On March 4, a FedEx Ground employee was involved in an accident during a trailer dock pull. (This was NOT at the Denver HUB) The details as to what occurred are still being investigated; however, one known fact is that this incident resulted in a tragic fatality. Please read below some tips and procedures to follow when pulling a trailer from the door!
FMCSA Regulations
Per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Part 392.9(b)) and guidance, operators are required to:
- Perform examinations of the cargo and load-securing devices.
- Ensure that the cargo is properly loaded and secure before operating the vehicle.
- Be familiar with methods and procedures for securing cargo and may have to adjust the cargo or load securing device.
Mobile Trip App
Mobile Trip App contains safety features to help reduce risk when pulling a trailer from the dock.
- A yellow header will pop up when the Yard Map is used to caution TSP operators not to hook up to a trailer that’s on the door.
- When Mobile Trip App signals that the Trailer Status reflects CLOSED, you need to get out of the truck and check to ensure the trailer is empty and secure prior to pulling it from a dock.
Another driver mentioned one morning when checking in on trip buddy that the door showed closed. He then went to check, and the door was open. Let’s please make sure you are getting out of the tractor EVERY time to ensure that the door is closed.
Stay vigilant, be kind and please don’t drive tired!
