How does cargo weight distribution affect rollover risk?

A high center of gravity is the strongest predictor of rollover. Cargo loaded high in a trailer raises the center of gravity, which means smaller side forces (from a curve or a swerve) are enough to tip the vehicle. Tankers have inherently high centers of gravity. Stacking cargo high in box trailers — for example, light loads piled to the ceiling rather than spread on the floor — makes the same trailer much more prone to rollover than the same weight loaded low. Heavy cargo should always be loaded low. Even loads of similar weight can produce very different rollover thresholds depending on how they are arranged. Tall narrow loads roll more easily than short wide loads of equal weight.