Safety Meeting Targets Issues Drivers See on the Road

The Safety and Security Meeting is built around risk areas that affect daily trucking, including freight theft, inspections, compliance reviews, and accident response.

“The TCA Safety+Security Meeting is built on a 360-degree safety model that looks at every angle of risk, from technology and compliance to the human element,” said Lucas Mowry.

The agenda includes a regulatory update on trucking activity in Washington, a session on protecting freight in a new era of crime, trial strategy and jury insight, and workshops on preparing for DOT and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration compliance reviews.

Jeff Skiles Keynote Brings Emergency Decision Making Into Focus

Jeff Skiles will serve as the keynote speaker. Skiles was the copilot on U.S. Airways Flight 1549, known as the Miracle on the Hudson, when the crew safely landed an Airbus A320 on the Hudson River after losing both engines.

His session gives the event a direct safety hook: how trained professionals communicate, assess risk, and make decisions when conditions change without warning.

Workshops Cover Enforcement, Driver Behavior, and Risk

Workshop topics include roadside enforcement insights, audit readiness, OSHA preparation, safety culture, first-line management, and how research and technology are shaping trucking safety.

The schedule also includes Safety in the Rounds discussion groups, exhibit hall receptions, networking breakfasts, the Fleet Safety Awards presentation, and the Safety Professional of the Year Award presentation.

NATMI Meeting Continues With Safety Leadership

The NATMI meeting begins June 9 and runs through noon June 10. Sessions include Lead the Future of Safety, Not Your Dad’s Compliance Program, Modern Risk Reduction, Leading People Safely, and a panel discussion on building the next generation of safety leaders.

The NATMI schedule also includes business meetings, committee reports, breakfast, lunch, and a networking and awards reception.

How to Register

The Safety and Security Meeting runs June 7 through June 9, followed immediately by the NATMI meeting June 9 through June 10 in Oklahoma City.

To register or view the full agenda, visit tcasafetymeeting.com.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: TCA

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Legal Obligations

In the U.S., the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that truck drivers must secure their cargo before commencing a trip. According to FMCSA Rule 393.100, drivers are required to make sure that their loads are adequately secured to prevent them from shifting or falling, which could create road hazards. Regular checks during transit are also necessary to keep cargo secure.

Drivers cannot solely depend on others, such as shippers or loaders; they must take personal accountability for ensuring everything is securely fastened before hitting the road.

Safety Concerns

Securing a load is not just a matter of compliance, but a vital safety practice. Improperly fastened loads can lead to dangerous incidents like rollovers or debris falling onto the road. If an unsecured load results in an accident, both the driver and their employer may face legal action, including fines or lawsuits.

In cases where a load shifts and causes a truck to overturn, investigations often show that the driver didn’t perform sufficient safety checks. This can lead to legal issues, insurance problems, and potential job loss for the driver.

Training and Best Practices

To secure their CDL, truck drivers must be trained in load securing methods. Key practices include:

• Pre-trip inspections: Verify that all cargo is properly secured before departure.

• Regular monitoring: Recheck the load at rest stops to ensure it hasn’t moved.

• Appropriate equipment: Use safety-approved tie-downs, straps, and chains suited for the cargo type.

Role of Employers and Shippers

While drivers are chiefly responsible, shippers and employers also contribute to load security. Shippers may be required to load cargo safely, but drivers must still verify its security.

A driver’s failure to inspect a load, even if handled by a shipper, doesn’t free them from responsibility. Effective collaboration between drivers and shippers is essential for ensuring road safety.

Truck drivers are fundamentally responsible for securing cargo. This is a legal requirement, and neglecting this duty can have grave repercussions for everyone involved. Regular inspections, comprehensive training, and open communication with shippers are vital for maintaining secure cargo transport.

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