Our greatest load securement challenge so far came to us just two weeks into our expediting career. Not only had we never driven a truck before, we were new to New York City too. We accepted a load offer: $214 to move 47 items from Brooklyn to Manhatten. We'd pick up early evening and deliver the next morning. New York City streets are among the most bumpy in the nation.
When we arrived at the pickup we learned it was 47 pieces of a custom-made retail store jewlry display unit. The pieces would be assembled into a freestanding floor unit by a crew in the store. This was elegant stuff destined for a top-name store. The craftsmanship was evident in the pieces. The company that made them had some great talent in the shop.
The unit included several glass components. No two pieces were the same size. Many were odd shapes with curves, buldges, triangle points, etc. Some were packaged for shiping. Some were not. All were fragile. The shipper was deeply concerned about even the slightest damage. He said the consingee would carefully inspect each piece and take him to task over the slightest flaw. The items were flawless when they left the shop. Getting them there in the same condition was our responsibility. It was a lift gate load on both ends, no loading docks.
Today we know better than to take a 47 piece NYC overnight load for $214. But hey, as brand new drivers we were eager to work and eager to please. We used every ratchet strap, load bar, and furniture pad we had. We used rope, rubber bands with S hooks, packaging tape, duct tape, 2 x 4s and nails. It took us hours to load and secure the freight. We spent the night parked half on the sidewalk on a street behind the store, having to move the truck several times to make room for other trucks, garbage crews, and street sweepers.
It was the hardest $214 we ever earned, but the freight arrived in fine shape. With nearly a year on the road now, we are proud to say we've had zero freight damage claims. Like Glen, we believe in over-securing the freight. Use three ratchet straps where one will do.
When you ask about how expediters secure freight, it's not an easy question to answer. The freight varies so much in size, shape, and type. In expediting, freight securement is as much an art as a science.
When we visit with other drivers, we often ask them to share stories about their freight challenges and how they overcame them. It's a great way to pick up new ideas on freight securement. You hear some very entertaining stories too!
