‘Live’ loads are those loads that can be expected to move when transported such as livestock, hanging meat and all liquids. Liquids include high viscosity sludges, molasses and tar.
Live loads can reduce vehicle cornering ability and cause rollover. If liquids are transported in partially filled tanks they should be baffled or have multiple compartments which are either essentially full or empty. If the rear compartment is full and the forward compartments empty, the loaded rear compartment will act as a pendulum (rearward amplification) and may pull the vehicle over.
Where loads, such as meat, are hung in a vehicle, they must be closely packed to minimise movement or otherwise be restrained.
Livestock is normally carried in purpose-built bodies or removable crates. Livestock should be loaded to minimise injury to individual animals and to prevent vehicle instability caused by the livestock moving during transport.
Where livestock is carried on light vehicles, crates must be used or the livestock directly restrained (tethered) to minimise movement.
Where livestock is carried in multiple deck crates, animals should not be transported in an upper deck until the lower levels are filled.
