It's that time of year again, the International CVSA Roadcheck 2022 is upon us.
Safety
Regularly inspecting your vehicle will minimize the potential for issues on the road. Keeping drivers and others safe on the road at all times should always be the number one priority. Adding a Cargo Net on your loads is a great "visual deterrent" showing agents right on sight that you're considering safety.
Liability
Just as companies are liable for the safety of their drivers, they are also liable for any incidences or damage caused by vehicles on the road. Unsecured cargo is the most prevalent cause of accidents caused by vehicles on the roadway.
Savings
The quickest way to rack up a bill is to try and make repairs on the road! Issues caught during pre-trip inspections can ensure they're addressed on site prior to hitting the road and incurring surcharges.
It's the law
To ensure compliance with multiple regulatory agencies (DOT, NHTSA, FHWA etc.) pre-trip inspections are documented and recorded for reference purposes.
Check out our easy to use pre-inspection CHECKLIST
]]>I've said it before and I'll say it again... our nets are the sum of their parts!
Our signature "integrated-mesh" design is actually patented and proprietary to Gladiator Cargo Net products. It was initially derived from a desire for a more durable and convenient covering for truck beds while out and about. Whether it be hauling landscaping equipment, boxes, or covering your camping gear, the mesh design allows you to easily slide the net over your gear with a simple one-person application.
Of course, this is helpful for general ease of use, but this is particularly helpful for uneven/odd sized loads. Without the mesh, corners of boxes, shovel handles, or specialty equipment are often getting caught between the webbing straps. We often receive feedback that inconvenience often leads to folks leaving their gear partially, or worse, completely uncovered.
The inclusion of the mesh also creates an "anti-tangle" design and allows you to easily fold and store the net. Nothing worse than a ball of unusable webbing straps left unused and stashed under your seats!
However, the mesh serves another equally important purpose. As opposed to "traditional" cargo nets which are only stitched at the webbing intersections, the mesh serves as a connectivity point for every webbing strap in the entire net to bind together. This "binding" allows the overall net to be much more heavy-duty and versatile.
This integrated mesh also allows us to create an ultra strong connection between the webbing straps, increasing it's rating capacity as a whole. This is particularly important since we achieved our load rating and certification for our nets as a "system", not just the individual materials.
Since we needed to accommodate both industrial and personal uses, it was also important to create a product that was highly versatile. Adding multiple rows of grommets to each net allows them to be used across a much wider array of uses. Additionally, the attachment straps being separate (vs built-in) lets them quickly be repositioned as needed. Simply disconnecting the connection point and reconnecting it to another connection point can easily convert the net from covering your groceries to holding down your refrigerator!
Including an oversized storage bag also ensures you can keep your cargo net conveniently located at all times. We aimed to create a product that was easy and practical to encourage it's use.
Another design element that has evolved over the years is our product dimensions. Start with the basics- short bed, standard bed, and extended bed trucks. As we continued to grow we've added smaller sizes for Jeeps, quads, and vehicle interiors. This of course led to adding roof racks, cargo vans, utility trailers, and semi-tractors! Each application of course requires a unique design based on it's intended application.
We've recently also extended into warehouse safety nets and are in the process of developing some additional exciting products! Our custom shop is also able to make any specific design element you have in mind- shapes, sizes, materials, you name it.
Ultimately, much like a camera, the best cargo net is the one you keep with you and want to use!
]]>Well, simply put, our nets are the sum of their parts! Each aspect is carefully considered to ensure it aligns with our primary objectives: safety and quality. After creating the proper design and sourcing the best materials, we ensure our goal of safety through acquiring independent, third party analysis of our product and production.
Our certification process is two fold: Working Load Limit (WLL) testing and International Organization Standardization (ISO) certification. Each plays a role in determining the effectiveness of our products.
Since its inception, Gladiator Cargo Nets has certified our nets to the Australian AS/NZS4380:2001 standard, and recently ensured our factory, facilities, and partners are certified to the 9001:2015 standard.
For those unfamiliar with ISO...
"(ISO) is an international nongovernmental organization made up of national standards bodies; it develops and publishes a wide range of proprietary, industrial, and commercial standards and is comprised of representatives from various national standards organizations.
(ISO) develops and publishes standards for a vast range of products, materials, and processes...divided into approximately 97 fields, which include healthcare technology, railway engineering, jewelry, clothing, metallurgy, weapons, paint, civil engineering, agriculture, and aircraft.
