As featured on ABC Brisbane with Kat Feeney and the Afternoons team.
Ever wondered how to safely transport that giant stuffed bear you just won at the Ekka? Maybe you're helping a friend move, or just need to pick up some bags of soil from the garden center. Whatever the reason, if you're driving a car, ute, or small trailer, knowing how to secure your load is essential. An unsecured load can become a dangerous projectile, putting yourself, your passengers, and other road users at risk.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge to secure your cargo safely and legally.
The Basics
- Keep it all in: Your load must be properly restrained to prevent items from shifting or falling out.
- Size matters: Don't overload! Your vehicle has weight limits, and exceeding them can affect handling and braking.
- Stay within the lines: The load can't overhang your vehicle excessively, and it must not obscure lights, indicators, reflectors, or your number plate.
Projecting a Safe Image
There are specific limits for how far a load can stick out from your car or trailer:
- Height: Maximum 4.3 meters (a little taller than a standard doorway)
- Width: Maximum 2.5 meters (including the width of your vehicle)
- Side overhang: Up to 150 millimeters (less than the width of a standard ruler)
- Front overhang: Up to 1.2 meters
Rear Overhang Warning
If your load overhangs from the back more than 1.2 meters or if the load isn't clearly visible, you'll need a special warning device:
- Day time: A brightly colored 450mm x 450mm sign, red and yellow or all yellow.
- Night time: A red or yellow warning light visible from 200 meters away, or two red reflectors at the very back of the load.
Examples: Taming Your Cargo
- Green waste: Use a tarp or netting to stop leaves and twigs from becoming airborne.
- Furniture and appliances: Secure them to the headboard of your vehicle using straps or rope. Tight packing and filling gaps helps prevent items from moving.
- Tools: Small tools need to be secured in a toolbox. Larger tools like shovels can be strapped down or secured with a cargo net.
- Boats: Use a safety chain to the bow of the boat in addition to the winch cable. Consider a stern strap for added security. Kayaks and canoes on roof racks must also meet dimension limits.
Special Cases: Canine Cargo, transporting your doggo.
- Safety first: There are legal requirements to ensure your dog is safe and secure during transport.
- No lap dogs: Your dog cannot be in your lap while driving.
- Contained comfort: An enclosed cage is the safest option, sized appropriately and positioned to minimize exposure to the elements.
- Securely strapped: If using a tether, it must be attached to a secure collar or harness, be the right length to allow movement, and have swivels on both ends to prevent entanglement.
- Working dogs are an exception; they can be unsecured in the back of a ute or trailer if assisting with moving livestock.
Should You Do It?
Before you load up, consider these questions:
- Will it be a hazard to others? A protruding object can distract drivers or injure pedestrians.
- Can you handle it? Heavy or high loads can affect steering and braking.
- Are your passengers safe? A loose load inside the car can become a projectile during sudden stops.
- Is your vehicle up to the task? Overloading can strain the engine, suspension, and brakes.
- Will the load stay safe? Improperly secured cargo can get damaged, even on short trips.
If you're unsure about safely transporting your load, consider renting a suitable vehicle or hiring a professional delivery service. It can save you money and hassle in the long run.
Remember, securing your load is not just about following the rules; it's about safe driving!