vans for side loadingFlatbed and step-deck use casesWeather and route risk considerationsCost and utilization trade-offsLesson 10Characteristics of a 53-foot dry van: capacity, weight limits, and common use casesDis section details 53-foot dry van dimensions, cube, an weight limits. Learners relate trailer specs to pallet counts, freight types, an lane profiles, ensuring compliant, efficient use of standard vans een general freight operations.
Internal dimensions and usable cubeTypical pallet counts and layoutsLegal weight limits and constraintsCommon freight types for dry vansLane and network suitability factors
