Loading And Unloading A Dump Trailer
Materials such as pallets can now be loaded from the side.
Secure the cargo to the trailer using appropriate straps, chains and tensioning
devices. Refer to www.fmcsa.dot.gov for regulations regarding cargo
securement rules.
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! WARNING
Towing the trailer with side panel lowered creates a driving
hazard, which may result in death or serious injury.
Both side panels must be raised and locked before towing trailer.
Raise and lock side panels before towing trailer.
5.4 LOADING AND UNLOADING BULK MATERIALS
Payload Capacity: Check if the trailer has “payload” decals on the sides. If not,
then determine the payload, or cargo capacity, by subtracting the empty weight of
the trailer from the GVWR given on the Certification / VIN tag. Determine the
density of the material to be loaded and dumped so that you will know,
approximately, the amount of material may be safely loaded, carried, and dumped.
! WARNING
Trailer, hitch or dump body can fail.
You or others can die or be seriously injured.
Load in the trailer must not exceed capacity and must be
distributed evenly.
PREPARE TRAILER FOR LOADING
Couple the trailer to the towing vehicle before loading. This is essential because
the tongue can rise during loading. To measure the tongue weight you will have to
uncouple the trailer after it is loaded.
Be sure the trailer is located on firm level ground. Attempting to load on uneven
ground may cause the trailer to overturn, which can result in serious injury or
death.
Do not transport people, containers of hazardous substances, or flammable liquids.
The exception is fuel in the tank of vehicles or equipment being hauled.
/www.fmcsa.dot.gov