Learn how to prevent freight damage inside a dry van trailer. Covers load bars, air bags, edge protectors, moisture prevention, and how to handle damage claims when they arise.
return ( Why Cargo Damage Costs You Money Cargo damage claims are one of the biggest financial risks for owner-operators.
As the carrier, you are generally liable for freight that is damaged while in your possession — from the moment you sign the BOL at pickup until the receiver signs for it at delivery.
A single claim on a high-value load can cost thousands of dollars, eat your profit from multiple loads, and damage your reputation with brokers and shippers.
Most cargo damage in dry van hauling is preventable.
It comes down to proper loading, adequate securement, moisture control, and careful driving.
This guide covers the practical steps to keep freight intact from pickup to delivery.
Load Securement Inside a Dry Van Load Bars (Cargo Bars) Load bars are adjustable steel or aluminum bars that brace horizontally across the trailer interior, typically wedged between the walls at the top of a pallet row.
They prevent freight from shifting forward during braking.
Use at least two load bars behind the last row of freight in a partial load.
For multi-stop loads, place bars between each stop's freight section.
Load bars work best when combined with other methods — they are not strong enough alone to hold back a 40,000-pound load during a hard stop.
Carry at least 4-6 load bars in your trailer at all times.
They are inexpensive ($15-$30 each) and essential.
Dunnage Air Bags Inflatable dunnage bags are placed between rows of pallets or between the freight and trailer walls to fill voids and prevent lateral movement.
They are one of the most effective tools for preventing shift damage.
Available in various sizes (36x48, 48x48, 36x72 are common).
Match the bag size to the void you need to fill.
Inflate with a compressed air line or hand pump to about 3-5 PSI — firm enough to hold freight but not so tight that they pop.
Place bags between every other row of pallets for maximum protection.
Single-use bags cost $3-$8 each.
Reusable bags are available but less common.
The cost is trivial compared to a cargo claim.
Many shippers provide dunnage bags as part of their loading procedure.
If they do not, and you are hauling high-value or fragile freight, provide your own.
The $20-$40 you spend on bags is cheap insurance against a $5,000 claim.
E-Track and Ratchet Straps Most modern dry van trailers come equipped with E-track — horizontal or vertical steel rails mounted on the interior walls.
Ratchet straps with E-track fittings hook into these rails and allow you to strap freight to the walls or create barriers within the trailer.
Use ratchet straps to tie down tall, narrow pallets that could tip over during turns.
Create a strap barrier across the trailer at the back of the load as a supplement to load bars.
Straps are also useful for securing loose items, equipment, or awkward-shaped freight that does not stack neatly.
Carry at least 6-8 ratchet straps with E-track fittings.
Edge Protectors and Corner Boards Cardboard or plastic edge protectors placed on pallet c.
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