What you are carrying.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE ACCEPTING ANY LOAD
What it is Its weight and dimensions Its value Any special handling required Whether it is permitted
WHY WHAT IT IS MATTERS
Some goods require permits, special vehicles or refusal.
WHAT TO REFUSE
Anything you are not licensed to carry Anything of doubtful legality Anything you cannot secure safely
WHY THAT SECOND POINT
The operator bears consequences for what the vehicle carries.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT UNKNOWN CONSIGNMENTS
Establish the contents before loading.
WHAT LOADING REQUIRES
Weight within the vehicle's capacity Weight distributed properly Load secured against movement Nothing overhanging unsafely
WHY WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION MATTERS
Badly distributed loads cause loss of control and damage the vehicle.
WHAT OVERLOADING PRODUCES
Mechanical damage Tyre failure Penalties Accidents
WHY OPERATORS OVERLOAD ANYWAY
It appears to improve revenue per trip.
WHAT IT ACTUALLY COSTS
Vehicle life, fuel and risk that exceeds the gain.
WHAT TO RECORD AT COLLECTION
What was received Its condition Quantity or weight Who released it
WHAT TO RECORD AT DELIVERY
Who received it Condition on arrival Time Signature
WHY
Disputes about damage and shortage turn on this.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DAMAGE FOUND ON ARRIVAL
Record it at the point of discovery, with photographs.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Deliver without obtaining proof of delivery.
