How thorough are your trailer inspections?

A proper trailer inspection can mean the difference between a product arriving safely to its destination, or not.

Whether you are loading or unloading trailer, there are a few things that should be inspected to protect the integrity of the products going into the trailer, as well as those in the warehouse where the pallets are being unloaded.

1. Check for odor. This is likely the first thing someone will notice when opening a trailer for inspection. If the smell is off, there is probably an issue that needs to be investigated further.
2. Clean Floor. If the trailer is being loaded with product, the floors should be clean and free of debris. A flashlight should be used to check the corners for cleanliness.
3. Walls and door. Take a walk through the trailer and make sure there are no holes or jagged edges in the walls. It’s also important to check that the truck door holds a tight seal. Sometimes debris from the previous shipment can get lodged in the truck walls or under the door. That should be cleared before loading new product in.
4. No insects. Especially when it comes to food-grade products, it is imperative to do a thorough inspection for any signs of insects when loading and unloading a trailer.
5. Clean & sturdy pallets. When removing product from trailer, make sure pallets are clean before unloading them into the warehouse to avoid contaminating other products. They should also be in good, sturdy condition, so they can be safely moved.
6. Temperature control. When inspecting a refrigerated trailer, you should make sure the temperature is within the guidelines for the product you are transporting.

The best way to prevent product contamination while in transport is to have properly trained employees doing inspections. Taking the time to make sure each person has mastered what to look for will make all the difference.