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Utilize uniform pallet sizes, vertical stacking, pyramid stacking methods, and load planning software to maximize space in a 53-foot trailer
When it comes to maximizing the space available in a 53 foot trailer, it is important to pick the right pallet size. Standard pallet size that can fit most loads is 48*40, due to which the number of available options will be maximized. As the common practice in the industry, using uniform pallets increases the efficiency of the utilization of the space by around 20%. The reason is that these objects can be packed more tightly, without any aisles that could waste valuable cubic feet.
The optimal layout of the pallets on the floor of the trailer will minimize the space that will be wasted on aisles. One of the most common pallet layouts is a “pinwheel” that enables loading pallets at 90 degrees to one another, which packs more tightly. Such layout does not only maximize the amount of shipping in one trip but is also more stable, which increases safety during transportation.
Using the full height of the trailer is one of the most powerful techniques of maximizing space that is being underutilized by many companies. There are few major principles of loading – the weight of different stacks should be distributed evenly, and whenever possible, pallets of the same size and strength should be used. It should be noted that the average maximum height in a 53 foot trailer is around 110 inches. Using the strategies of vertical stacking, it is possible to double or sometimes even triple the amount of goods that can be shipped in a company’s single trip, although much depends on the product and the integrity of the packaging.
A third-party software can be used for the calculation of the optimal layout of cargo that is being loaded onto the trailer. Some of the software can perform up to 30% better than a person due to its ability to process the size of each package, weight, and other relevant information, and allocate a loading area for each via the use of the algorithm. One of the examples of such software is a widespread use of the CargoWiz or PalletStacking, which has been proven to decrease loading time and increased efficiency.
Another important factor is the distribution of weight, as objects cannot be overweight or concentrated in a small portion of the trailer to avoid difficulties in handling and stopping. Weight should be evenly distributed on all fronts of the trailer and be located at the bottom, where the section of the trailer would be the sturdiest. The transport of goods that, in a full amount, is too heavy for the transportation should be organized in accordance with road safety regulations.
In order to make maximum use of the space in a 53-foot trailer, loading patterns of goods on its area must be optimized. Space may be utilized more effectively than crushing or stacking patterns, and it should consider not only the speed of loading but also the placement or arrangement that limits the waste of space and increases stability. Below are five examples of freight loading patterns that optimize space.
This pattern is known to be the most advanced. Loading the trailer by pinwheel stacking means that the pallets should be aligned at 90-degree angles to each other, usually side by side. As a result, each next pallet fits into the unfilled spaces between the previous ones that normally remain because the space between the pallets does not always fit the pallet and its cargo. Thus, it is possible to achieve filling the remaining 15% of the trailer area, and more goods can be loaded during one trip.
Straight loading is a pattern in which the pallets are placed parallel to the wide side of the trailer. In the case of turned loading, the pallets are positioned perpendicular to the previously indicated trailer measurement. A good combination of these two patterns within the same space can apply to pallets of different dimensions. For example, the wider ones are placed straight along one edge of the trailer, and the narrower and turned ones are to be located on the other. A 20% expansion of the area can be achieved with mixed cargo. It causes the balance between the cargo sides and composition.
To optimize the trailer’s height possibilities, the goods are loaded in tiers, and slip sheets separate the layers and secure. However, their use only refers to items that can be stored in increments and do not crush each other. As a preparing factor, goods are checked for their proper bending range. As with the load in tiers of pallets, the appearance of empty spaces would probably be ceased. In this case, the loading ability is 100% better compared to the previous single level, as two trailer heights might be filled.
To ensure correct weight distribution and promote the most efficient means of transportation, loads need to balanced in a 53-foot trailer. By the nature of their size and the type of goods that are expected to be loaded, flatbeds, and trailers are often the source of the majority of traffic accidents on the roads, as they are more difficult to maneuver and create conditions for a slew of ghastly accidents. When loading, the main goal to keep in mind should be making the most of the space that is available, while also ensuring that the trailer will not be prone to tipping over at high speeds; by virtue of achieving correct distribution, as close to each axle as possible. The following are the key points that need to be observed in the process of a 53-foot trailer load:
Weight distribution: Cargo should be distributed in such a way as to create an equal center of weight. Typically, the most stable sorts of weight distribution loading occur when 60% of all goods on the trailer are loaded on the front half, as roughly 40% are loaded on the back. This usually prevents the unladen trailer “pushing” its prime mover. If too much weight is on the rear, the trailer will turn along with the tractor and “understeer”. It “oversteers” when the weight is pushed too far forward.
