![]() The solution, according to Belliboni, is comprehensive lift truck operator training. ![]() They may also over-squeeze the hydraulic functions on lift truck clamp attachments, thus crushing a load. Operators will try to pick up loads that are too heavy, which can cause the loads to topple. Forks may pierce products on the pallets. People may handle loads with a walkie pallet truck when they should be using a counterbalanced truck. "The most common cause of load damage we see is operators using lift trucks for the wrong applications," he says. of sales for Pengate Handling Systems (Syracuse, N.Y.), a dealer Raymond lift trucks. There are other causes of load damage related to forklifts, reports Randy Belliboni, v.p. "Even if they have received training on how to operate forklifts safely, they may work too quickly in order to be able to operate safely." He recommends that, in addition to training, operators be reminded to utilize good judgment and common sense at all times, so they can work as quickly as possible and still be safe. (Malabar, Fla.), a registered transportation practitioner and a frequent expert witness, including loss and damage claims. "One reason is that there is pressure on the drivers for production, so they often do their jobs too quickly, which leads to damage," says Morgan, owner of Terry Morgan Inc. Regularly scheduled stretch wrap equipment audits can ensure that the stretch wrappers are applying the proper amount of tension for load restraining.Īccording to Terry Morgan, the most common cause of load damage is forklifts. The wrap should be secured to the pallet platform, using the proper tension and number or wraps. Masonite or similar sheets can be placed on top of each pallet to provide extra protection from other freight loaded on top of it.įinally, completed pallets should be secured and stabilized properly, such as with stretch wrap. First, pallets should be inspected to make sure they are in good condition and strong enough to support and secure the products. Poor pallet building can also lead to damage. Possibilities include converting from paper to corrugated and better package sealing techniques. If weak packaging leads to load damage, packaging strength and durability must be improved. "Cartons may be too weak to hold the products securely," she offers as an example. Load damage prevention can be organized into four areas: packaging and pallet building, handling practices, loading practices and load configuration.Īccording to Darlene Jones, manager of cargo claims for APL Logistics (Memphis, Tenn.), even if a shipment is loaded properly, it can still sustain damage if the products were not packaged properly in the first place. Almost 60% of these unsaleables could be attributed to damaged goods. According to research conducted by Kraft Foods NA (Glenview, Ill.), one of North America's largest food companies, " unsaleable losses" in the food and grocery distribution industry totaled $2.57 billion (almost 1% of total sales) in 2004. The costs of in-transit damage to freight can also add up. 13, 1998) While incidents like this are rare, they can be very expensive. The jury awarded $2 million to the driver, and an additional $225,000 to his wife for loss of consortium. In addition, it was claimed, the defendant should have used other readily available and economically feasible load restraints, such as safety straps, air bags or other dunnage. ![]() Specifically, the plaintiff complained that the stretch wrap used to secure the cargo had been inadequate to hold the freight and prevent shifting during transportation. ![]() The driver and his wife sued Wal-Mart, alleging that its employees had failed to: 1) properly and safely load, stack, and secure the freight 2) adhere to common industry practices and standards 3) follow Federal DOT guidelines 4) train freight loaders and 5) warn of the danger of unsecured freight. He suffered internal head injuries, cognitive damage, cervical damage, a rotator cuff injury, and numerous other physical, mental and emotional problems. However, as he opened the left door, freight weighing 1,000 to 1,500 pounds fell out and landed on top of him. When he arrived at the store, he opened the trailer's right rear door to begin unloading the cargo, which appeared to be stable. In 1991 a 46-year-old truck driver was delivering freight from a distribution center to one of Wal-Mart's Sam's Club stores in Fayetteville, N.C. ![]()
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