quad decade guy
Well-Known Member
Department of Public Safety(State Troopers): Retained loads do not apply to our operations with 2 exceptions- (1)Hazmat must be blocked so as not to spill or cause loss of containment. (2) Any object(could literally be anything) that could cause a load shift or depart the container(trailer)(out of the back or side) must be retained. I have been Level 1 DOT'd several times......no inspector asked me to open a sealed trailer. This is my experience.
The trooper(Sergeant) went on to say the use of retainers by UPS is UPS's policy or procedure construct.
Ok.
Now, I started this journey because of a very noticeable and deliberate change in procedures at my Hub. About the time Covid started, my Hub just quit using load retainers. And they became very militant and combative on the subject. With no support from our Feeder Mgt. No support from the Union.
I started with the Safety Committee. An investigation by Mgt. and Safety Co-Chair/Union Steward was started. The conclusion? The trailer was the retainer with a closed door. That's it. The Company has said this all along. Verified by DPS.
What else is there to do or say? My new procedure is to do exactly that......I do not use load retainers....
Some notes....safety was never a consideration. Except that using the door to shield falling pkgs was up to the employee and have been trained as such. In effect, affixing blame to the employee in case of injury. Like automated irreg. trains. Up to you to get out of the way. UPS used to care about damages.....this was given no consideration either. I asked(DPS) about the 100 mile equipment checks....nope doesn't apply to our operations. Note: Our District has begun cracking down on this.
Now, for all you 2 million mile types and the rest that are "sure" about this reg......I don't know what to say. Except that if you cause a load to be missed or such......because you refused a load...for a load retainer.....you might be surprised at the panel. No? I would respectfully encourage you to create your own investigation. Mine is complete.
The trooper(Sergeant) went on to say the use of retainers by UPS is UPS's policy or procedure construct.
Ok.
Now, I started this journey because of a very noticeable and deliberate change in procedures at my Hub. About the time Covid started, my Hub just quit using load retainers. And they became very militant and combative on the subject. With no support from our Feeder Mgt. No support from the Union.
I started with the Safety Committee. An investigation by Mgt. and Safety Co-Chair/Union Steward was started. The conclusion? The trailer was the retainer with a closed door. That's it. The Company has said this all along. Verified by DPS.
What else is there to do or say? My new procedure is to do exactly that......I do not use load retainers....
Some notes....safety was never a consideration. Except that using the door to shield falling pkgs was up to the employee and have been trained as such. In effect, affixing blame to the employee in case of injury. Like automated irreg. trains. Up to you to get out of the way. UPS used to care about damages.....this was given no consideration either. I asked(DPS) about the 100 mile equipment checks....nope doesn't apply to our operations. Note: Our District has begun cracking down on this.
Now, for all you 2 million mile types and the rest that are "sure" about this reg......I don't know what to say. Except that if you cause a load to be missed or such......because you refused a load...for a load retainer.....you might be surprised at the panel. No? I would respectfully encourage you to create your own investigation. Mine is complete.