A clamping assembly for a load-carrying vehicle capable of exerting an adjustable clamping force, comprises first and second clamp arms, and first and second clamp arm sensing elements. The first and second clamp arms are movable towards and away from each other to contact and exert a clamping force on a load sufficient for lifting the load and transporting the load. The first clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the first clamp arm. The second clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the second clamp arm. The first clamp arm sensing elements and the second clamp arm sensing elements are configured sense and feed back forces exerted by the first and second clamp arms, respectively, in engaging the load such that the clamp arms can be moved relative to each other to adjust the clamping force applied to the load.