(ISO) plays an important role in facilitating world trade by providing common standards among different countries. These standards are intended to ensure that products and services are safe, reliable, and of good quality...(and) has been credited with setting more than twenty thousand standards, ranging from manufactured products and technology to food safety, agriculture, and healthcare standards." - Investopedia
Now, time to get weight rated!
We had an independent engineering company conduct a "static load test" to determine the maximum working load limit (WLL) of our nets. The test was performed using all our equipment in conjunction to closely simulate the nets being used in real life. This is notable as most "ratings" are provided solely as calculations based off "tinsel strength" of particular materials being used.
The included hardware straps were clipped directly into the grommets built into the nets and suspended. The results of the test determined that the net was actually able to hold and sustain up to 11,250 lbs.! With 4 hardware attachment straps (the standard number included with each net) each net is certified with a WLL of 1,500 lbs. with a safety factor of 3.0.
It was also noted that the securing straps were the only points to stress and the netting itself would be able to hold even heavier loads.
In addition to product and ISO certifications, we are also a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Company, including: Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Department of General Services (DGS), National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Department of Transportation (DOT), and 8(a).
These ratings and certifications are extremely important to us for multiple reasons. Primarily, it ensures we are making the best possible product we can, and it also assures us of our commitment to quality and safety. Secondarily, it is also a requirement to work with many large companies!
We are incredibly proud of the work we have done up until now... but are constantly improving. We refuse to be complacent and are always seeking ways to improve our products, services, company, and ourselves.
So the next time you are considering a cargo net (or any protective covering for your gear or equipment) make sure you consider its credentials!
]]>Why do we use the materials we use?
At this point I'm a broken record but.......our nets are the sum of their parts! While the design plays a huge role in the overall net, maintaining the highest quality "ingredients" makes for the best finished product.
Of all the webbing materials available (nylon, polyester, and polypropylene) we selected polypropylene as our standard. Unlike the others, it does not absorb water and allows for UV treating. As our nets are used primarily on road vehicles and exposed to the sun and elements for a majority of their lives, we needed to ensure the rays and rain would not deteriorate the net. We created a product that can withstand being left exposed to the elements. Both the webbing straps and extruded mesh are UV treated, making them highly chemical resistant.
The mesh is actually made to be "rip-stop" which means that even if it is punctured, it won't continue to unravel or affect the strands next to it. This is invaluable to the overall strength of the net.
Our grommets also need to be strong enough to endure constant use but light enough to not add weight to the overall net (they range from 40-180 each net!). We selected coated brass for their durability while being lightweight.
Our attachment hardware is also carefully crafted for quality. Made from zinc coated steel, we use the highest rated cam buckles and carabiners we could find- stamped at 1323 lbs. (600 kg) each. We use steel products as often as possible to ensure each connection point is independently as durable as the other.
Both our N-hooks and S-hooks are crafted from industrial steel and are rubber coated to help protect your vehicle. Of course, they are also stamped with their weight rating to clear Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and inspections.
Our waterproof nets are also made from UV treated 18 oz vinyl- which, after much trial and error, is the perfect thickness to balance heavy-duty use while still being malleable and manageable enough for a truck bed.
Even our thread is UV treated! We take great pains to ensure every component contributes to the whole. We're lucky enough to partner with great suppliers who are able to constantly provide the quality products we need.
]]>Here we're strapping down a small pallet of tile being used for some home renovation- thankfully we just beat the rain. But regardless of your application your Gladiator net is sure to hold up just as well as ours.
The webbing, integrated mesh, hardware straps, carabiners, and came buckles have all held up as well as the first day they were tossed in the back of our truck 3 years ago. We even left it back there during drive through car washes.
Here's to another 3 years!
-Team Gladiator
]]>Thank you to everyone who came and said Hi at The Utility Expo! As our 3rd time attending, and our first Trade Show since Covid, we were excited to see people out and about. We had the opportunity to meet new industry folks and to continue to spread our brand awareness.
The market continues to expand and we got to see new companies trying to break into the market, established companies featuring new products and services, as well as an array of tasty morsels for the hungry patrons (here's looking at you fried catfish).
The mornings were filled with folks flying in from all different parts of the country, eager to examine the goods on display. Outdoors there were fleets of Digger Derricks, bucket trucks, trailers, utility trucks, and every type of service vehicle you could imagine. Inside there were booths which displayed everything from industrial sunscreen for linemen to commercial drills with bits which took 3 of us to wrap our arms around! Several companies were also advertising services such as land purveyors and part time drivers. Gladiator certainly stood out as there were a very limited number of safety products available, and none that could compete with the all-encompassing application of our extensive line up!
