Why Trucking Companies Need to Outline Best Practices For Semi-Truck Loading and Unloading
Trucking companies need to train employees and provide best practices for semi-truck loading and unloading for the sake of safety.
Being a truck driver consists of a lot of driving, but that’s not all truckers do. One of the other critical aspects of the job consists of semi-truck loading and unloading. After all, truckers aren’t driving empty trucks around the country. In most cases, drivers are encouraged to unload their current cargo and pick up new cargo at the same site or somewhere nearby in order to keep trucking routes running as efficiently as possible. Due to this, it is imperative that trucking companies outline best practices for semi-truck loading and unloading.
OSHA Compliance
OSHA is the overseer of semi-truck loading and unloading, so their standards should always be met when performing these tasks. They have outlined safety standards regarding pretty much every aspect of these processes in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved as much as possible. These standards pertain to things such as:
- Loading techniques
- Safety upon arrival
- Vehicle inspection procedures
- Loading techniques for safety
There are many more processes that have standards set in place by OSHA to ensure safety, but these are some of the major ones during semi-truck loading and unloading. So, what exactly do these safety procedures protect drivers and workers from? They protect everyone from a plethora of hazards, including falling inventory, trucks moving unexpectedly in the docking area, bodily strain, and falling or tripping hazards caused by the presence of water or elevation issues.
Weight Management
Trucks have a weight limit, and overloading is an all-too-common occurrence in the industry. This puts excess strain on the vehicle, which will require more frequent maintenance and could lead to a serious issue while the driver is on the road. During semi-truck loading and unloading, this extra weight can make things significantly more difficult and a lot less safe.
By properly distributing the weight of your inventory, you’ll reduce the risk of injury due to falling cargo, and you’ll increase the efficiency of loading and unloading.
Load Security
Another important safety measure is properly securing all of the inventory in your semi-truck. This is important because it limits movement and reduces the risk of injuries related to falling inventory that has shifted during transit. Different cargo requires different tie-down techniques, so training and experience will go a long way in this case.
MIDDLETON & MEADS IS YOUR ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR ALL OF YOUR VEHICLE’S NEEDS.
Need to repair your truck or bus? Contact Middleton & Meads today! Middleton & Meads provides quality truck and bus repair, service, and fleet management for the Baltimore, MD area. We have over 90 years of experience in the trucking industry and will provide you with customer service like you have never experienced before! If you are interested in seeing how we can help your business, give us a call at (410) 752-5588 or visit us online today! For more articles and trucking tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and LinkedIn.
