Getting the most bang for your buck is always wise, including inside the trailer. You want to take advantage of every inch possible.

But trailer efficiency is more than maximizing the space. It also includes optimizing loading and unloading to help trailer utilization and keep employees and freight safe.

Danielle Davies, a Supply Chain Manager at Amazon, has more than 30 years of industry experience in transportation, overseeing shipments of everything from kids’ clothing to kitchen cabinets. Throughout her career, Davies has learned best practices and tricks for using trailers to their fullest potential while prioritizing safety.

There are variables that apply to every load, and shippers should always rely on their loading guides for specific instructions, but Davies shares some general guidance she applies to freight.

1. Think like a Tetris player
Loading a trailer is a game of spatial awareness, with workers constantly evaluating shapes and making immediate decisions on where products should go while thinking about what still needs to be packed.

Put the pieces together: With floor loading—the process of loading goods or cargo onto the floor—the goal is to stack all the shapes together while eliminating any gaps. As an overall best practice, larger, heavier freight goes on the bottom, and smaller packages go on top. Air bags or dunnage can fill empty spaces and the top of the trailer to keep the product from moving while the truck is on the road.

Go vertical: While floor space is valuable, remember to look up. Stacking pallets in particular is one way to take advantage of trailer space as long as the pallets are braced or shrink-wrapped properly. Pallets need to be wrapped from the bottom to the top, not just once or twice, to ensure the containers don't shift in transit. Start at the bottom and wrap it high and tight, being sure to also get down low and loop under the pallet so the freight is attached. When the team that eventually unloads the trailer opens up its doors, you don’t want anything falling out on them.

Turn to tech: There’s always a tech angle with freight these days. Various tools and technologies can guide workers on the optimal loading process, ensuring efficiency and that trailers comply with any loading restrictions. However, weight and dimensional information systems must draw on current information. Otherwise, plans that are great in theory won't work when executed.

2. Rely on pallets
Pallets provide more options for loading a trailer and streamline the entire process. A 53-foot trailer typically holds 26 pallets, depending on the pallet size and the product’s weight. Pallets can be “brick layered” or stacked in an interlocking pattern like bricks in a wall, creating a stable and secure load.

Just pay attention to the type of pallets you’re using and think about whoever will eventually be unloading it. Some pallets have openings on only two sides for forklift forks to be inserted into. “I see a lot of forklift operators load a pallet, then turn it, hiding the opening” Davies says. “When it comes time to remove the pallet, the operator doing the unloading will have trouble because he or she can’t easily get their forks into it.” If the operator has to spend time jostling the pallet around, that can create a safety hazard, so it pays to keep this all in mind.

3. Watch your weight (and balance)
Truck weights, as well as the weight distribution of the cargo being transported, significantly impact the stability and safety of every load.

Don’t exceed your limits: Trucks must comply with weight regulations, which can affect how much actual freight goes into the trailer. To help, purchase orders list the cargo’s weight. The shipping dock must also know the truck’s specifications, such as if it is a king-cab sleeper or has aerodynamic devices or other technology that adds extra pounds. If loads are overweight, equipment can be placed out of service, delaying delivery.

Balance it out: In addition to monitoring the total weight of the load, the freight needs to be balanced across the trailer. Load guides designed by seasoned dock workers or engineers can tell workers what to put in the nose and what goes in the center, sides, etc. A well-balanced load helps ensure a safer transit and limits the wear-and-tear on equipment.

Safety and security
The tips above reinforce that keeping employees safe is the most important aspect when loading, moving, or unloading a trailer. Cargo securement is critical. Improperly secured cargo creates hazards for the driver and other vehicles on the road. Shifting freight can cause the trailer to sway or overturn. Plus, freight that has moved or come loose can come tumbling out when drivers open the doors to unload.

Tap into Amazon
The proper planning and organization can increase efficiency, improve safety, and reduce the risk of damage. If you’re interested in working with Amazon Freight to move your loads safely and securely, get started by creating an account.