VEHICLE LOADING PROCEDURES

Proficient’s objective is to ensure that the correct vehicle is safely identified, loaded, and delivered on time, and damage free.

Tractor/Trailer

Prior to loading, a pre-load inspection must be done.

Truck must be parked in the designated loading area.

Tractor and trailer must be aligned in a straight line.
Use extreme caution when positioning your truck in port/customer’s yard. Space can be very limited when inventory builds or at month end. Vehicles are, at times, parked in temporary (formerly truck loading) areas.
Secure equipment by applying the parking brake.
Set the Power Take Off (PTO). Warning light on the dashboard will indicate PTO is set. Be sure not to set the PTO while the electric PTO is on.

Maintenance of Hydraulic Levers

Initial Loading Position

Set up truck in initial loading position, making a bridge from ramps to position one (1).
Utilize all rack extensions to eliminate gaps between decks.
Seven (7) inches of clearance is the max amount of space between any gaps.
Ramps are fully extended and maintain a 4-degree angle to prevent damage to the underbody of the loaded unit.
Two methods are recommended for removing skids for loading:
Insert tie-down bar into the skid, lift and walk the skid out of the housing in slow, steady manner with elbow tucked in.
Insert tie-down bar into the skid, pull out about twelve (12) inches, then straddle the skid and feed the skid between your legs resting your elbows on your knees to support your back.
Keep roller on the skids clean and well lubricated.
Report any skid defect, housing channel or jamming problems to maintenance.
ALWAYS wear gloves when handling skids. NEVER place fingers into the openings in the tread-way when pulling or replacing skids
Pins are in place to avoid injury or damage to vehicles in case of hydraulic line failure.
Pin both sides
Mark your pin locations for set up.
Clear all tread ways of strap hooks, debris, and sharp edges.
Hooks may puncture the tires or driver may trip.
Drivers are responsible for strap damage/replacement unless normal wear.
You must have four (4) straps to load every vehicle.

Cell phone use is limited to the functions of finding and inspecting units in the Magnus Driver app or calling a supervisor/inspection agency.

Miscellaneous Equipment in Truck

Flashlight for night inspections
Snow brush for clearing vehicles during winter
Small assortment of tools
Vice grips, hammer, pliers, screw drivers, air hose, etc.
Useful for minor repairs of equipment (a screw/bolt comes out of a ramp).
Waterless hand cleaner to remove grease.
Lubricant such as WD-40
Small rags and polish

Locate the Correct Vehicles

Identifying the correct vehicle is the first step in delivering a quality vehicle. A mis- shipped vehicle creates extreme customer issues and costs money to correct. Each driver will be responsible for correcting any mis-shipped vehicle.

Ways to Identify a Vehicle

Every vehicle has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
VIN is seventeen (17) digits.
You are required to verify the last 8 digits.
Vehicle’s VIN can be found in three (3) locations.
On the vehicle (on bottom left of windshield or driver’s door jam)
Vehicle’s Monroney label
Proficient’s BOL

Driver MUST match VIN to the BOL, Monroney label, AND vehicle location.

The driver is responsible to deliver the right vehicle.

Other information on the BOL

Trip Number
Consignor & Origination (pick up location)
Consignee and Destination (delivery location)
Parking location of the vehicle (Lot & Row) at origination (bay location)
Vehicle model and color to help identify the vehicle.
If the vehicle is not at the assigned location, contact a yard supervisor or ask the security guard to scan the bar code.

Inspecting the Vehicles

A key component of delivery is inspecting the vehicle. Establish your own “routine” during the inspection. Variances or shortcuts in your routine can cause missed damages. If possible, avoid inspecting in the rain or conditions that keep you from being responsible for the vehicle condition (such as darkness)

Exterior

Overall, stand ~ 3 feet from the vehicle
Glance down both sides of the vehicle to look for dents.
Dents are found easier at a distance.
Notice tears in plastic wrap guard or cloth covering.
If found, notify yard supervisor or customer
Front
Hood area, grill, lighting, filler above bumper, bumper, below bumper, windshield and front of roof (very important to visually inspect the underside of the front bumper).
Sides
Fenders, doors, quarter panels, door trim/edges, windows, mirrors, wheels and tires for scratches.
Rear
Inspect deck lid/hatchback area, glass, lighting, panel above bumper, bumper.
Look down both sides from the rear.
Always check for missing parts, emblems, etc.

Interior

Check door trim panels, moldings, dash knobs, etc.
Seating for obvious tears, etc.
Drivers are responsible to assure “throw-in” accessories are in the vehicle.
“Throw-Ins” listed on the Monroney must be inspected.
Floormats,cargonets,headsets,manuals,etc.
Some may be in the passenger compartment, others in the truck, hatchback area.
SEE CUSTOMER/YARD SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

Damage Noted or Driver Caused

If damage is found during your vehicle inspection, notify the yard supervisor to validate the damage. DO NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE!
If after hours call dispatch.
IF YOU MOVE A DAMAGED VEHICLE prior to notifying the yard supervisor/security, you will be responsible for the damage.
Depending upon the customer’s policy, the supervisor may be required to contact the customer, port security and the unit may be dropped or may be delivered.
Damage may be customer acceptable (CA) or must be repaired.
If the driver damages a vehicle, notify the yard supervisor or customer representative.
If vehicle is dropped, contact dispatch to get a replacement vehicle.
If a damaged unit is being dropped from the load (for any reason), check with the load supervisor/security as to where the unit should be parked.

