Tag: Cargo Damage

How to Safely Load and Unload Truck Cargo to Prevent Injury

Bob Holtzman

Transporting trucking loads comes with many risks. From highway accidents to lost or damaged goods, there are a number of unique liabilities that can present themselves at any moment during transportation. But what about before or between shipments, such as during loading and unloading freight from trucks?

Workers loading or unloading cargo are exposed to serious risk and danger when working on trucks. Heavy or awkward objects can present a problem and a hazard to the overall well-being of those who work on trucks, creating additional risks for working in the industry. But there are a number of ways in which these issues can be avoided to keep safety a top priority. Here are some tips to stay safe during loading and unloading cargo.

Understand Proper Lift and Load Techniques

It’s a good rule of thumb to brush up on lifting and loading techniques at regular intervals. Moving cargo is more than just picking up and putting down, and it pays to give employees a refresher on the right way to work with heavy objects. Using proper technique in the workplace can help to prevent and limit accidents and injuries, and keep liability low.

Companies should also invest in the right truck insurance that will help with protecting their reputation, finances, and overall business during times of liability claims. There are a number of truck insurance solutions that can help to keep businesses safe in the event of injury to employees and cargo with occupational insurance coverage as well as cargo insurance to supply the right coverage for both employees and cargo, respectively.

Be Aware of the Loading Zone

Employees working on loading and/or unloading trucks should be aware of their surroundings, first and foremost. If a truck is backing up, staff should move away from the loading zone as it is very hard for the driver to see behind them and could easily back into anyone in their way. Loaders and unloaders should wait until the truck has come to a full stop before getting into the work area.

Secure All Loads Properly

Before a load is pulled down, they should be checked to see if they are all secure. If they are not, it could lead to broken objects in the truck, creating a lot of safety hazards during unloading. Employees should make sure their loads are secure by using load bars, vertical support systems, and road straps.

Mind the Gaps

When loading and unloading occurs, it can be difficult to see exactly where it’s safe to step and move around. If there’s a gap or drop off point in any place, it’s more than likely to not be detected, creating a risk of falling and getting injured. All gaps need to be sought out and protected against before loading and unloading happens so all employees can work confidently and safely.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes.

Who’s Liable for Damaged Cargo?

Bob Holtzman

Trucking freight from location to location can come with many different risks. From losing cargo to damaged packages, getting in an accident to missing a stop, there are many different liabilities that come with hauling cargo.

But, since the job must be taken care of, trucking companies and their drivers need to get on the road and make sure they’re protected from stop to stop. When damaged cargo does occur, it’s best to have the right motor truck cargo insurance in place to protect not only the financial loss gained through damaged goods but the reputation of a company trying to keep things rolling.

A Look at Carrier Liability

Carrier liability is used to describe when a carrier is responsible for shipment losses, damages or delays. Shipment losses, damages and delays that may have been a result of an act of the shipper or an act of the inherent nature of the goods that was not a result from the carrier’s negligence are considered here.

For a carrier to be held liable for loss or damaged goods on board, the shipper must prove that their freight was in good condition before it was loading into the carrier’s possession. Shippers have to file their claims within nine months of the delivery or the date upon which delivery should have been initially made.

Bill of Lading

If the shipper can prove without a doubt that a carrier received the goods in an undamaged state and delivered them damaged or even lost, the carrier will be liable unless there are exclusions attached. Damage should be documented through images and documentation and is required by the carrier. The notations made on the bill of lading at the time of pickup and delivery become vital to make everything accounted for.

Liability and Freight Insurance

Carriers should be holding some type of insurance designed to cover cargo loss, such as motor truck cargo insurance. The coverage amount is determined by the carrier and is usually dependent on the type of commodity the carrier usually transports on a regular basis. There is cargo loss or damage insurance that can cover the full value of the goods being shipped, but in some instances, it is possible that the amount covered is less than the actual value of the goods being hauled.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes.