We get many questions about transit protection, so in this article, we will answer some of the most common questions we hear.
Why do I need transit protection?
The most obvious answer is to protect the products you are transporting, but it is more than that. Movement from the truck or railcar can cause the load or part of the load to move within the trailer or railcar, leading to walkers (sideways migration from road and rail harmonics causing vertical oscillation), and “leaners” (two or more units shift to the same side), and wrap around shifting (longitudinal movement).
This load instability can cause over-the-road trailers to overturn or railcar derailments, putting not only the employee at risk but also the public. This becomes even more serious if the load contains hazardous materials. So, it becomes a real safety issue.
There is a hazard to employees when they open the trailer to unload it if there is a lack of rear securement. Product leaning against the doors can fall out, injuring the employee. You can keep employees safe by using proper transit protection and avoid common transit securement fails.
Finally, liability should be considered. Federal regulations require that cargo is secured. Damage or injury caused by a shifting load may not be covered if you fail to secure the load within a boxcar, for example. Employee injuries will lead to compensation claims and potentially increased premiums. Of course, if a non-employee is injured or sustains property damage due to an improperly secured load, you may get sued.
What is necessary for load securement?
We work closely with our clients to ensure they are using the appropriate load securement products. We perform onsite evaluations, which includes assessing the product (weight, height, length, width and current packaging type), how the product is loaded, and noticing where there are voids or a possibility for movement. We then recommend blocking and bracing load securement products and provide you with the load plans. In the case of railcars, we ensure our recommendation complies with regulations. Over-the-road regulations are less specific, so we may have more options available.
What is the difference between blocking and bracing?
Blocking and bracing are both used to prevent cargo from moving in transit from the original position at time of loading. Blocking is used in the front, back, and sides of a piece of cargo to prevent movement and are shaped to fit snuggly against the cargo. Bracing is used from the upper part of the cargo to the cargo compartment’s floor and/or sides.
What types of blocking and bracing do we offer?
We offer a variety of products for load securement, including:
- Corrugated void fillers, including bulkhead, side-to-side)
- Loads divider panels and tier restraints that can replace heavy plywood commonly used
- Strapping
- Rubber matting and friction mats
What types of products require transit protection?
Anytime a load doesn’t fill out the full trailer or container, transit protection is required. It is used for many products, including but not limited to:
- Food and beverages, including jarred products, meats, frozen foods
- Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pet foods
- Seed and feed
- Building materials
- And more
Why Choose Tyoga Container for Transit Protection?
We have been providing transit protection solutions for more than 50 years, and our staff are experts at load design. No matter the mode of transportation you use, when you work with us, we become your partner for troubleshooting to resolve load issues with prompt and personal service, and you have access to the industry’s broadest assortments of containment turnkey systems. Plus, our expertise becomes yours when we provide custom, onsite (or virtual) instruction and training based on best practices. You receive loading manuals, a load diagram, and training materials.
Backed by decades of experience, an understanding of intermodal and OTR requirements, and industry connections for support, we are ready to design a cost-effective transit securement plan for you that will minimize freight damage, increase load efficiency, and keep your employees and the public safe. Contact us today to get started.
