A Beginner’s Guide to Unloading a Truck

Are you a new small business owner?  Feeling a little sheepish and awkward around the tractor trailer drivers when they deliver your goods to the warehouse?  Don’t fumble around while loading and unloading your product.  There are many tools and pieces of equipment out there to not only help you with the process but also to make you feel like a pro.  Stationary yard ramps, dock levelers, and more are all built with the end user in mind.  Utilizing the right outfits will get your product moving freely though the dock doors while simultaneously creating less work for you.  Want to save time and money?  Then read on to learn more about some helpful tools to implement into your business practices.

Steel and Stationary Yard Ramps

Yard ramp, forklift ramp, and loading dock are all common names for the same thing. Both Steel and stationary yard ramps are highly effective at helping move your product from the trailer to the warehouse floor.  Steel yard ramps allow the user to move the ramp wherever the need may be both inside and out.  These ramps easily position themselves straight to the processing area and can typically adjust to the height of the trailer with ease.  If you are looking for a more permanent solution than stationary yard ramps can help.  A stationary yard ramp provides great stability and durability while allowing the operator to position it in the necessary area.  If you do not have a permanent docking bay or are in need of any additional docking area than the yard ramp is right for you.

Forklifts

The forklift is by far the most important piece of equipment you need to look and act like a cargo pro.  Knowing how the forklift works and being able to safely maneuver it are both important in keeping you and your product safe.  A well-maintained forklift is easy to acquire whether you are looking to purchase one new or used.  Along with your forklift, you will want to complete a course on the proper usage of it.

Other Tools of the Trade

There are many other tools of the trade to help you complete your loading process.  Dock boards and platforms create additional space at the dock area often bridging a gap between the trailer and the dock.  A dock leveler will create a smooth transition for your forklift during the transportation of cargo.  One of my most favorite add-ons is the dock seal.  This “cushion” goes around the dock door to close the gap between the trailer and the dock during loading and unloading keeping the elements out while maintaining a constant temperature in the warehouse.  Additionally cargo bars, stabilizing jacks, and dock mirrors are supplementary tools that will keep you moving along both safely and efficiently.

  

Feeling a little more confident on your loading skills?  Whether you are in retail or manufacturing, business owners that utilize the right equipment will enjoy increased efficiency and faster turnaround.  The end result leads to greater profit and dividends.   Employ some of these units into your current system and you will soon be reaping the benefits.  And the next time that gruff driver comes to your dock door you can load and unload your product like the true professional you are.