As a truck driver, you know that the time you spend at a shipper’s pick-up point is key to positioning the rest of your trip for success. Without thorough preparation, a domino effect of safety concerns, paperwork issues, and avoidable delays can occur.
At Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), we have nearly seven decades of experience helping drivers have safe, efficient trips. We know that sparing a few minutes to double- (or even triple!) check important details can not only save you time and hassle in the long run — it can preserve your safety and that of the load.
That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive checklist specifically for truckers to ensure every critical step is covered before you start your journey.
We’ll break down the essential steps into three key sections: safety, documentation, and trip planning. Each section is packed with actionable tips and best practices to ensure that you leave every pick-up location prepared for the road ahead.
Whether you're a seasoned driver or new to the industry, following this guide will help you answer the question “What do I need to do before I leave a pick-up location?” with confidence.
So, before you shift into gear and head for your delivery, make sure you’ve checked off every item on this list — your safety and efficiency depend on it.
Safety
Safety is a priority for truckers at every stage of a load’s journey. Before leaving a shipper, it’s essential to perform several key safety checks, including securing the load, preparing the vehicle, and completing a thorough pre-trip inspection.
By taking these precautions, truck drivers can minimize the risk of accidents, equipment failures, and compliance issues.
Let’s take a look at the safety checklist items we’d recommend to any driver before they leave a shipper.
Load Security
Secure the load according to Department of Transportation (DOT) and company regulations. Apply and secure tarps, if applicable. Lock trailer doors at the top, if applicable.
Securing your load is the first and most crucial step in ensuring a safe journey.
As a truck driver, you are responsible for making sure that your freight is properly secured according to both DOT and carrier company regulations.
Failing to secure your load can lead to accidents, fines, and even damage to the cargo, which is why it’s vital to take the time to do it right.
Start by double-checking that all cargo is tightly secured with the appropriate straps, chains, or other securement devices.
If your load requires tarps, make sure they're applied correctly and secured properly. A loose tarp can put stress on your securing devices, potentially lead to shifting or damage, or even fly off completely and pose a serious hazard to other drivers.
Finally, unsecured doors can lead to cargo loss and safety risks for other vehicles. If your trailer or container has doors, be sure to double-check that they are locked — including the top set of locks, if applicable.
Vehicle Preparation
Complete pre-trip inspection on truck and trailer. Adjust tandems, if applicable. Remove wheel chocks, if applicable.
Before hitting the road, conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection by checking fluid levels, tires, lights, brakes, suspension, coupling devices, and the trailer to ensure everything is in optimal working condition and properly secured.
Depending on your load and route, you may need to adjust the tandem axles on your trailer. Proper tandem placement helps to balance the load and distribute weight more evenly across the axles, which is critical for maintaining stability and complying with weight regulations.
Make sure you understand how to adjust the tandems for optimal performance based on your load’s distribution and the driving conditions you’ll encounter.
Once your load is secure and the trailer is ready to move, it’s time to remove the wheel chocks and move on to your last few checks.
Departure Checks
Identify the nearest scale for weight checks. Upon receiving a green light, ensure that the dock plate is retracted and the dock door is closed.
Once all the above load securement and vehicle preparation steps are complete, all that’s left to do are your final pre-departure checks.
Be sure to identify your nearest scale station before you leave the pick-up location. You may not have any concerns regarding your loaded weight, but when in doubt, weigh it out. Head to the closest scale to confirm your weight and avoid a ticket.
As you’re waiting to be given the OK to leave the loading dock, remember that sometimes green lights are given accidentally or in error. While you may be eager to shift into gear once you see green, it’s safer for you, your load, and the dock workers if you pause.
Walk to the back of your truck to verify that the dock plate has been retracted and that the dock door has been closed. Once you have confirmed these steps have been completed, you can rest assured that you’re well and truly ready to leave the dock.
Finally, take advantage of your walk back to your cab by doing one last inspection. Check that all lights are functioning, tires are properly inflated, and there are no visible issues that could affect your trip.
These last looks can help you spot anything you might have missed, giving you peace of mind that your load is secure and you’re ready to hit the road.
Documentation and Load Details
We get it: Nobody loves doing paperwork.
But by taking the time to make sure all documentation is correct, complete, and signed, drivers can minimize the risk of errors that could lead to delays, disputes, and general confusion and frustration.
Here’s a run-down of the documentation and load detail verification steps we recommend taking before leaving a shipper.
Load Verification
Double-check quantities. Inspect pre-loaded trailers thoroughly, if applicable. Double-check seal numbers against those on your paperwork, if applicable.
Verifying your load before departure ensures that what you're hauling matches the shipper's expectations and your documentation. Confirm that the quantity of the items loaded matches what is listed on the bill of lading (BOL) and other shipping documents.
Even a small discrepancy can cause issues at delivery, so ensure that everything is accounted for before you leave the pick-up location.
If you're picking up a pre-loaded trailer, inspect it thoroughly before departure. Look for any signs of damage, improper loading, or unsecured/poorly-secured cargo.
Remember: Even though you didn’t load the trailer yourself, you are responsible for the load’s condition once it’s hitched to your truck.
If your load includes sealed containers or trailers, check that the seal numbers listed on your paperwork match the physical seals on the cargo.
Paperwork is the other side of the load verification coin, so let’s examine those steps next.
Documentation
Ensure all paperwork is correct and signed. Verify that the address and BOL number on your paperwork match your workflow data. Enter the trailer number and BOL number into your electronic logging device (ELD).
Start by reviewing all shipping documents to ensure they are accurate and complete. See that all fields are filled out correctly, including the shipper's and consignee’s names, addresses, and any special instructions.
