ROUTE AND DELIVERY

PLANNING ROUTE

If you are unfamiliar with the destination, we recommend obtaining directions or map from dispatch. Another option is to call the dealer and ask for a manager to provide exact directions. Ask for which driveway to pull into, where you need to unload, etc.

Check message section on BOL for any special directions.
Be aware there may be changes in directions due to road or dealership construction.
Provide to dispatch / operations any changes in the directions to the dealership to update BOL.
Check maps and (if available) viaduct guides.
Check bulletin boards.
Check with supervisors and/or other drivers.
REGARDLESS OF DIRECTIONS, the driver is responsible for the condition of your truck and vehicles.
Be aware of any overhead objects, tree limbs (especially after heavy rain),etc.
REMEMBER the person giving you new directions IS NOT AWARE of our height and ground clearance issues!!!

RE-CHECKING THE LOAD

Check your load within the first fifty (50) miles or first available safe parking area.
If straps have not been properly set or an equipment problem is developing, you can correct it before an issue gets bigger.
Check for loose straps, shifting cargo, etc.
Remember to practice personal safety.
This procedure must be repeated at…
Each change of duty status
Every three (3) hours of driving
Or 150 miles, whichever comes first.
THIS IS A DOT REGULATION AND MUST BE PROPERLY LOGGED
More frequent checks are recommended.

TRUCK STOPS

If you stop just to rest, choose a rest area vs. truck stop. Rest areas have a less likely chance of an accident or damage.

Choose carefully where to park your loaded trailer. Our equipment is longer than most trucks. NEVER park at the end of a row of trucks. Try to park away from most of the activity.

Step off clearance behind truck when backing up.

Make sure cab and vehicles are secure before leaving sight of truck.

Pay attention to conditions around fuel islands. Ground can be slippery due to spills.

OVERHEADS & DIPS IN TURNS

OVERHEADS

Overheads (viaducts) present a unique challenge to car haulers.
Snow, ice buildup and frost heaves can restrict clearance by several inches.
Overpasses may be improperly posted, lower on one side or have obstacles hanging down.
When in doubt, STOP!
Turn on 4-Ways and check before proceeding underneath.
Detour or reload if necessary.
DO NOT attempt to back up on highway. Contact local authorities for assistance.
After a partial delivery, MAKE SURE your decks have been lowered and pinned to the proper position.
Leaving a deck up is a frequent cause of an overhead strike.
Establish your own REMINDER to double check your decks are down after dropping off a vehicle. Stop, walk back and recheck!
Low tree limbs are neither predictable, nor posted.
Often found in dealer driveways, small towns, older highways and parking lots
Greater hazard when there is snow, ice or even when the trees are wet.
Tree limbs hang lower when weighed down. Clearance under one set of conditions may not exist under another.
Stay in center lane when possible.
Cross the centerline if traffic permits.
Proceedslowly.
Report exact location of low limbs to dispatch to update destination special directions.
If you find your truck in a situation it should not be in, STOP! Call the police and ask them to assist you from the area.
Wires, overhangs, banners, signs on dealer’s lots are also a hazard.

DO NOT MOVE your equipment when the decks are raised up.

DIPS IN TURNS

Problems with dips in roads usually occur entering parking lots, side streets, motels, dealerships, etc.
Allow enough clearance between the vehicles on the tractor and trailer.
Rule of Thumb – Distance from your fingertips to elbow (approximately 18 inches)
If any doubt, adjust decks before entering dip and turn.
Remember to return decks after exiting the dip.
If loaded truck is being towed, make sure driver is aware of your unique clearance issues.

THEFT AND VANDALISM

Theft or vandalism can happen anywhere so take precaution. Driver is responsible for the equipment and vehicles. You should always lock all vehicles and your tractor. Remove keys to prevent easy access to the vehicles. Park in uncongested and well-lit areas. Inspect your load before leaving the premises. If theft vandalism is noted, notify local police, home terminal, and the location in which you were parked (truck stop, hotel, etc.)

ARRIVING AT DESTINATION

Deliveries are made during NORMAL delivery hours in order to receive signed delivery receipts. Subject to Inspection (STI) deliveries CANNOT be made unless authorized by Proficient dispatch on a load-by-load basis.

Park truck and vehicles at designated area
Set truck brakes.
If cars are blocking your entrance/exit from a dealership and you do not feel you can safely maneuver your truck, ask the manager for assistance in moving the vehicles.
If you cannot get assistance, contact Dispatch.
DO NOT MOVE the tractor/trailer in unsafe conditions!
Proficient Drivers are our company’s Customer Service Representative
Present yourself in a professional manner (clean uniform, neat appearance, etc.)
Treat all dealership personnel with respect.
If there is an issue with the dealership representative, DO NOT ARGUE WITH THEM. If problem persists, contact dispatch/operations or your supervisor.
Set up decks and skids before unstrapping vehicles. Drive vehicles off trailer slow and carefully.
Do not leave vehicles unattended with the keys in the vehicle. Vehicles have been stolen from a dealership during the unloading. If the dealership has not signed for the vehicle, it is the carrier’s responsibility.
Avoid street unloading if possible.
If not, check with dealer.
When necessary, use flip-out signs.
With 4-way flashers on
Be sure to lock the vehicle.
Never allow dealer to move a vehicle out of your sight unless it has been signed for and inspected.
If the vehicle will not run, ask dealership for assistance.
They are not required to help.
Be courteous.
Only one is allowed on your truck
If vehicle must be winched or towed off the truck, instruct and supervise the process to avoid damages.
If the dealer insists on washing the vehicle, and washing is allowed by the customer; it must be done in the presence of the driver using a spray, not taken through a car wash. Wiping of any kind is not permitted.

TRANSFER OF VEHICLES

Driver is responsible for each vehicle and keys until a dealer representative relieves you.

If there are no exceptions with the vehicles, dealer representative and driver sign and date the bottom of the BOL.
No comments = CLEAN BOL! > Dealership is now responsible for vehicles.
If an exception is noted, verify the exception (using damage codes)
If you disagree with the exception, write your comments on a separate BOL or paper.
NEVER argue with the dealer representative
If it cannot be resolved, call dispatch to get instructions.
Drivers are NOT to write comments on BOL.
A comment by a driver without being initialed (at the comment) by the dealership person is not valid.
If dealership refuses the vehicle, CALL DISPATCH
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU BRING BACK A UNIT WITHOUT PRIOR AUTHORIZATION FROM DISPATCH/OPERATIONS
Different customers have different policies.
IF A DAMAGE IS NOTED UNDER THE WRAPGUARD AND WRAPGUARD IS NOT DAMAGED, make sure the dealership person notates the wrap guard is not damaged.
NEVER write cause of damage such as pin broke, etc. – cause for damages should be written on the damage write-up only or on separate paper.
Both the dealership person and driver sign and date the BOL
Delays at dealerships can be frustrating.
There are no magic answers.
If excessive delay in unloading or inspection, call dispatch for instructions.
Dealerships are not aware of our HOS world.