Cargo shift occurs when inadequately restrained freight moves during braking, turning, or acceleration, altering the vehicle's balance or escaping the trailer. It can cause rollover, jackknife, or direct injury to other road users.
Liability may extend to the carrier, driver, and shipper depending on who loaded and secured the freight.
Alternative Names:
Load Shift Claim, Shifting Cargo Claim
Why it Matters?
The analysis follows the securement chain: who loaded, what restraints were used against the applicable standard, whether the driver inspected before departure and en route, and whether the trailer was sealed. Each answer allocates responsibility differently. Physical evidence of the restraints and their failure points is critical and disappears quickly once the scene is cleared, which makes early documentation essential.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible when cargo shifts?
What evidence should be preserved?
