6 Easy Tricks And Tips To Secure The Cargo Within Your Van

One of the best things about a van is its flexibility. They come in different shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that suits your needs perfectly. For instance, full-sized vans or cargo vans allow for the transportation of bulky items. But it's not just their size that makes a van so great—it's also their features. Many cargo vans come equipped with technology like GPS navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. Of course, like any vehicle, a van requires regular maintenance and upkeep to keep it running smoothly. But with proper care and attention, a good cargo van can last many years, providing reliable daily service.

Let’s discuss ways to keep your van in good shape, secure your cargo, and some of our top advice for driving them as a truck driver.

How to maintain your van?

Maintaining a van is important to keep it running smoothly for all your transportation needs. Let’s take a look at 7 tips to help you maintain your van.

1. Regular inspections: It's important to inspect your van regularly to catch any potential issues early on. Check for signs of wear and tear, leaks, or damage to your truck's exterior and interior parts. This can include checking the lights, mirrors, doors, and other essential truck parts.
2. Oil changes: Regular oil changes are important for keeping the engine of your cargo van running smoothly. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for oil change intervals and use the right type of oil for your van's engine.
3. Tire maintenance: Proper tire maintenance is also important for safe driving and optimal fuel efficiency. Check the tire pressure regularly using a tire pressure gauge and inflate them to the recommended level. Also, check for any signs of wear and tear.
4. Brake checks: Brakes are one of the most critical safety components of any vehicle. Regularly inspect the brake pads, discs, and brake lines for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any squealing noises or difficulty braking, it's important to have the brakes inspected and serviced by a mechanic.
5. Fluid levels: Keep an eye on the fluid levels in your cargo van, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Check these levels regularly and top them up as needed to ensure proper lubrication and cooling of vital engine components.
6. Cleanliness: Maintaining a clean interior and exterior of your van is not only essential for aesthetics but also for preventing rust, corrosion, and damage. Regularly wash the exterior of the van and clean the interior to remove dirt, debris, and spills.
7. Avoid overloading: Overloading your cargo van beyond its weight capacity can put undue stress on the engine, suspension system, and brakes, leading to premature wear and potential safety hazards. Always follow the weight limit of a van and avoid carrying more cargo than it can safely handle.

How to secure your cargo in a van?

Securing your cargo is super important because if things start moving, they could get damaged or cause an accident. Here are 6 simple tips to help you keep your cargo secure in a van.

1. Use straps to tighten your cargo

Straps are very common and used in almost all types of vehicles to secure cargo. Within your cargo vans, use straps to secure any high-weight loads by encircling them around your cargo. Evenly distribute the straps to prevent any imbalances that could compromise stability during your transport. Also keep checking your straps for any wear and tear, such as fraying or weakened stitching, and replace them as necessary.

2. Use cargo nets

Cargo nets are an adaptable solution for the security of smaller items within your cargo van. These nets have numerous attachment points, allowing for customization to accommodate various cargo sizes and shapes. To install a cargo net, fix the hooks or clips to anchor points along the interior walls of your van, then stretch the net over your cargo and fasten it securely. Cargo nets are proven to be beneficial for containing loose or irregularly shaped items that may pose challenges for restraint using straps alone. Choose a cargo net with a fine mesh design to prevent smaller items from slipping through the openings. 

3. Tie-down rings can help secure nets and straps

Many vans have built-in tie-down rings or D-rings that serve as reliable anchor points for securing straps or bungee cords. It is important to evenly distribute the weight of your cargo and attach straps to multiple tie-down points to maximize stability and security. By properly utilizing these tie-down rings, you can effectively prevent your cargo from shifting during transport on the road.

4. Invest in shelving units

Opting for shelving units or cargo racks in your van is a wise investment that enhances both organization and security. These units provide specific storage areas for different items, facilitating better organization and minimizing the likelihood of cargo falling. Shelving units can effectively optimize the available space in your van and ensure that each item is securely stored in its designated place, thereby reducing the risk of damage or loss.

5. Non-slip mats are super useful as well

Using non-slip mats can prevent any goods on the floor of your van from moving around and causing damage. Along with straps and nets, these can add up to the safety of your cargo inside the van. 

6. Heavier items always go down 

When loading your van, strategically place your items. Placing heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top helps maintain balance and stability. By distributing the weight evenly, you minimize the risk of cargo damaging itself or causing any road accidents because of imbalance.

Items Road Legends transport in a van

At Road Legends, we take pride in being one of the top trucking companies in the US. With cargo vans being one of our specialties, we deliver all sorts of cargo safely and efficiently. With a well-maintained fleet and skilled drivers, Road Legends guarantees the secure and timely transportation of goods across the United States. 

Here are some common items we deliver, however, we also deliver items not mentioned in this list for which businesses can contact us directly.

1. Dry bulk like grains, minerals, chemicals, and fertilizers, vital for agriculture, manufacturing, and construction.
2. Building materials such as bricks, cement, roofing materials, and insulation, supporting construction projects and infrastructure development.
3. Logs, poles, beams, and lumber.
4. Meat, beef, poultry, pork, and seafood to grocery stores, restaurants, and food processing facilities.
5. Paper products including newspapers, magazines, packaging materials, and office supplies.
6. Utility and construction equipment like generators, transformers, and power lines, along with construction machinery and vehicles.
7. U.S. mail and packages to postal facilities and distribution centers.
8. Beverages include bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
9. General freight including consumer goods, electronics, and appliances.
10. Metals like sheets, coils, rolls, and structural components

Ready to drive your vans safely?

Efficiency is key to success when it comes to the trucking industry and vans play a very important role in transporting goods quickly and effectively. While they offer flexibility and come in various sizes to suit different needs, it’s important to drive them safely (or any vehicle for that matter) and secure your cargo properly to avoid any sort of damage. With regular maintenance and proper securing techniques laid in this article, you’ll be able to deliver goods on time and safely!

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