What do the areas shaded in black on a load pattern indicate?

The areas shaded in black on a load pattern represent empty areas that must be filled with stability dunnage. This is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing shifting of cargo during transportation. Properly filled dunnage ensures that the load remains stable and secure, which is essential for the safety of the shipment and the vehicle transporting it. Failing to address these empty areas could lead to problems such as cargo shifting, which can result in damage to the goods, increased transportation costs, or even accidents.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of loading considerations but do not accurately reflect the function of the shaded areas.