Live Loads 101

In this module, we'll review the process and procedure of live loads.

As a P&D driver at Service Sanitation there may be times where you’ll have multiple loads throughout a single day. In situations like these, you may need to return to the yard for more equipment. This is known as a second or third live load.

When dealing with a live load, you’ll commonly have two, and on rare occasions, three load sheets in your paperwork for the day. The first load sheet will have your start time listed at the top right-hand corner. This sheet will account for all the equipment that has already been loaded onto your truck for the day, while the second or third load sheets are used to identify equipment that will need to be loaded when you return later in the day. These can be easily identified because they’ll say “live load” under the start time. If there are multiple live loads throughout the day, they’ll then say “live load 2” or “live load 3”.

As part of your pre-trip each morning, it’s important to not only review your load sheets, but also your work orders. As you comb through your work orders, you’ll notice they’re listed in numerical order 1 through 15+. If you come across work orders starting with a 2 in front of them, such as number 21 or 31, this means these work orders can’t be completed until you return to pick up your second or third loads. The 2 in twenty-one stands for load 2, stop 1 and the 3 in thirty-one stands for load 3, stop 1. It’s important you familiarize yourself with your work for the day and never run your work out of order without first contacting dispatch.

As a reminder, when you return to the yard for your second load, the yard team is typically monitoring your location via GPS. When you arrive, you’ll need to pull into the back of the yard and the yard team will begin loading your truck accordingly. If no one is around when you first pull in, you’ll need to check in at the yard trailer. Additionally, the yard team will have a copy of your load sheet so they’ll know exactly what you need.

As the forklift operator is loading your truck, you as the driver will need to play the role of pusher, inspecting each restroom as it’s being loaded onto your truck, ensuring it’s functional and clean. If something doesn’t check out, make sure you let the yard personnel know so they can swap it out. Once loaded, you’ll need to push your restrooms into position, interlock them accordingly, and ensure the appropriate number of straps are being used. Once all checks out, you may head to your next stop.