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Dry Van Load Shift Checklist

Use this checklist to reduce enclosed-trailer load shift risk and improve documentation.

Risk: medium Last reviewed: Indexable

Quick Answer

Use this checklist to reduce enclosed-trailer load shift risk and improve documentation.

How to use this checklist

Use this checklist at pickup when freight is visible, and at delivery when load shift is suspected. For sealed loads, most items will note an inspection limit rather than a checked condition.

This checklist is a planning and documentation aid, not a compliance determination. Adapt it to your carrier's policy, the shipper's instructions, and applicable equipment manufacturer guidance.

At pickup

Check the freight visible through the open doors: pallet condition, wrap and band integrity, load pattern, weight distribution, height at the rear, and any blocking or load bar use. Note visible exceptions on the bill of lading before signing.

Record seal number, who applied it, and whether the driver was present for loading. Note gross weight and axle distribution from scale tickets. Confirm doors close without freight pressure before departure.

At delivery — when load shift is suspected

Before opening the doors, photograph the door condition, seal, and any visible exterior sign of a problem. If doors show pressure or bulging, follow site and company safety procedures before opening.

After opening: photograph the initial load condition before unloading begins. Note leaning stacks, collapsed pallets, loose load bars, missing airbags, or any freight touching the doors. Record the seal status (intact or missing) and report through the required company channel.

Printable Workflow Checklist

Before pickup

  • Ask whether the driver may inspect the loaded trailer before sealing.
  • Check visible pallet pattern, pallet condition, wrap, bands, gaps, and top-heavy freight.
  • Confirm load bars, straps, airbags, blocking, or bracing are allowed for the trailer and freight.

Before leaving

  • Record seal number, who applied it, and any shipper load-and-count notation.
  • Confirm doors close without freight pressure or visible damage.
  • Scale the load when required and address weight issues before departure.

Before delivery

  • Check seal condition before doors are opened.
  • If freight is pressing against doors, stop and follow safe unloading and reporting procedures.
  • Photograph visible shift or damage when policy and site rules allow.

Practical Notes

Use this checklist as a prompt to support your own review, not a replacement for it. Carrier policy, shipper instructions, site conditions, and the current regulation may add requirements not listed here.

Primary Sources / References

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