In 2018, the amount of cargo carried by the for-hire trucking industry rose 6.6 percent from 2017. This gain is the largest year-by-gain in freight tonnage since 1998.
As the trucking industry continues to transport larger loads of cargo, it is important to be mindful of the safety standards that come into play. Because a heavier and larger vehicle will take longer to stop, it is important that truck drivers and the trucking industry are properly following these rules put in place by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules are:
- Cargo loads must be properly secured following the respective industry standards.
- A cargo load must not exceed the weight requirements for the particular truck the cargo is being loaded onto.
- The truck driver, as a part of his shift, is required to inspect the cargo load, and make sure it’s securely loaded prior to driving that truck. Remember, truck drivers are required to undergo cargo safety training as part of their truck driver training in order to obtain a CDL license.
That being said, many trucking companies choose to bypass regulations for personal gain. These companies may take on more deliveries than they can safely complete. Or they may overload a truck beyond its maximum weight capacity.
When the trucking industry engages in such reckless practices, they are endangering the lives of their employees as well as everyone who shares the roads with trucks. When these companies make deliberate choices that compromise the safety of their truck drivers and others on the roadways, these companies must be held accountable before the law.
Imagine not being able to work or send your child to college due to an accident injury that’s caused by someone else’s negligence. No one who has suffered harm through no fault of their own should have to go through this. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys are here for you. Contact us at 1 (312) 384-1920, or 1 (800) 693-1LAW, or by email for more information. With over 50 years of combined experience, we will fight for your full and fair compensation.
