27 September

Almost every job you go on will start and finish on a loading dock. Even though you spend most of your time on the road, loading docks are a big part of your job. Staying safe while loading or unloading your fright is very important. It is not unusual for injuries to happen on loading docks. There are some things that you can do to be well prepared so that everything goes as smoothly and as safely as possible.

Here are some tips on loading dock etiquette that you should know.

Organize your paperwork

Keeping your paperwork organized at all times is something that will make your job a lot easier. Being prepared is as important on the road as it is on loading docks. Having your documents in one place will save you time and it will help the loading dock crew do their job a lot easier. Being organized also reflects well on the company you are representing.

Be alert and focused

When arriving at a loading dock, it is not a bad idea to park your truck outside and check out the place yourself. It is not the easiest job to back up a big rig into an unknown loading dock. We talked about accident prevention tips before, and driving into a loading dock prepared is the safest tactic. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to stay alert and focused through the loading and unloading process. Loading docks are not the safest places and accidents happen when people get distracted.

Follow the rules

This may seem like an obvious thing, but it is important to follow the rules set by the loading docks. There might be some rules that seem unnecessary to you, but you are there to do the job and get back on the road, as quickly as it is possible. Following the rules set by the company will work to your advantage. Getting impatient and trying to go around them, might make the process of loading or unloading longer than needed. Rules are also there for everyone’s safety. Remind yourself that you are representing your company, following the rules makes you easier to work with and helps your company’s image too.

Communication and patience

It is important to stay patient. Working with others might be a bit different from the part of the job you spend alone on the road. Communicating well and being patient will make loading and unloading easier for everyone involved. You should be polite, calm and humble when communicating. You should communicate clearly if you are running behind or if you are conveying any message from any party involved. Staying patient through the whole process will help you stay stress-free, and get through everything faster and smoother. There are many situations that could make you frustrated, working with others is not always the easiest. Patience and good communication are key.

Covid 19 safety tips

Loading dock injuries can happen easily if people are in a hurry or distracted. There is always a lot going on on loading docks, a lot of vehicles and heavy machinery, cargo being moved around, many people involved in loading and unloading. On top of all of this, there is a global pandemic that has been changing the world and changing the rules in everyday life and in many industries. The trucking industry has played a big part in keeping the world go round. Even though you spend most of your workday alone on the road, you still need to have contact with others. There are already many safety rules that you need to follow with what you wear and how you act, now there are even more. Drivers need to wear masks, stay in their trucks and often let others load and unload their freight. Some places require drivers’ temperatures to be taken. In a situation like this, in order for things to keep running smoothly, it is important for everyone to follow rules, to keep their distance, and take care of their own health and of others.

Even when the world has stopped for a moment, the trucking industry keeps going. You are playing an important role in keeping everything functioning. This is why it is important for you to stay safe. You might spend more time on the road than on loading docks, but staying safe through your whole workday is essential. Remember to stay organized, keeping your paperwork in one place, staying calm and patient, and communicating well with everyone involved in loading and unloading your truck. Being alert and aware of your surroundings and following the loading dock rules will help you get through this process faster and safer. Following the new rules set due to the Covid-19 pandemic will keep you and others safe and healthy, which will allow you to keep working.