Ethics at the Docks

Abuse of drivers at loading docks, especially from receivers, is a huge cause of driver turnover and job dissatisfaction. To reduce time spent at shipper and receiver docks and improve treatment of drivers, the Alexandria, Va.-based Truckload Carriers Association has updated and revised its “Shipper, Receiver, Carrier, Driver Code of Ethics and Good Business Practices.”

The code might be helpful in addressing loading-dock issues with drivers, dispatchers, fleet managers, shippers, and receivers.

SHIPPERS/RECEIVERS WILL:

A. Treat drivers with courtesy and respect. 1. Provide drivers access to safe, clean, well-lit restrooms, water, and other comfort facilities. 2. Provide drivers an environment that is free of harassment and discrimination. 3. Encourage and accept drivers’ suggestions on service improvements. 4. Never solicit gifts or favors in return for preferential treatment.

B. Assure safe practices are followed. 1. Co-operate with the carrier in establishing reasonable transit time requirements that comply with driver hours-of-service regulations and speed limits. 2. Load shipments within legal limits of size and weight; equipment will not knowingly be overloaded. 3. Assure that hazardous materials are packed in proper containers, loaded, and stowed; proper shipping documents prepared; and labels and placards applied to containers and vehicles in conformance with regulations. 4. Tender the cargo at the requisite temperature, where appropriate, to avert temperature abuse. 5. Pre-cool trailers to the proper transit temperature when the shipper controls the trailer (e.g., “drop and hook”). 6. Keep parking lots and unloading areas clear (to prevent delays and injuries). 7. Communicate to carriers and drivers any site-specific hazards that may be present at their facility. 8. Communicate to carriers the specific type of material-handling equipment they expect drivers to operate. 9. Ensure the stability of trucks via wheel chocks, dock locks, etc. 10. Respect the driver’s opinion regarding his/her safety and safety procedures that need to be followed.

C. Foster honesty, fairness, and openness in their dealings with carriers. 1. Strive to build a solid business relationship by negotiating honestly. 2. Select carriers and routing decisions based upon service/price/performance benefits to the shipper and its customers. 3. Establish loading/unloading requirements, responsibility for used pallets, and use and payment of lumpers (where required by law) with the carrier. 4. Maintain the lawful confidentiality of carrier data. 5. Never offer or solicit gifts or favors in return for preferential treatment in rates, availability of equipment, delivery of products, or approval of claims.

D. Expedite the movement of equipment. 1. Promptly load/unload trucks that arrive on schedule. Co-operate in loading/unloading trucks that arrive early or late or without an appointment. 2. Do not unreasonably refuse to reschedule if circumstances change. 3. Keep docks as clear as possible. 4. Allow drivers to clean trailers and discard packaging material that was part of the load being delivered, as long as disposal facilities are available. 5. If dock space is temporarily unavailable, make arrangements to contact drivers when a space becomes available, without the necessity for the driver to remain physically in a queue. 6. For drop-and-hook situations, ensure that an empty trailer is available for immediate pickup. 7. Expedite accurate paperwork. 8. Provide a mechanism for honest feedback on performance-related issues. 9. Maintain reasonable hours for loading and unloading. 10. Be responsibile for loading and unloading. 11. Offer clear driving instructions to the shipper’s place of business.

DRIVERS WILL:

A. Treat shipping and receiving personnel with courtesy and respect. 1. Keep scheduled appointments or call ahead to request a changed appointment. 2. Explain the need to unload vehicles promptly. 3. Place vehicles, to the extent safe and feasible, at the locations requested. 4. Keep the area around the vehicle clean; discard trash, packing, etc., only in available approved containers with the permission of the shipper/receiver. 5. Look and act as professionals. 6. Never offer gifts or favors in return for preferential treatment in loading or unloading of equipment.

B. Maintain safe practices. 1. Do not overload equipment when driver is responsible for loading. 2. Inspect hazardous materials; assure that the vehicle bears placards in accordance with hazardous-materials transportation regulations. 3. Operate the motor vehicle in accordance with regulations. 4. Observe shipper/receiver restricted areas, safety practices, and any requirement for wearing protective devices. 5. Inspect all vehicles’ cargo and load-securing devices prior to departure, and periodically during the course of transportation, and cause any adjustments to be made that are necessary to maintain the security of the load unless inspection is impracticable. 6. Understand and be prepared to meet unique service requirements. Be trained and knowledgeable of the products handled, and how to act in an emergency. 7. Be trained on hazard identification and communicate identified hazards to the shipper/receiver.

CARRIER PERSONNEL WILL:

A. Negotiate honestly with shippers. 1. Strive to build a solid business relationship with shipper/receiver. 2. Sell services that are capable of being executed and will be honored by carrier management. 3. Maintain the lawful confidentiality of shipper data. 4. Quote transit times that can clearly be achieved within hours-of-service regulations and prevailing speed limits. 5. Clearly communicate the rates and conditions of service, including any limitations on cargo liability. 6. Agree to rates where applicable or required, maintain on file in an accessible manner, [information] required to be in tariffs or maintained in file. 7. Provide equipment that is clean, watertight, and in good condition in accordance with commitments. 8. Never offer or solicit gifts or favors in return for preferential treatment in rates, availability of equipment, delivery of products, or approval of claims.

B. Provide safe, efficient transport services. 1. Deliver shipments on time (when loaded on time and with reasonable transit time). 2. Inform the shipper and receiver of the driver’s available hours of service. 3. Do not accept freight for redelivery from consignees. 4. Do not take on expenses to be assessed to shipper without consent. 6. Operate in accordance with regulations to proactively minimize risk to carrier, shipper, receiver, driver, and public. 7. Teach dispatchers and drivers about customer operational guidelines. 8. Give clear instructions to drivers as to service and contract requirements expected by shippers and receivers.

To reach the TCA, call 703/838-1950 or visit the group online at www.truckload.org.