What is the primary objective of cargo securement?

The primary objective of cargo securement is to prevent an article of cargo from moving forward. This is essential for ensuring safety during transport, as unsecured cargo can shift, leading to instability of the vehicle, potential accidents, or injury to personnel. Effective securement practices include using appropriate straps, chains, or other devices to hold cargo in place, thereby maintaining its position throughout the journey.

While arranging cargo for efficient loading and enhancing loading speed are important considerations in logistics, they are secondary to the critical need for safety through securement. Minimizing damage to cargo is also a relevant concern, but the foremost purpose of securement is to ensure that the cargo does not shift or slide during transit, which could compromise the safety of the cargo, vehicle, and surrounding individuals.