Lesson 1Protection of fragile goods: packaging standards, void-fill, edge protection, pallet overwrap, corner boardsThis section focuses on protecting fragile cargo using packaging, cushioning, and palletization. Learners match product fragility to packaging standards, void-fill, and edge protection to reduce breakage and claims in linehaul and 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 combinationsThis section clarifies GVWR, GCWR, and axle weight concepts for tractors and trailers. Learners plan loads that respect legal and manufacturer limits, using axle spacing and adjustments to avoid fines and 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 stopsThis section covers trailer sealing, custody documentation, and secure parking choices. Learners link seal control, paperwork, and driver routines to prevent theft, pilferage, and 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 stabilityThis section addresses pallet stacking, floor loading, and center-of-gravity control. Learners design patterns that maintain stability, prevent crushing, and keep lateral and 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 optimizationThis section presents structured load planning, from pallet weights to software tools. Learners create diagrams, check axle impacts, and use optimization features to balance safety, cube use, and service constraints for 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 vettingThis section explains layered security for high-value freight, including seals, locks, and vetted carriers. Learners design securement plans that align with customer requirements, insurance terms, and 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 conditionThis section develops inspection routines tied to cargo security and condition. Learners apply checklists before departure, during transit, and after delivery to detect shifts, damage, or tampering and 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 techniquesThis section covers mechanical securing methods such as straps, load bars, and blocking. Learners choose appropriate devices, calculate working load limits, and apply dunnage and bracing patterns that comply with carrier and 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 considerationsThis section explains when to select reefers, curtain-sides, or open decks. Learners match freight characteristics, handling needs, and route conditions to equipment, balancing protection, loading efficiency, and 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 casesThis section details 53-foot dry van dimensions, cube, and weight limits. Learners relate trailer specs to pallet counts, freight types, and lane profiles, ensuring compliant, efficient use of standard vans in 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
