Money sauing tips on truck loading

IIAKING every pound count lUlwhile following all the safety rules and precautions for loading a truck with materials for job site delivery should be the aim of every dollarwise retail operation.

Weight limits and safety must overrule any impulse to pack on another unit of plywood or lumber. However, there are ways to get more on a truck without exceeding the allowed weight.

The Memphis, Tn., GeorgiaPacific building materials distribution center has figured it out. When they can't add another unit of plywood or lumber, they find room for lightweight products such as fiberglass insulation or foamboard.

"It's a way to add extra dollars to a truck without going over its weight limit," says branch manager Gerald Bennett. "By loading more insulation, for example, we can add $150 to $200 in gross profit to an already loaded truck."

A truck is typically loaded with plywood, lumber and other products in its front and back portions, leaving room in the middle for insulation, foamboard and other light products to create a balanced load, he points out.

His crew is equally creative in finding a way to keep the lightweight rolls of fiberglass insulation in place. Instead of using a tie down or a tarp, they throw a net over the load.

"We bought two large mesh nets to throw over the load," says Fred Huey, warehouse superintendent. "We tie the net down with four-inch rubber straps, which keep the fiberglass secure. The tarpaulins we were using were too dangerous because you had to climb up on the load to put them on."

If the insulation comes shrinkwrapped in units of eight or nine bags, rubber straps are enough to hold it, providing the gauge of the shrinkwrap plastic is strong enough, Huey adds. But the net is used for loose rolls of insulation and other light materials not easily secured

Story at a Glance

How to get $150 to $2fi1 more out of a delivery. waysto load a truck fior safety, weight limits, maximum cargo... using a net with straps to securc lightweight items.

with a normal tie down.

Avoiding damage or breakage of materials on a load is another dollar saver. Plastic or paper wrapped lumber and plywood can normally be secured without damage. Unprotected material should be tied down carefully to prevent breakage or damage with padding to avoid load shifting.

Other loading tips that save money: distributing the load properly to save tire damage and excess wear; avoiding driving on lawns or causing property damage.

Loading Checklist

! Driver supervising loading process.

L--r Material stacked so that it does not interfere with normal operation of vehicle.

l.-r No part of load extending beyond sides of vehicle.

tt Warning signs or flags in place as well as other necessary precautions to prevent danger to trallic or damage to vehicle.

tl Load properly distributed, checked, flagged, tied down or otherwise secured.

I Load distributed so as to avoid damage to tires.

L: Sideboards or stakes, rear gates in place to avoid load shifting.

Lt Full length finished lumber evenly balanced on bottom tier.

t. Random thickness pieces secured with binder.

I Bands, straps or rope binders applied with proper strapping tools.

t--r Pads in place to avoid load shiftlng.

n Unloading and placement at job site to be supervised by customer.

I Reminder to not drive on lawn or private driveway if possible, avoid damage to gates, etc.