PURPOSE:

Hauling lumber in a pickup truck can be challenging. By following simple precautions, you can ensure your cargo stays secure and prevent accidents.

Step 1: Prepare Your Truck

1. Clear the Bed: Ensure the bed of your pickup truck or trailer is empty and clean.

2. Inspect the Truck: Check the tires, suspension, and load capacity of your truck. Refer to the owner's manual for the maximum payload.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Equipment

• Straps: Use ratchet straps or bungee cords to secure the load.

• Red Flags or Reflective Tape: To indicate an overhanging load.

• Blankets or Padding: To protect your truck and the lumber.

• Tarp: To cover the lumber if needed.

Step 3: Load the Lumber

1. Distribute Weight Evenly: Place the heaviest pieces of lumber at the bottom and evenly distribute the weight across the bed.

2. Do Not Overload: Check for payload capabilities. Overloading can lead to decreased maneuverability, longer stopping distances, and an increased risk of accidents, especially during emergency situations.

3. Align Lumber: Ensure all lumber is aligned parallel to the bed of the truck.

4. Use a Tailgate: If the lumber is longer than the bed, lower the tailgate. If necessary, extend the load support with a bed extender.

Step 4: Secure the Lumber

1. Strap the Load: Use ratchet straps or bungee cords to secure the lumber in place. Make sure to tie down both the front and back of the load.

2. Securing the Load

   • Light Loads (under 250 lbs):
     • Keep the tailgate up.
     • Place one end of the boards against the front of the bed and the other against the top of the tailgate.
     • Bundle the lumber with ratchet straps at both ends.

   • Heavy Loads (over 250 lbs):
     • Lower the tailgate.
     • Place one ratchet strap about a foot behind the rear bed tie-down anchors and another behind the front anchor points.
     • Stack the lumber in the middle of the bed on top of the straps, wrap, and tension them.

3. Check for Movement: Ensure the lumber is tightly secured and does not move when you push or pull it.

Step 5: Mark Overhanging Lumber

1. Red Flags: Attach red flags or reflective tape to any lumber that extends beyond the bed of the truck to alert other drivers.

2. Legal Requirements: Check local regulations for the required distance that triggers the need for marking overhanging loads.

Step 6: Drive Safely

1. Check Your Load: Periodically stop to check the security of your load.

2. Drive Cautiously: Avoid sudden stops, sharp turns, and high speeds. Drive slowly, especially over bumps and rough terrain.

3. Monitor Tail Swing and Safety

   • Be cautious of tail swing, especially in short wheelbase vehicles.

   • Always be aware when making right-angle turns to avoid hitting nearby vehicles.

UNLOADING/DELIVER
Step 7: Unload the Lumber

1. Prepare the Unloading Area: Ensure the unloading area is clear and has enough space to accommodate the lumber.

2. Wear Gloves: Protect your hands by wearing gloves while handling the lumber.

3. Lift with Care: Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. Lift with your legs, not your back.

4. Place Neatly: Arrange the lumber neatly at the delivery location, ensuring it is stable and accessible to the recipient.

Load/Unload Lumber - Pickup Truck or Trailer (Downloadable PDF)