Avoiding Claims

Almost had a claims issue because I failed to notice this. They pinned my chute to the trailer ceiling,

The load was still frozen, but outside of the customer's specs, and it was an issue. I now know to inspect the load and speak up, take pictures, and voice concern when necessary. Ultimately, it's my responsibility.

Y'all ever had issues that could have been avoided by simply paying more attention rather than hurrying away like I did in this case?

That's what we call Reefer Madness!

I think somebody made a movie about that one time.

Ducky, the short answer is “no,” I haven’t had any issues from leaving a shipper too quickly & not checking behind them. That’s the point. It would be nice to count on them loading us safely and securing the product to our high standards because, they’re professionals, right? Fact is, they’re also human, and thus prone to skipping steps, taking short-cuts, hurrying through their job for [insert reason here]. Some (most) of our shippers don’t allow us on top of our trailers while on their property; they don’t want us falling off and suing them. But since we’re usually loaded through the dome lid on top of the trailer, you better believe I don’t drive very far before stopping the truck and checking the dome lid, making sure it was closed and secured tightly. If I get 100 miles down the road and product has leaked out because the dome lid was loose, who do you think will be held responsible? I guarandamntee you it WON’T be the shipper. So yes, absolutely inspect each load you get, every time! It’ll c.y.a. while protecting your load.