38 | NOVEMBER 2019
Motoring
Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk
SEVEN TIPS TO KEEP IN
MIND WHEN LOADING A VAN
Vehicle leasing experts have
revealed advice on the best load-
ing and unloading techniques to
help maximise space and reduce
the risk of damaged goods. Com-
mon sense goes a long way, but
transporting goods safely by van
requires a little more thought than
simply throwing everything in and
hoping for the best.
According to the Road Traffic
Act, a person could actually be
guilty of an offence if they use a
motor vehicle on the road when
the weight, position, or distribu-
tion of its load could be a risk or
danger to someone.
Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk
commented: “Loading goods and
transporting them safely shouldn’t
have to feel like a game of Tetris
or Jenga. Not only can a proper
loading and unloading technique
help you maximise space and
reduce the risk of damaging goods
during a move, but it’s also a legal
requirement.”
1. Load large items first
Loading bulky items first will al-
low you to fit all your smaller items
around them later, helping you
make the most efficient use of your
space. As large items are also likely
the heaviest items, it’s also a good
2. Distribute the
load evenly
way to prevent damaging fragile
items by crushing them. Heavy
items should also be distributed
evenly across the floor surface of
your van, ideally across areas that
are most structurally sound.
transporting
‘ goods
safely by
van requires a little
more thought than
simply throwing
everything in and
hoping for the best
’
Always load items in rows from
the back to the front of the van
space and utilise all space under
and inside items to help restrict
the movement of small items. You
must be careful not to stack your
load too high though, and do not
exceed your van’s load capaci-
ty—it’s set for a reason and is the
driver’s responsibility to make sure
it’s road legal at all times.
3. Create a barrier
Even if your load is secured,
there’s always a risk that items
might move about on the road. In
case they do, you need to protect
yourself from being hit by any
items that could come flying your
way when you’re driving. Mesh,
netting or a sturdy piece of ply-
wood can be used to prevent this.
4. Secure your goods
Cargo can slide around during the
journey, which can be safety concern
when it comes to unloading if items
have piled up against the doors, or
are stacked precariously. Protect frag-
ile and delicate items with moving
blankets. Use anchoring points with-
in the van and lashing/tensioning
straps to tie items down.
5. Flag it
Although it’s generally advised
that you should avoid having any-
thing protruding from the back of
your vehicle, if a load must hang
off the back of your van, ensure its
carefully secured and made visible
by fixing high-vis materials to the
most protruding points. Likewise, if
you’re carrying a particularly heavy
or fragile load that requires you to
drive more slowly, it can be helpful
to indicate this to other drivers.
6. Control your speed
and braking
Regardless of the load you’re car-
rying, driving a van full of goods is
different from driving your average
family car because if you accelerate
too quickly or brake too harsh-
ly, items can move about inside.
Van drivers must also be aware of
the impact a heavy load has on
steering, as a heavy load can have
the momentum to turn your vehicle
more or less than usual.
7. Unloading
Make sure you unload your van
in an area free from traffic or other
obstructions so you can take your
time. Choose a flat surface, or place
brake chocks under the wheels to
secure the vehicle if on an incline.
Make sure you move items careful-
ly so as not to disturb others than
might fall and break. Always make
sure to wear gloves too.