Loading Dock Trailer Safety Inspection Checklist

This checklist ensures trailers at loading docks are safely secured and prepared for loading or unloading per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 Powered Industrial Trucks and applicable DOT 49 CFR trailer regulations. Designed for dock supervisors and shipping and receiving managers.

Industry: Logistics / Distribution
Frequency: Each trailer arrival
Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
Role: Dock Supervisor / Shipping and Receiving Manager
Total Items: 20
Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 Powered Industrial Trucks, DOT 49 CFR Part 390 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, ANSI MH30.1 Loading Dock Safety Requirements, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 Ladders

Trailer Securement

Trailer positioning, restraint, and landing gear checks.

Wheel chocks applied before any loading or unloading?
Vehicle restraint (ICC bar hook) engaged if available?
Landing gear down and cranked to full weight-bearing position?
Dock communication lights set to Red (dock occupied)?

Trailer Floor and Condition

Trailer floor integrity and load condition.

Trailer floor inspected for soft spots, holes, or damage before forklift entry?
Trailer floor clean and free of debris, oil, or ice?
Existing load properly braced and will not fall when doors opened?
Refrigeration unit shut off or temperature logged for reefer trailers?

Dock Leveler and Connection

Dock leveler and trailer connection to dock.

Dock leveler extended into trailer and lip seated on floor?
No excessive gap between dock leveler and trailer floor?
Dock bumpers engaged and protecting dock face?

Hazmat and Placarding

Hazardous materials identification and compliance.

Hazmat placards visible and match shipping papers?
Shipping papers / BOL reviewed for hazardous materials?
Spill containment available for any liquid cargo?

Clearance and Authorization

Authorization to begin loading or unloading.

Trailer cleared for loading / unloading - all safety checks passed?
Driver notified trailer is secured and not to pull out?
Issues identified or conditions requiring special handling

Post-Loading / Unloading

Trailer departure safety checks.

Chocks removed only after dock leveler retracted and forklift clear?
Dock communication lights set to Green before truck departure?
Trailer doors properly secured before truck pulls out?

Related Logistics Checklists

Why Use This Loading Dock Trailer Safety Inspection Checklist?

This loading dock trailer safety inspection checklist helps logistics / distribution teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for dock supervisor / shipping and receiving manager professionals, this checklist covers 20 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: each trailer arrival.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 Powered Industrial Trucks, DOT 49 CFR Part 390 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, ANSI MH30.1 Loading Dock Safety Requirements, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 Ladders. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Loading Dock Trailer Safety Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 20 inspection items across 6 sections: Trailer Securement, Trailer Floor and Condition, Dock Leveler and Connection, Hazmat and Placarding, Clearance and Authorization, Post-Loading / Unloading. It is designed for logistics / distribution operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed each trailer arrival. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

Who should use this Loading Dock Trailer Safety Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Dock Supervisor / Shipping and Receiving Manager professionals in the logistics / distribution industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.