Properly signed paperwork is proof that the load was received as described and protects you from liability in the case of any discrepancies later. This typically includes signatures from the shipper and from the driver, acknowledging receipt of the load —so make sure you’ve signed, too!
Double-check that all necessary signatures are present before you leave the shipper. It can be helpful to mark with an “X” the areas where the shipper needs to sign to ensure no signatures are missed and to avoid confusion.
Next, confirm that the delivery address and BOL number on the paperwork match the information in your workflow data.
Discrepancies in addresses or BOL numbers can cause confusion or mis-deliveries, so this is a critical step in getting where you’re going!
Finally, before departing, enter the trailer number and BOL number into your ELD. This step is vital to a successful DOT inspection, but also in guaranteeing that all load-related information is accurately recorded and readily accessible.
Trip Planning
Trip planning is a truck driver’s first line of defense against the unexpected.
While it takes a fair bit of time and effort, thorough and thoughtful trip planning can help drivers avoid common pitfalls, ensure timely deliveries, and stay within hours-of-service (HOS) limits, ultimately leading to a safer and more efficient journey.
Here are the trip planning steps we recommend for setting yourself up for success while out on the road.
Route Confirmation
Confirm your route and delivery location. Use Google Maps to view the receiver’s location via satellite and identify your entrance point. Cross-check the route with two or three GPS systems to ensure accuracy, especially for newer facilities. Check traffic, weather, and road conditions.
A well-planned route reduces the chances of getting lost or encountering unexpected road conditions, helping you stay on schedule.
So, first things first: Before you leave a pick-up, confirm the delivery location and the route you’ll take to get there. Verify the address and ensure it matches what’s listed in your paperwork and ELD system.
After you’ve confirmed the correct address for your delivery, it’s time to plug it into your primary GPS. Compare the route provided with other mapping tools or apps to find the most efficient and accurate route.
Google Maps is usually the most accurate option for this, and ideal for visualizing your destination with built-in features like Street View. Use it to identify the correct receiving entrance or to find local landmarks to help guide you during the last mile.
Of course, Google Maps isn’t the only tool available to you, nor should it be the only one you use.
Each GPS will have different features and capabilities, so we recommend cross-checking your route against multiple sources to ensure you have the best possible route — and to minimize the risk of running into unexpected obstacles or delays.
This is especially important when your destination is a newer facility that may not be listed accurately (if at all!) and when navigating complex areas like cities or industrial zones where routes can vary.
Finally, take a moment to check current traffic conditions, weather forecasts, and any road construction or closures along your route. Be sure to also check for any potential restrictions that might affect your route, such as low bridges or weight limits.
Staying informed about these factors helps you make real-time adjustments to your plan and avoid unnecessary delays.
Schedule Management
Confirm your delivery time and check for any updates. Verify any pre-planned loads for after your current delivery. Plan out your stops.
So much in the transportation industry comes down to timing, and successful deliveries are no exception. Double-check your scheduled delivery time, making sure it aligns with your planned route and any HOS requirements.
If you anticipate any delays — or if you can make it to your delivery earlier than originally planned — communicate these changes as early as possible to your dispatcher and customer.
Keeping everyone informed helps manage expectations, and goes a long way toward maintaining good relationships with customers.
If you have pre-planned loads scheduled after your current delivery, take a moment to review those plans. Confirm the pick-up location, route, and delivery time for the next load, ensuring that your current trip schedule is setting you up for success on the next.
Proper coordination of multiple loads ensures that you maximize your driving hours, minimize downtime, and reduce the risk of conflicts between deliveries.
Finally, planning your stops is crucial for staying within HOS limits and maintaining your safety on the road.
Identify suitable times and locations for breaks, fueling, and load checks along your route, prioritizing safe parking and availability of services like showers and food.
To maximize the value of your stops and minimize risk, here are some factors to consider:
- Are you optimizing your clock usage?
- Have you identified two or three overnight parking options, if necessary?
- Have you accounted for time zone changes, if applicable?
- What time will you have to start driving the next day to ensure on-time delivery?
Ultimately, by planning your stops in advance, you reduce the risk of running out of HOS and ensure that you can rest safely — both of which are vital components of a successful trip.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions
This last note is less of a checklist item and more of a golden rule: If you have any doubts or questions at any point, ask.
Whether it’s confirming details with the shipper or receiver, or communicating with your driver manager (DM) or dispatcher, these touch-points help prevent misunderstandings and mistakes.
Never hesitate to double-check your work or verify instructions if something doesn’t seem right. It’s better to quickly confirm a detail now than run into (avoidable) issues.
So: Call your DM or dispatcher, ask the shipper on-site — do whatever you need to get the confirmation necessary to set your mind at ease on the next leg of your trip. Maintaining open lines of communication will help you handle any uncertainties with confidence and ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Become an Expert Trip Planner
Once your truck is loaded, it’s understandable to be eager to get back on the road. But following a comprehensive checklist before you leave the shipper can make all the difference between a smooth, trouble-free trip and one fraught with complications.
By diligently adhering to safety protocols, ensuring paperwork accuracy, and planning your route with care, you are making an investment in your success.
That investment of time and energy is an investment well-spent. Each of these steps is essential in preventing unexpected delays, avoiding disputes and discrepancies, and facilitating an overall smoother trip.
Beyond the tangible steps like inspecting your trailer or entering accurate data, best practices like double-checking your work, staying informed, and communicating effectively will help you be fully prepared for whatever lies ahead.
By using this checklist as a resource, you can drive with confidence knowing that you’ve done everything possible to ensure a safe and efficient journey.
Looking for even more ways to up your trip optimization game? Check out our article Trip Planning for Truck Drivers: 6 Tips for Success.
It dives even deeper into the trip planning considerations we discussed above and provides actionable tips, tools, and best practices to help you become an expert trip planner.
