If you drive a commercial truck, the weight and how it’s distributed make a difference. These factors are integral to ensuring timely deliveries as well as avoiding fines and penalties. However, these aren’t the only benefits. Keeping things at the right weight also prevents costly truck repairs and potential accidents. To understand why this happens and how to avoid it, here’s what you need to know.

A Guide to the Dangers of Overloading Your Truck

Common Weight-Related Truck Repairs

Like any automobile, excess weight puts stress on the entire vehicle, especially the brakes and suspension system. When a truck is transporting more than its weight limit, the brakes need to work harder than before to properly come to a full stop. Repeating this over and over, eventually causes it to overheat and wear down prematurely. As for the suspension, the problems can vary from having the truck pull to one side as you’re driving or overall difficulty while steering. Although it depends on the type and extent of the problem, scheduling truck repairs for these issues can cut into your schedule and keep your truck out of commission for longer than necessary.

How to Prevent Overloading

Thankfully, with strategic inventory and secure loading methods, you can avoid overloading your truck. When you know what’s onboard, you can manage the weight; anything that’s unnecessary should be removed from the truck and taken off the inventory list. Don’t forget to include the fuel weight too! If you know there will be long stretches between fueling stations, then plan the inventory accordingly.  

Aside from what you’re carrying, you also need to plan out how it’s going to be secured. Use the appropriate ties, tarps, and interior containers to stop items from moving in transit. Additionally, all goods should be spread out, so the weight is evenly distributed. If a few heavy things get jostled around, they can pool together in one area, which ends up putting pressure on the axle underneath, and inevitably leads to expensive truck repairs. 

For assistance with any truck repairs or maintenance, visit Kranz Body Co. in St. Louis, MO. For more than 150 years, they’ve provided expert truck body service. Whether you need extra accessories, a replacement part, custom metal fabrication, or extensive repairs, their experienced team can help you. You can learn more about their truck services on their website or by calling them directly at (314) 776-3787.