However, as expected, the turn out for the event was at a record low. Attendance was lively but alas dwindled a bit more as each our passed. By the last day of the expo, due to the lack of attendees, the exhibitors were becoming good friends with their neighbors!
As the expo drew to a close we were able to finally relax with an amazing Happy Hour sponsored by the event before calling it a night.
Thank you again for everyone who visited our booth and we look forward to another great time at the upcoming SEMA show in Las Vegas, 11/2-11/5!
-Team Gladiator
]]>After a rough 2020 (finally on the mend) we're ready to get back on the road and meet our friends (current and future), followers, vendors, and partners. This year we're headed out to our favorites: The Utility Expo in Kentucky and SEMA in Las Vegas.
Every year we head out to these trade shows to immerse ourselves in the industry- to checkout the newest innovations, products, and services. We take advantage of the opportunity to listen to our customers to find out what new products we should offer and of course how to improve our existing lineup.
As an E-Commerce business, Tradeshows offer an invaluable chance to provide the "hands-on" experience with our products. People are often surprised by how strong and durable our materials are! By using our UV treated Polypropylene (vs the industry standard Nylon) our nets are water/weather-proof as well as resistant to a wide array of chemicals and solvents. We love to see folks get their hands on our products and indeed always sell out of all the stock we can bring with us!
We also get the chance to get our hands on some of the specially vehicles on the market as well: digger derricks, "Green Fleet" vehicles, boom trucks/cranes, and all kinds of custom transit vans (to learn more about our Fleet Program use our Contact Us page or simply give us a call).
If you happen to make it out to either show... come say Hi!
-Team Gladiator
]]>Has this every happened to you...Coming back from a weekend camping trip, just unloaded all your gear, ready to kick off your shoes when the spouse says "please put away the net before you come in"!
Well fear not! We've created a simple 30 second video showing you just how easy it is. Not to mention we've updated our storage bag design to be "oversized" to ensure you don't have to be an origami master to take care of your stuff.
To view all our other Tips & Tricks visit our Videos page
We're always striving to make our products as efficient and user friendly as possible. When you hit the road you should be rest assured your gear is safe and sound... without the hassle of rope/bungees/twist-ties/nonsense. Only the best for our customers.
-Team Gladiator
]]>Cargo Nets are the best, and most versatile, tool for keeping your "stuff" safely secured, and your truck bed free from clutter.
There are seemingly infinite options for cargo net options available. With so many options it can be daunting trying to find the right "fit". When starting to explore the market be prepared with some baseline information:
Check out any of our great resources for Fleet, DOT, Military, DOD, FAQ's, or Contact Us directly for any questions!
]]>“International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event when CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement and educational initiatives targeted at various elements of motor carrier, vehicle and driver safety.”
-CVSA
Failing a road check can result in your vehicle or driver becoming out-of-service- avoid this potential problem by knowing what to expect on the upcoming inspections. Be sure to perform a thorough self-inspection, in addition to your usual checks, to ensure everything is in order. Download the cheat sheet below and check out the CVSA site for additional information. The 2021 focus will be on Hours of Service and Lighting.
Most inspections performed are Level 1 Inspections of both the vehicle and driver. Specifically, these include:
Likewise, aside from the truck itself, the driver must have all their paperwork in order. Regularly required items:
Take a look at the 2020 results.
Otherwise, if one or more critical violations were found, your vehicle may be placed out-of-service and won’t be allowed to operate until violations are corrected.
CVSA International Roadcheck website
About SEMA
These tips may be common sense, but they serve as solid advice and a good reminder to be vigilant on the road. Sometimes we get comfortable as drivers and inevitably that's when accidents happen.
Debris on the road, or from an unsecured load falling off another vehicle, is a roadway hazard. In fact, a study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found 39,000 injuries and more than 500 deaths from those incidents between 2011 and 2014. Dangerous debris was responsible for more than 200,000 crashes on U.S. roadways over that time period.
Anything from wooden or metal objects to a mattress poorly secured on top of a vehicle can lead to a fatality if it flies off and into another motorist’s windshield. Fleet drivers need to be aware of this common occurrence and take steps to safeguard against falling and flying debris. Experts suggest the following tactics for drivers:
Increase Following Distance
Always keep ample space between your vehicle and the one in front of you, but especially if it is a pickup or semi with objects loaded in or on it.
Awareness of Adjacent Lanes
It’s a wise idea to also stay aware of vehicles in the lanes adjacent to you. Whenever possible, keep open areas around your vehicle in the event you need to quickly change lanes if an object falls into the road directly in front of you.
Be Even More Vigilant in Winter
Remember that large sheets of ice can also suddenly fall off the top of another vehicle. So be extra cautious in the wintertime.
