Cargo Safety 101
Securing your load isn't just about protecting your stuff — it's about protecting everyone on the road.
9 min read
Most people focus on fitting as much as possible into their car — but how you load it matters just as much as how much you can fit. An improperly loaded vehicle can shift during transit, obscure your vision, damage your goods, or in a worst case, turn loose items into dangerous projectiles during sudden braking.
These eight rules cover the fundamentals of safe cargo loading for any vehicle type.
Heaviest items go on the floor, against the seat backs
Place the densest, heaviest items (appliances, toolboxes, boxes of books) directly on the floor of the boot and pushed forward against the rear seat backs. This keeps the centre of gravity low and prevents items launching forward in an emergency stop.
Never stack heavy items above the seat line
The seat line is your safety boundary. Items stacked above it can become projectiles in a collision. If you must stack high, ensure items are secured with a cargo net or straps anchored to the boot's tie-down loops.
Fill gaps to stop items shifting
Loose items that shift in transit can unbalance the load, damage goods, or slide into foot wells. Fill gaps with soft items — blankets, pillows, rolled towels — to wedge everything in place.
Balance the load left-to-right
An unbalanced load affects how the car handles in corners. Distribute weight as evenly as possible across the boot width. For heavy single items, centre them on the vehicle's centreline.
Secure loads on a ute tray — every time
Open tray loads must be tied down with ratchet straps, regardless of trip length. Highway winds and emergency braking can send unsecured items into traffic. Use at least two straps across width and two along the length for large items.
Protect fragile items with layering
Wrap fragile items (glass, ceramics, electronics) in soft materials and place them on top of the load, not underneath. Use foam, moving blankets, or clothing as padding. Mark boxes clearly so you (and others) handle them with care.
Don't block your rear vision
Your rear window must remain clear. Tall loads that block your view aren't just illegal in most regions — they dramatically increase your accident risk. Use your side mirrors more frequently or rearrange the load.
Know your vehicle's payload limit
Every vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and a payload rating — the maximum weight of passengers plus cargo. Exceeding this voids your insurance and puts serious stress on brakes, tyres, and suspension. Check your door placard or owner's manual.
Quick Wins Checklist
Plan your load before you pack
Use stowey to visualise what fits — and in what order to load it.