The use of axle weight scales: Such equipment is meant to check if each particular axle of the truck is not bearing too much weight than it is designed to carry. For this reason, fluctuating weight at the same time must be kept to a minimum.
Segmented loading: Because of the size of the load area and the space requirements of generic types of cargo, it is recommended to divide it into sectors, loading from front to the rear with the central-first approach. Start by loading the heaviest items in the middle at the front of the trailer, then, as progressively move back, decrease the relative weight of the loaded objects.
Frequent checks on load balance: Finally, before each stop and during it, a driver should check on the balance of the load around the axles, as qualities of the road tend to force the freight into a different position on the bed of the trailer. If the checks compromise the standard of efficient balancing, the driver should take steps to react.
Proper stacking techniques within a 53-foot trailer are crucial for maximum space utilization and load safety. When the load is properly stacked, not only can more items can be carried, but the stack is less likely to shift, which is a leading cause of transportation-related injuries. The method of stacking depends primarily upon the sort of goods that are being transported. A column stack is directly over another, which the use of boxes is the most common stack pattern. This system is the most stable and best choice for heavier goods or those that have a uniform shape to them.
For taller stacks, load bars and ratchet straps must be implemented to prevent movement. The bars must be centered in the trailer and exerted pressure upon by the load to secure the stack against the wall. The ratchet straps apply pressure downward and exert the necessary pressure against the floor to counteract horizontal tilt. When done correctly, the incidence of load shifting decreases by half when proper tools are used. However, when ratchet straps are done improperly, the results can be both serious and deadly.
For a mixed load of goods, it is best to use some pattern to enhance the stability of the load. To avoid moving, each row, after the first, must be laid in the opposite direction of the preceding row, like a drawing of bricks. Items will be better settled, and the bottom layer will be free from debris. An interlocking stack can increase the carrying capacity of column stacking by 40%. There will be no “columns” to spill with this strategy, lowering the probability of an accident during transport.
Conducting safety checks both before departure and during stops is important to ensure that the load has not shifted and remains secure. Long-haul transportation especially benefits from such checks, as here the integrity of a stack is more at the mercy of vibration and other conditions of life on the road.
In order to maximize the use of space in a 53-foot trailer, various help tools are indispensable not only for efficient organization, loading and unloading of cargo but also for its safety. Moreover, some of them ensure that the weight of the load does not exceed the legal limit and is carefully distributed.
Pallet jacks and forklifts are essential for efficient loading and unloading. They make it possible to quickly carry heavy loads on pallets and, in addition, to arrange them in a vertical stack, that is, to fill the trailer to its full height. According to the calculations of industry reports, the use of forklifts allows one to speed up the loading process by about 40%, which undoubtedly significantly accelerates the implementation of operational plans.
Various advanced load planning software, including Cube-IQ and LoadPlanner, make it possible to optimize the spatial organization of the transportation of goods. These programs use algorithms to calculate the load and produce the most effective pallet pattern. According to the calculations of industry reports, the use of such software makes it possible to increase the degree of space utilization of the vehicle by 20-30%, which means a significant reduction in the number of the necessary transportation runs.
The use of onboard weighing systems is indispensable both to ensure that the weight of the load transported does not exceed the legal limit, and to maintain its safe distribution. Such systems provide real-time information on the weight of loads on all axles. This is important since there are fines for an overloaded vehicle in the United States, for example, in California, the cost of obtaining overweight and oversized permits starts at $15,000 per incident. Additional fees are assessed if the overweight vehicle is found to have caused damage to pavement or other infrastructure. Furthermore, a vehicle that is more than 2000 lbs. overweight on a single axle is considered to be in violation. The limit has to be strictly observed as it is closely monitored. Overweight citations are given by weight inspectors and the load must be adjusted or transloaded. Taking the legal matters seriously, if a truck does not comply, further fines and the transloading of goods will make the journey even longer.
Tie-down ratchet straps and load bars are another essential measure to ensure safe load transportation. They ensure that the load does not move during movement, ensuring the stability of the truck. The use of these load securing tools, according to some reports, reduces the number of accidents related to the shift in cargo by as much as 30%.
