Secure Your Load - Washington State Department of Ecology

Waste & Toxics > Solid waste & litter > Litter > Litter prevention > Secure Your Load

Secure Your Load for Safer Roads graphic

When do you need to secure items in your truck or trailer? Every time you hit the road. Unsecured loads cause over 300 crashes in Washington every year and cause up to 40% of roadside litter — let’s change that.

Even if it’s a short trip, you’re going slow, or you’re hauling items that seem heavy enough to stay put, securing your load is vital to keeping roads safe and litter free. So, whatever you’re hauling — secure your load for safer roads.

Cargas bien sujetadas, caminos más seguros (en Español)

Tips for secure loads

Stock up - Keep cargo nets, tarps, ropes, bungee cords, or straps in your truck to make sure you always have what you need to secure your cargo. You may need tie down hooks or eye bolts on your vehicle as well.

(See a text only version of these tips)

Strap down - Securely fasten all large items directly to your vehicle, including tarps and covers.

(See a text only version of these tips)

Seal tight and cover - Make sure boxes, bags, and garbage cans are tightly closed to keep contents from blowing away.

(See a text only version of these tips)

Get organized - Lay tall items flat and put lighter cargo at the bottom of the load so heavier objects can hold them down.

(See a text only version of these tips)

Follow through - Run straps through and around items – especially large items like hand trucks, ladders, furniture, and mattresses.

(See a text only version of these tips)

Tidy up - Remove any loose pieces of trash from your truck, trailer, or boat that could blow out while driving.

(See a text only version of these tips)

Check Regularly - Nothing you’re hauling should be able to slide, shift, or fall out. If you hear whipping or rattling sounds while driving, stop and check your cargo.

(See a text only version of these tips)

Questions to ask yourself

Would I feel my family was safe if they were driving behind me?
Will my load stay secure if I have to brake suddenly, hit a bump, turn a corner, or go uphill?
Is there any chance of debris falling or blowing out of my vehicle?
If it rains, will any of my cargo break down?
Did I double-check my load to make sure it’s secure?

2 out of 3 drivers always secure their loads, but we need everyone's help.

Spread the word

Talk to your friends, family, and co-workers and make sure they don’t hit the road before safely securing cargo. You can even point them to this website!

Call 911 if you see an unsecured load

If you see a dangerous unsecured load while driving, or you see something fall off a vehicle that could cause a crash or injure someone, call 911.

Unsecured loads = Big fines

Littering and driving with an unsecured vehicle load are against the law in Washington, with fines up to $5,000. Some local jurisdictions have stricter laws and may charge an unsecured load fee at their facilities.

Learn more

Videos

Contact information

Amber Smith
Statewide litter prevention coordinator
amber.smith@ecy.wa.gov
360-688-4957

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Secure your load for safer roads

Tips for secure loads

Questions to ask yourself

Spread the word

Call 911 if you see an unsecured load

Unsecured loads = Big fines

Videos

Related links

Contact information