Loading the Vehicles

Do not enter a vehicle with pen in hand.
Do not wear the gloves used outside inside the vehicle.
Do not place in rear pocket as they may soil interior.
No smoking, eating, or drinking in vehicle.
Radios must be off.
Use extreme caution in backing out of parking location.
Hit horn twice when backing out.
Turn on 4-way flashers.
Alert others in area
Very difficult to see with other parked vehicles.
No speeding, figure8’s, or tire spinning
Maximum 15 MPH on all yards
When exiting the parking location, do not drive thru the other rows, follow proper directions.
Drive to the end of the load line and turn in direction of truck.
At no time may a driver use the customer’s vehicle for personal reasons such as shuttling or driving around the yard looking for other units.
Drive vehicle directly on to the truck that you have previously set up.
Do not leave vehicle on rear skids, staged next to your truck or running in its spot (unless permitted to do so).
Idling of vehicles not permitted
They contain a very limited amount of fuel.
Assure trunk is latched and windows up.
Note: Some vehicle remote keys have trunk release buttons
Turn off all accessories and remove keys from ignition.

Loading on Truck

ESTABLISH YOUR OWN ROUTINE. Once you have your own routine, it will minimize forgetting steps. Don’t let anyone interrupt you for idle “chit-chat” – it will be difficult to remember where you left off, which increases chance of damage/injury.

During loading, do not idle up the motor past 700 RPM. Excess RPM creates excess line pressure, which could blow lines or cylinders.
Double check location of hydraulic lines. Depending on location, it can damage/dislodge mirror.
Both feet should be on the ground while operating hydraulics.
Always use the “4” Rule – Clearances
4 inches under carriage, between bumpers and between roof/deck/lids/hoods.
Give more clearance when space is available.
If loading a wide vehicle, use a spotter on the opposite side
Vehicles must be loaded under their own power.
Use extreme caution, proceeding onto truck with a smooth and steady approach. Only use just enough speed to get into position.
Check vehicle’s brakes before loading.
Vehicle to be centered on treadway to prevent damage to body panels, tires, mirrors, etc. This also ensures uniform tie down.
Drivers will ensure that all straps on the vehicles are secured in a proper manner.
ALL VEHICLES MUST BE FOUR (4) STRAPPED
Place strap hook as close to tire as possible.
Utilize cleats (at 2:00 and 10:00 position) to keep strap from slipping off tire.
Place the cleats in the tire grooves reduces risk of strap slipping off tire.
Secure strap hook properly to prevent dragging.
At no time can a strap have contact with the unit.
Reduces the vehicle from rocking and possible strap rubbing against the vehicle.
Once in place, set emergency brake.
Automatic – Set in park
Manual – Place in gear to prevent roll back.
Especially important in wet or snow conditions
ALWAYS pull the tie down bar – DO NOT PUSH it.
When strapping down Position #1, make sure the tie down is secure.The strapin this position tends to come loose.
NEVER SET THE HOOK UNDER THE DECK. If it comes loose may damage the lower positioned vehicle.
If you rupture a hydraulic line, turn off the hydraulic system immediately and pin off all positions.
Only enter vehicle through the driver’s door. Climbing through windows is prohibited.
Special care must be taken to avoid the door contacting the trailer structure.
Maximum of six (6) feet of overhang on the rear of the trailer
Maximum of 4(4) feet of overhang over the tractor.
Eighteen (18) inches is the minimum amount of space required between ANY points of contact of the tractor and trailer. Extra caution must be taken when making turns with a dip in the road!
Check high point of load with height stick. Maximum height of any load is 13 feet, 10 inches.
No vehicle can be transported at more than a twenty (20) degree angle.
Driver should maintain control of keys until inspection is completed by consignee. Chain lock if possible.

Double Checking the Load

All vehicle windows must be closed, and doors locked.
All decks must be lowered into position and resting on their safety pins.
Maintainthe 4″ Rule for Clearances
At time of measuring load height, if additional clearances can be obtained and still maintain proper height, adjust load accordingly.
Extra equipment such as chains, hooks, tie down bars, jump skids must be properly stored.
MUST be four (4) straps per vehicle.
Recheck the height of the load.
Perform a final equipment check of the hydraulic lines, air bags, tires, and vehicles.
MAKE SURE ramps are properly latched and secured prior to moving from truck loading area.
Make sure that you have collected your gloves, height stick and tie down bar.

Double Checking the Load

Make sure all paperwork is neat and clearly legible.
Ensure the number of VINs on the BOL equal the number of vehicles in your load.
Each yard / customer has their own requirements.
SEE CUSTOMER/YARD SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR FURTHER DETAILS
Drivers MUST always wear seat belts.