Inspecting Cargo - Rookie Question

If it's a sealed Van or Reefer, you can't really open the doors to check on it.

 

If its sealed do not brake the seal to inspect cargo otherwise the customer you're delivering to will refuse the load.Its always good to stop every so often and do a quick walkaround check gladhands, tires,lights that sort of thing.Don't worry about checking cargo if your trailer is sealed.

 

Keep in mind its not just sealed van and reefers on the road. Flatbed, and low boy equiptment floats are a definate check load after 3hrs. As well as any van that is not sealed.

 

If hou are pulling flatbed, stepdeck or such.. then yes you need to check your load, make sure your straps are tight, tarp secure and ect... as the load will settle...

But when pulling a van or reffer where the doors are sealed then you cant really check the load....

 

On a reefer you NEED to check the temperature if you are transporting a temperature sensitive load.

 

Dont stand near rear of door on van when do lift handle the load you were trying to inspect could fall on you!

 

That's what the manual says but very few will actually stop to inspect. They will, however, stop to refill their 128 oz soda jugs

 

When driving a van you can inspect your load while you are being loaded, I used to always inspect my load while being loaded, some shippers would not allow me to be on the dock while loading or unloading, that worked if it was all same size pallets and weight as long as I knew the weight and I decided how it was to be loaded.
I would always ask how much weight, are all pallets equal in weight and size, then if I could be involved so I could decide where to put the freight.
It was very important for me to know all this because I was the one that paid for the fuel and my truck would always ride as level as possible so I could get the best fuel mileage.
When I inspected the loading I was also involved in the securement of the freight therefore I had no claims on my freight.
Most of the time I would help the receiver to unload also, that was part of my daily exercise so I could stay healthy and fit, or tried to, it helped to break the monotony of the same routine all the time.
I tried to be as much involved as I could to make it more interesting.

 

I beg to differ with you... when I pulled flatbed DID check my load.. and saw other flatbedders, stepsdeck and such do the same...

When i pulled reefer.. i would take a pulping reading when I loaded... and didnt make a stop to check, as the reefer unit has a light I can see in my mirror... but I would check when I stopped. . But just a visual at the unit.. didnt do the thermometer thing...