Quick Tips for Optimizing Loading and Unloading Operations
The demand for package delivery continues to grow as consumers do more of their shopping online. At the same time, the supply chain is increasingly moving toward just-in-time delivery, meaning logistics companies have less room for error. The loading dock is at the heart of any distribution center, and optimizing loading and unloading is essential to maximizing overall supply chain efficiency.
Most third-party logistics providers don’t believe they’re prepared to handle the increasingly tight labor market and the possibility of a shortage within the next few years. Efficiency in every step of the shipping process has quickly become extremely important and will be essential in handling these new challenges.
Here are tips that logistics and supply chain workers can use to optimize loading and unloading operations.
Employee Training and Loading Best Practices
Be aware of common mistakes that can cause inefficiencies in the loading/unloading process — primarily, wasted space in the trailer, inefficient loading practices and nonergonomic movements. Ensure workers lift with the legs and keep items close to the body. They shouldn’t lift anything heavier than 50 pounds by themselves or without the right equipment. Minimize warehouse travel where possible. Strategies like cross-docking can ensure forklifts and employees are spending the least amount of time traveling through the warehouse as possible. This allows employees to be available to load and unload trailers as they arrive.
Load Testing and Monitoring Systems
There’s also advanced technology that shippers can implement to help ensure maximum efficiency in loading and unloading. Planning solutions allow you to quickly build a load based on information like packages in the dock and the depth of the trailer. These systems can help ensure the most efficient loading possible, based on the capacity available. Some of these systems can also help your team make sure packages won’t buckle or be damaged during transport due to how they were stored in the trailer. Dock management systems, paired with the right setup of cameras or automated sensors, can help managers keep track of multiple docks at the same time. This can cut back on the walking back-and-forth that is often necessary to visually supervise each door.
These systems can also help site supervisors keep tabs on how workers are approaching loading and unloading. This can help them to quickly identify when inefficient practices are being used — like, for example, employees using the wrong lifting technique. Better supervision can also help site managers find cargo that is being loaded inefficiently. For example, it could catch items being stored in chimneys rather than solid walls, as well as other places that are not appropriate or necessary. Master control panels can also help cut down on walking by centralizing the controls for a given dock area. Automated systems can use infrared sensors to detect the arrival of new trucks to the dock. Once one is detected, the system automatically activates the trailer restraint and dock leveler. With this procedure in place, workers will have access to the trailer as quickly as possible.
Upgrades to Dock Infrastructure
There are also steps you can take to make the infrastructure and equipment of a loading dock more amenable to efficient loading and unloading.
For example, you can use extendable or telescopic conveyor belts to simplify the transportation of items from warehouse to trailer. These conveyor belts unfold, extending the flow of cargo all the way from the warehouse to the truck being loaded, allowing staff to deliver packages and load them by hand. Improved dock infrastructure can also help improve communication and the flow of traffic throughout the dock area. For example, loading-dock traffic lights can help control the flow of heavy equipment, like lift trucks, around the dock area, reducing the risk of accidents. Wheel guides, bumpers, mirrors and other guides can help drivers bring their trucks into the dock more quickly. These guides can also help make sure every trailer is properly aligned with the dock door and leveler, which can speed up the loading and unloading process.
Tips for Unloading a Moving Truck and Unpacking
Moving days are always stressful, but try to take deep breaths throughout the day. Once you have arrived at your new home, it is just as important to be organized when unloading your moving truck. Recruit family and friends to help with unloading the moving truck. While it can be done with two people, the more people helping, the quicker the move will be completed. Remember, the unpacking process does not have to be done in one day.
- Decide in advance in what rooms you want to place large furniture and appliances before you start unloading the moving truck. Make sure that doorways and hallways are big enough to allow you to move your items into the home or into room.
- When you are packing for your move, it is important to label boxes with their contents and the rooms to which they belong. On moving day, place these boxes into their proper rooms. This will allow you to be organized as well as find the items that you need in each room.
- Make sure that there is a safe pathway from the truck to the house as well as inside the house. Clear any obstructions and debris that will get in the way of movers.
- Take inventory of your items as they are being unloaded from the truck to make sure that nothing has been broken or lost. If using a moving company, keep a detailed list of the damaged items.
- Based on the room plan that was developed before the move, place the larger furniture in the room first. Put together beds and tables.
Safety Tips for Loading and Unloading
Safety should always be the top concern throughout the entire moving process, so we have compiled some helpful tips to prevent accidents and injuries while you are moving around items.
Tip 1: Clear a path
A clear and direct path is a safe path! Identify the route you are going to take to move certain items and ensure there are no obstructions that can divert your attention while lifting and moving. And if you have options, aim for the safest shortest path. You may even need to trim some greenery or branches that overhang on driveways to ensure that nothing catches the items you are moving from above, and always beware of low-hanging lights inside.
Tip 2: Protect the property
Whether you are moving out of an old house, into a new one interstate or even just relocating some big items between businesses, protect the property. Even if it isn’t yours, show the respect it deserves by using large pieces of cardboard or old carpet, blankets, or bed sheets to protect the floors and walls. Secure those pieces in place, so that they don’t become a slipping hazard, and always cover the stairs. If it happens to be raining on the day you are moving things, ensure your coverings won’t absorb moisture and use corner guards wherever possible
Tip 3: Wear protection gear
Make sure that all of the people that helping to load and unload your items are appropriately dressed for the task at hand. The best options are;
- Comfortable clothes
- Flexible and breathable materials
- Long sleeves and pants to protect skin
- Avoid baggy clothes
- No high heels or thongs
- Wear gloves
If possible, it is also crucial to have some sort of back support that can help to reduce the strain on your body. There are various moving equipment that can help you achieve a safe and efficient process.
Tip 4: Keep the kids or pets away
While it may seem like a fun idea to have some little helpers, it can increase the difficulty of your move if you have kids or pets hanging around. The potential risks here are for both their and your well-being. Kids or pets running around when your visibility is minimal increases the risk of potential danger, as you may be carrying large items that could cause someone to fall and get injured.
Tip 5: Make the most of the loading ramp
If you have chosen the right one, most moving trucks like our Hino Fleet, come with a power ramp that will make your move much more manageable and safer when loading and unloading the vehicle. Simply load your items onto the ramp and let the truck do the heavy lifting – literally. It is vital though that you always ensure that the ramp is dry before using it.
Tip 6: Use proper lifting techniques
Always bend with your knees and use leg and arm strength to lift – never lift from your back! Carry items close to your body and take small steps. There are benefits to moving yourself but rope some friends into helping you lift your items to make it easier and quicker on you, and help maybe make it a bit more fun. Just don’t forget to offer them some pizzas and drinks for their hard work after the move.
How to Become a Lumper
A high school diploma and strong physical stamina are all you need to become a lumper. You should receive on-the-job training, in which you learn unloading, packaging, and other warehouse responsibilities. Your duties require you to have excellent hand-eye coordination and the ability to lift and carry heavy items. Some employers expect you to be forklift certified and have a commercial driver’s license to use and dock the company truck. Drivers must pass written, vision, and vehicle maneuvering skills tests. The company usually assists with licensing. Other qualifications include the ability to understand written and verbal instructions and the ability to work in a fast paced environment.