Maintain Your Own Vehicle
Maintain your vehicle so loose pieces of it don’t come off on the road. In the event you need to haul objects, be sure to properly secure them at all times.
Information provided by ABC and Automotive Fleet.
https://abc13.com/traffic/tips-for-avoiding-road-debris-accidents-while-driving/4696777/
https://www.automotive-fleet.com/303014/video-4-ways-to-avoid-road-debris
Video courtesy of ABC News
]]>We gladly supplied Gears & Gadgets a couple of our best selling nets to get their take... thank you so much for the glowing review!
"This is a review of the Gladiator Cargo Net. It was developed to safely secure cargo in your truck and provides you peace of mind while driving, knowing that your load is secure and our roads are safe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) there were 51,000 crashes with 10,000 injuries and 440 known fatalities in 2010 due to unsecured loads. Currently the Government Accountability Office (GOA) is collecting data on unsecured loads because of the problems they create.
Catch me on Social Media: https://compiled.social/gearsandgadgets"
]]>
Not only is properly securing your cargo the right thing to do, it can be done quickly if you use the right tool for the job. Everyone has a wild story about someone losing a cargo while driving on the freeway. This is a dangerous issue that can easily be addressed... don’t let this happen to you. Properly securing your cargo does not need to be a hassle of knots, ropes and straps. All in one solutions are available!
Using a load rated cargo net, simply throw it over your cargo like a blanket. Clip the carabiner end of the included straps to your net then attach the hook to a secure anchor point. Cinch each corner tightly. Inspect your cargo before hitting the road.
So remember… Cover, Hook, Go!
]]>It is no secret, as many of you know, that the DOT has cracked down on cargo related issues in recent years. There have been many public safety incidents concerning proper load securement that have pressured the federal government into addressing the issue. This trend can be seen in several places:
1. Increased citations issued by the DOT regarding cargo related violations. This resulted in 88,000 cargo related violations in 2013 (80% resulted in Out of Service), a rise from 50,000 in 2011.
2. In 2015 the CVSA International Roadcheck focus was on cargo safety; they issued 2,439 violations for improper load securement in 72 hours.
3. The GOA released a congress requested report in 2012 showing how severe the problem of crashes resulting from unsecured loads is and how the DOT plans on keeping a closer eye on the growing problem.
4. The recently passed FAST Act funds public education on how dangerous transporting an unsecured load can be.
We believe this will lead to stiffer penalties and increased law enforcement down the road. This pattern of issues mimics the progression of seatbelt regulations that are so prevalent today.
FMCSA Regulation Parts § 392.9 – 392.130
FAST ACT BILL-114hr22enr
Take the proactive solution and stay ahead of the new legislation. Protect your fleet from liability and violations before DOT enforcement drops the hammer on you!
]]>Insurance, fuel, preventive maintenance and repairs are generally accepted as standard operating costs for fleets... but what about avoidable violations like unsecured load fines? Most fleet managers agree that vehicle issued violations present a costly, burdensome, problem that use valuable resources and are avoidable.
In today’s company culture of pro-safety, violation-related issues are becoming a more visible discussion topic in the fleet world. Unsecured load violations are on the rise, driven in large part by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This overview seeks to provide fleet managers with an understanding of the trends in unsecured load related traffic violations, as well as opportunities for saving money and reducing risk in dealing with these violations.
Proper load securement is essential to work truck fleets. The same rules apply to pickup trucks and utility trucks that carry a DOT number as to commercial shipping trucks. The DOT requires all cargo to be secured to prevent it from falling from the vehicle and causing accidents, injuries or fatalities. Loads are subject to many forces: speed & braking, cornering, and even wind. Anything that falls out presents a significant hazard to other vehicles on the road. This is especially dangerous to motorcycles
Below is a chart showing the most common cargo-related violations issued to fleet vehicles. Violations due to cargo securement are severe and nearly always end up in Out of Service (OOS) violations. OOS violations are hugely inconvenient and disrupt operations down the line. They cost $861 dollars on average, excluding the cost of the fines or repairs.
The Department of Transportation is cracking down on commercial fleet vehicles and focusing on violations such as cargo securement.
Maximum civil penalty assessments for employers has also been increased. Under the previous rule, an employer that knowingly allowed or required an employee to operate a commercial vehicle in violation of an OOS order was liable for a civil penalty of no more than $10,000. The new rule increases the maximum civil penalty assessment to $25,000.
]]>Benefits of a Fleet Cargo Securement Program:
What does a Fleet Cargo Securement Program entail?
