Load Securing & Equipment Transport

Purpose

Ensure Spartan Plumbing technicians properly secure all equipment, tools, and materials in their vehicles to prevent damage, injury, and road hazards during transport.

When to Use

• Loading or unloading equipment from your truck
• Transporting water heaters, pipe, or any large materials
• Moving any loose items between job sites
• Restocking your truck from the warehouse or Tradeshift orders

Procedure

General Loading Rules

Heavy items go on the floor or lowest shelf — never on top shelves where they can fall

Secure all loose items before driving — use bungee cords, ratchet straps, or bins

Water heaters must be strapped upright to the truck wall or dolly during transport

Pipe and long materials must be fully inside the truck or properly flagged if extending beyond the bed

Nothing should be stacked in a way that blocks your rear window visibility

Tool Organization

Keep your truck organized with designated spots for each tool and material type

Loose tools become projectiles in a sudden stop — secure them in bins or bags

Torches and fuel canisters must be stored upright and away from heat sources

Sharp tools (saws, cutters) should be sheathed or stored point-down

Water Heater Transport

Remove the water heater from packaging only at the job site, not in the truck

Strap the unit upright to the truck wall using ratchet straps

Do not stack materials on top of the water heater

After removing the old unit from the home, secure it in the truck before driving

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials

Keep all chemicals in their original containers with labels visible

Store chemicals in a secondary containment bin (in case of spills)

Drain cleaner, flux, and solvents should be stored away from food and personal items

If a chemical spills in the truck, clean it up immediately following the SDS instructions

Important Notes

• An unsecured item that falls from your truck onto the road creates liability for Spartan Plumbing
• If your truck is overloaded, make two trips — do not exceed the vehicle's weight rating
• Keep the truck bed and shelving clean — a cluttered truck leads to lost tools and safety hazards
• Restocking from Tradeshift orders should be organized before loading

Related SOPs

• Daily Vehicle Inspection Checklist — includes load inspection
• Chemical Handling & Storage — chemical-specific transport rules
• Tool & Equipment Issue Process — initial truck stocking