Load shifting

<p>Load shifting is a dangerous phenomenon in water, air, and ground transportation where cargo shifts in a cargo vehicle. This causes the vehicle to tilt, which causes even more movement of the cargo, and further tilting, thereby creating a <a href="/facts/Positive_feedback/eFGatCpF">positive feedback</a> loop. If not corrected, this will lead to severe tipping or even capsizing. Such a dangerous occurrence is prevented by active load management, avoiding high sea conditions for ships, and proper <a href="/facts/Shipping_container/7mPdo1SE">container</a>/<a href="/facts/Bulkhead_(partition)/0UudKUJy">bulkhead</a> design.
</p><p>On a <a href="/facts/Cargo_airplane/5UTxmPsn">cargo airplane</a>, a professional <a href="/facts/Loadmaster/U4aM3xx1">loadmaster</a> is necessary to prevent load shifting. If cargo is not adequately secured, it can move during flight, and move the <a href="/facts/Center_of_gravity/n4Lr9GAz">center of gravity</a> outside of its safe operating limits, which will cause the aircraft to become uncontrollable or <a href="/facts/Stall_(fluid_mechanics)/nsB7YRc5">stall</a>, and crash.
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Load shifting open-in-new

Load shifting