handle and load cargo with care

A combination of the following best practices, employee training, and the right equipment can all but eliminate the risk of product damage during the loading process:

1. Improve loading practices:

Pallets should be loaded uniformly, with weight evenly distributed to prevent crushing or instability. Pallets should be regularly inspected for weaknesses and not double-stacked.

Liquids should always be placed below dry goods to minimise the risk of contamination in case of leaks, while dunnage can be used to fill up any empty spaces, provide cushioning and prevent goods from shifting.

4. Keep the facility clean and tidy:

A clutter-free warehouse or loading dock is a non-negotiable so that forklift operators have a clear path to manoeuvre safely. Designated areas for storage or waste should be assigned and adhered to for an efficient and hazard-free environment.

5. Regularly inspect equipment and processes:

Routinely checking for signs of equipment wear and tear can prevent accidents, while regularly reviewing loading procedures help ensure employees follow best practices and adhere to safety protocols.

It’s important that time is taken to check the container/trailer, too – for structural damage, but also residues that could go on to contaminate the next load of goods.

When a load moves around inside a truck or a van, the goods can end up damaged and the situation can become hazardous. The load can become unsafe for the person(s) who have to unload the vehicle, as items may fall on top of them, cut them or cause some other injury. The driver and anyone else in the cabin can also become at risk of an accident because the load may cause the vehicle to roll or shift forwards when braking.

This means you should secure the load and, generally, make loading and unloading as safe as possible. You can find out more advice and guidance on loading and unloading vehicles in our Ultimate Guide to Safe Loading and Unloading of Vehicles, in which we also discuss the responsibilities of employees and employees when it comes to safe loading and unloading of vehicles. In the meantime, however, here are some tips on how to secure loads in a van.

You can find our complete guide on the four top ways to improve safety in the loading bay with automation today below. 

Around the world, we’re known as the number one; the global leader in loading and unloading solutions. This is not only because we are the largest but also the first too; we've been pioneering loading solutions since 1962.