Commercial drivers transport a number of different types of goods. Special transport commodities are goods that you need to look after carefully to prevent liability claims. These goods require a higher level of care than your average product, which means that a higher level of training is required for these goods to reach their destination.
The special commodities mentioned below have a few things in common; they need to be secured properly, checked regularly while enroute to their destination, and managed by trained drivers. Here are some risks you and your fleet may face, and best practices when transporting special commodities:
Heavy loads
Heavy cargo presents unique challenges that go far beyond obtaining the right permits. The real danger lies in how these massive loads interact with your equipment and the road.
Securing the load properly
Cargo securement failures are the leading cause of heavy load incidents. Even if you have enough chains to meet the Aggregate Working Load Limit, each attachment point matters. Place one chain incorrectly, and the entire load can shift during transport. This shifting creates a domino effect. Loose chains can crush hydraulic cylinders or damage hoses on heavy equipment. Chafed straps and billowing tarps can scratch expensive paint and protective coatings. What starts as a minor securement issue quickly becomes a major damage claim.
Driver skill level
Heavy loads change how your vehicle behaves. Stopping distances increase dramatically, and acceleration becomes sluggish. A high center of gravity can flip your trailer during turns that would normally be safe. Longer loads encroach on adjacent lanes, even on gradual curves.
Your drivers need more than basic commercial driving skills. They must understand how to work with dollies, position loads to meet permit requirements, and know when to lift axles for better turning radii. In remote locations—common destinations for heavy equipment—mechanical aptitude becomes critical. A driver who can fix a hydraulic fitting or use tow hooks might be the difference between a successful delivery and days stranded on a bush road.
Weather preparation
Unlike dock-to-dock drivers who work in controlled environments, heavy load operators may spend significant time outdoors. Personal protective equipment must include insulated coveralls and weather-resistant boots. Trip planning becomes more complex, requiring constant communication with pilot vehicles and awareness of weather conditions that could create delays.
Perishable goods
Temperature control makes perishable freight transport one of the most demanding specialties in trucking. A two-degree variance can mean the difference between a successful delivery and a trailer full of spoiled goods.
Maintaining proper airflow
Your refrigeration unit is only as effective as the airflow it creates. Block the air chutes by stacking goods too high, and products near the trailer nose will freeze while items at the back doors spoil. This isn’t just about temperature—it’s about understanding how cold air moves through your trailer.
Loading procedures directly impact airflow. Dirt and debris in floor channels prevent proper drainage and air circulation underneath the load. Clean trailers aren’t just a professional courtesy—they’re essential for maintaining the cold chain.
Equipment maintenance
Regular inspections of insulating panels, door seals, and air chutes prevent temperature breaches that spoil entire loads. Digital pulp thermometers help verify cargo temperatures before loading, reducing disputes with shippers and receivers. Take readings at both the outer edge and middle of each skid for accuracy. Modern refrigeration technology now allows real-time temperature monitoring throughout transport. Use these systems to catch problems early, including low fuel levels that could compromise cooling.
Open lines of communication
Temperature disagreements between shippers and buyers create claims. Always confirm proper temperature settings through email documentation. When dealing with time-sensitive perishables, team driving, and careful route planning ensure compliance with hours-of-service rules while keeping goods moving.
Fragile goods
Fragile freight leaves no room for error. Poor loading techniques, rough driving, or inadequate equipment can transform valuable cargo into expensive claims.
Loading techniques
Heavier items crushing lighter cargo is just one loading mistake. Failing to fill gaps with proper dunnage allows freight to shift and impact adjacent items. Even floor track gaps must be covered with cardboard to distribute weight evenly and prevent stress fractures.
For less-than-truckload operations, partial unloading creates new risks. Remaining freight often needs restacking and re-strapping to prevent freestanding walls of goods from toppling into newly created spaces.
Equipment choices
Air-ride suspension provides essential cushioning that spring-suspended trailers cannot match. Before departure, check that dropped air suspensions are properly inflated and that all components are functioning correctly.
Driving technique adaptations
Fragile loads demand modified driving techniques. Rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and aggressive cornering create damage-inducing forces. Defensive driving, proper space management, and awareness of surroundings protect both cargo and your company’s reputation.
For temperature-sensitive fragile goods like pharmaceuticals, drivers must understand how different reefer models work and maintain narrow temperature ranges through heating and cooling as needed.
Take care of your transportation business, your fleet, and your bottom line
Although following these best practices can help while transporting special commodities, accidents can and do happen. That’s when insurance can be helpful. To learn more about how a tailored policy can help protect you, your employees, and your bottom line, visit our Transportation & Logistics Services Insurance page today!