Adopt a company-wide cargo safety & securement policy using the following safety objectives:
All loads are to be properly secured no matter their size, dimension or weight to ensure safe transportation.
Cargo safety and compliance with DOT regulations should always be a top priority for any company. Proper load securement protects employees, customers, and members of the public from injury and minimizes damage to loads, equipment and vehicles.
Load Securement
Drivers must ensure that their loads are properly secured and that there are no loose objects that could fall from the vehicle in a collision or any hazardous condition. Use the following safety rules to secure loads:
The diagram below illustrates the directional movement of the load in each direction, and the G-Force stress load being applied onto the Tiedown system.
Drivers need to be aware of the laws and their responsibility to properly secure every load being transported. Companies need to be diligent in implementing action plans for cargo safety programs and training drivers on the risks, liabilities and costs of failing to properly secure their loads. The cost of the unsecured load fines is money that should have been spent on proactive measures. Unfortunately, violations cost double due to the fine and then the purchase of securement devices that would have saved not only money but also time.
How to choose the right securement device for your truck or trailer fleet
All kinds of products are available to do the job. Here are a few widely used securement devices that seem to work well:
REFERENCES:
Commercial Vehicle Alliance (CVSA)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Transportation Cargo Safety Organization (TCSO)
J.J. Keller and Associates
Scania Group
At this time the US does not have an existing official standard to meet the laws and regulations we have in place. With no US standard available, we went to our Australian distributors who recommended the AS/NZS 4380.2001 standard; considered the most stringent cargo restraint standard in the world.
The prominent BSI Group ensured a thorough evaluation of our Gladiator Cargo Nets before endorsing them. Founded in 1901, BSI has long been a global leader in business standards. Many months of testing and oversight had to be done. Each component of the cargo net was individually rated and tested as well as the net as a whole; in addition, the factory received multiple inspections to ensure a consistently high quality product.
Australia’s National Transport Commission has been championing the importance of load restraining for decades. Australia and New Zealand have some of the strictest laws in the world, they require that no cargo net transporting cargo have an opening larger than 2” or 5.08 cm. In addition, it’s against the law to let strap ends flap loosely in the wind. Fines range from $50.00 per item to thousands of dollars for noncompliance. The result of enforcing these stringent laws has made a significant impact on the environment, taxpayer money and roadway safety. Learn more here.
NTEA Work Truck Show- Gladiator Cargo Net Debut
Gladiator Cargo Nets, formerly Gorilla Cargo Nets... will be introducing their new line of Gladiator Cargo Nets at the NTEA Work Truck Show, March 5, 2014. The new Gladiator Line will have sizes for every vehicle from ATV nets to the popular XXL net sized at 10.5’ x 18.5’ for the biggest of loads. With the popularity of the Gorilla Net our customers will love the New & Improved, Heavy Duty, Gladiator Cargo Net even more. We have made some very user-friendly upgrades to the line of cargo securement products.
As the leading manufacturer of heavy duty cargo nets we are the only independently tested cargo nets with a minimum working load rating of 1,500 to over 8,000 lbs. If you are serious about safety and want the best, the new Gladiator Cargo Net is the only way to go. The official release will be at The Work Truck Show in Indianapolis on March 5th, 2014. Booth # 5450. For more information contact Gladiator Cargo Nets at (888)386-4271
*The Gladiator Cargo Net replaces our former flagship product, the Gorilla Net
PORTER — Police responded Tuesday afternoon to a crash on Interstate 94 eastbound near Indiana 49 when a semitrailer rolled over and spilled its contents on the roadway.
Thank you all our readers for your commitment to proper cargo securement!
Law Enforcement asks everyone to do their part in keeping our roadways safe and clean. Follow this outline regarding the proper procedure on how to report a lost or unsecured load:
If you have witnessed or been a victim of a lost load you should call the local non-emergency phone line, or 911 in cases of emergency, and provide the following information required by law enforcement:
“Bruce, this is what happened to me yesterday on 680 when everyone slammed on their brakes because some idiot lost a bag of stuff off his truck in the fast lane. 4 cars involved no one hurt thank god. That’s my car in top. Notice also the easy-up that I had in the back of my car that slid up between the seats from the impact. It should have been tied down!” –Friend of the author who wishes to remain anonymous
Thankfully nobody was hurt... but accidents like this show that it can happen to anyone. When hitting the roads, please be sure to always properly secure your loads and gear.
Photo curtesy of "Bruce's Friend"
]]>Extreme summer heat seems to be hanging around in many parts of the country, which can bring extra concerns out on the road. Keep these simple tire safety tips in mind when the temperatures climb.