Safe Loading and Unloading of Vehicles

Loading and unloading of trailers and containers is just what the term suggests, but it is not quite as simple as it sounds. Yes, the job is about putting cargo into and taking it from a vehicle, but these tasks include packaging the goods safely, positioning them correctly, lifting and restraining products when loading, removing them with care, taking note of any damages, and creating reports and other requested paperwork at the destination. In this posting, Labor Loop, the leading company that provides on-demand personnel to perform loading and unloading jobs, provides the ‘big picture’ for logistics managers, transportation carriers, warehouse supervisors, and supply chain overseers alike.

It’s important to understand that supply chain schedules are demanding and there are numerous reasons why shipments can be delayed. A dock strike can prevent cargo from being conveyed by rail or truck. To make up for time, greater demand can be put on drivers to ‘make up time’. Drivers and rail transportation can be temporarily halted due to inclement weather. Whatever the reasons, when the shipments arrive at warehouse docks, there is no time to be lost. At both phases of the supply chain, lumpers are the pros who can swiftly and safely perform loading/unloading duties as quickly and safely as possible to maintain both the schedule, and to help rein in overhead costs. 

Loading/Unloading Strategy for Success

For nearly every job, some hazards must be avoided. For those involved in the loading and unloading of products and goods, the following cautions should be observed:

• Only park a trailer on level ground before loading and/or unloading. 
• Secure loads with tie downs, shrink wrap, and by carefully stacking pallets. 
• When loading, be mindful of what part of every trailer can bear the most weight and stack the heaviest cargo there. This will keep the trailer stable in transit for the safety of the driver as well as the freight.
• When a trailer is parked, ensure that the brakes are applied and that all stabilizers are in use.
• Loaders must take extreme care not to overload a trailer as the load will be unstable, cause hard steering conditions, and require longer braking times and distances.
• Prior to loading/unloading examine the floor of the loading area to ensure it is safe for lumpers to use forklifts, handtrucks, etc. Check for any debris, broken pallets, perishable foods, and packaging materials, and remove these items immediately.
• Inspect the condition of every pallet before using it and reject any with cracked or bowed boards. When unloading, check to see that every pallet has retained its structural integrity to prevent heavy stacks from toppling on workers.
• Third-party vendors should discuss their loading/unloading processes with logistics management before work begins.
• Receivers will also need to discuss information with haulers before unloading goods to agree on safe unloading processes based on the nature of the cargo. 

Labor Loop is the team that many logistics managers and transportation carriers turn to for optimal loading and/or unloading of their receivables. Our seasoned professionals handle several of the supply chain’s most time-consuming tasks safely and efficiently.  If maintaining control over your operations costs is a concern, then you need to give Labor Loop a call. Bring us your questions, and we’ll detail the value our on-demand lumper services will provide for your business and its bottom line.