Safe Truck Loading Practices in Indonesia

Loading a truck isn’t just about speed — it’s about safety, efficiency, and protecting your goods. In Indonesia, many items like rice sacks, cardboard boxes, and loose freight are still loaded manually. That’s why understanding proper loading techniques is essential to avoid product damage, workplace accidents, and traffic safety violations.

1. Key Priorities When Loading a Truck

Before starting any loading task, always consider:

Worker and driver safety
Cargo protection during transit
Logistic costs and labor efficiency
Availability of tools and infrastructure
Maximum productivity at the loading site

2. Tips for Loading Non-Palletized (Loose) Goods

Items like rice sacks, instant noodle boxes, or gallon cartons are often loaded by hand. Here’s how to improve efficiency and safety:

Use the Right Equipment: Portable conveyor belts (such as from TruckLoader)
Loading docks or ramps level with the truck bed
Keep the Truck Area Clean: check the truck floor before loading — make sure it’s dry, clean, and free from debris or sharp objects

3. Tips for Loading Palletized Goods

Weigh all loads to ensure they don’t exceed the truck’s capacity
Use pinwheel stacking for better stability
Ensure even weight distribution across the truck
Use double-fork forklifts for higher volume loading (if suitable)

4. Securing the Load

Never rely on gravity alone. Combine tools and techniques such as:

Ratchet belts or cargo straps
Load bars and corner braces
Pallet cones or edge protectors
Stretch wrap or cross-tied rope

5. Tips for Less Than Truckload (LTL) Cargo

Always palletize partial loads for easy handling
Use pyramid-shaped cardboard to discourage stacking
Stack unevenly if needed to prevent unsafe top-loading