Eliminating Shortages & Damages

    Few commodities are more fragile than fruits and vegetables. Incorrect handling accounts for huge shortages and losses each year. You have to be sure that drivers and handlers know how to do it right.

    L&M Transportation Services, Inc. in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been doing it right for more than two decades. President Boe Davis uses the following checklist with drivers, to be sure everyone is on the same page about what needs to be done.

You are welcome to adopt the checklist for your own company's use, if you are in the produce business. If not, you might use the list as a guide in how to eliminate shortages and damages in the products you do handle.

1. Pulp products at loading - Report any temperatures over 40 degrees.

2. Count product at loading! Know the tie/high and the number of pallets loaded.

3. Check condition of boxes - Report trouble!

4. Secure load with load locks! If boxes stacked straight up (not tied), turn pallets.

5. Check bills - have any quantity changes initialed and note who made the change (shipper/receiver).

6. Make sure shipper changes his copy also.

7. Have temperature (to be maintained) on bills.

8. Must have Temperature Recorder on all CA and AZ loads.

9. Who is responsible for pallet charge (shipper, receiver or truck)?

10. Visually check load daily for leaning pallets, damaged boxes, etc.

11. Regularly check refrigeration thermostat and trailer temperatures.

12. Have pulp thermometer in rear of trailer, and check 2+ times a day.

13. Count product at unloading.

14. Check bills thoroughly for all signatures and quantity changes.

    * If two or more receivers are signing for product on the same bill, make sure every box is accounted for.*