Unloading Operations.

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

material received, and the physical characteristics of the

(1) Railcar demurrage charges are assessed

receiving area. If unloading is to be accomplished at a

for the detention of freight cars on the basis of a

dock level warehouse platform, a bridge plate or some

specified amount per car-day. Shippers or consignees

type of mechanical or hydraulic dock leveler may be

who detain cars for loading, unloading, or furnishing

used to permit entry of unloading equipment into the

orders to the carriers beyond the free time allowed by

carrier. Extensive conveyors may also be used at dock

carrier tariffs are required to pay the lawfully published

level warehouse platforms. If the warehouse platform is

charge. Specific questions related to railcar demurrage

at ground level, a portable platform may be used to aid

should be referred to the installation transportation

in unloading by forklift truck. Also, a portable ramp may

officer to ensure that current charges and rules are

be used to allow entry of a forklift truck into the carrier.

considered.

(5) Supplies which will move to the storage

(2) Truck detention rules and penalty charges

location either directly from the carrier or from the

vary with individual trucking concerns and locations.

receiving area, should be palletized while in the carrier

Specific questions must be referred to the carrier freight

or as the receipt is offloaded from the carrier.

traffic office.

(a) In placing containers on pallets

within the carrier, the aim must be toward maximum

3-4. Unloading Operations.

palletization (or unitization) so that the unloading

operation can be accomplished as rapidly and efficiently

a. Each unloading operation requires planning and

as possible. During the stage of the operations, the

on-the-spot supervision. The unloading of supplies

supervisor should make certain that the appropriate

should be compatible with the procedures involved in

pallet pattern is used. (See pallet pattern selection table

tally-in and inspection of the receipt. In general, the

(table 3-1) and pattern outline table (table 3-2). For

mechanics of unloading supplies will vary according to

further information on palletization, see MILSTD-147,

the type of carrier, type and weight of supplies, type of

Palletized Unit Loads.)

unloading facility, and MHE available.

(b) The pattern should be reversed on

b. The general unloading sequence described

successive layers so that containers will interlock and be

below is applicable to supplies received by railcar or

tied together. Protection of personnel, consideration of

motor truck.

container strength, the size of the door opening, and

capacity of equipment affect the size of the pallet load.

(1) Before a sealed railcar or truck is opened,

the seal must be checked for condition and serial

positioned so that the identification markings are visible

number. If the seal is broken or missing or if, in the

at the outer rows of the pallet load. Proper palletization

case of exclusive use of van shipments and railcar

upon receipt permits warehousing with a minimum of

shipments, the serial numbers do not agree, an

delay.

annotation should be made on the documentation and in

(6) A forklift truck must have a limited

the case of sensitive cargo, the transportation office and

collapsed mast height to enter a conveyance to remove

security office should be notified prior to unloading.

the supplies. Generally, a forklift truck with a capacity

(2) Railcar doors are opened by a device

of 2,000 or 4,000 pounds and a collapsed mast height of

similar to that illustrated in chapter 4, section II. Federal

83 inches or less can be used for unloading railcars,

safety regulations specifically prohibit the use of forklift

trucks, or intermodal containers. However, the floor

trucks to open railcar doors even when the doors are

strength of carrier equipment must be checked to assure

equipped with "pockets" to provide for this type of

that the floor can support the equipment and load.

operation. Truck doors are opened manually by the

Forklift trucks should not be used in semivans unless

truckdriver. Doors must always be opened so that

the tractor is in place or suitable jacks are in place to

personnel are protected against falling containers or

prevent the van from upending. Because of size

items.

limitations, a 4,000-pound forklift truck with a collapsed

(3) A preliminary inspection should be made

mast height of 91 inches is the largest that can normally

when the carrier's equipment is opened. If there is

be used for direct railcar unloading, and a 4,000-pound

obvious evidence of shortage or damage, the unloading

forklift truck with a collapsed mast height of 83 inches is

operation should be suspended, if practical, pending

the largest that can be used for direct motortruck

inspection by the carrier's representative.

unloading.

(4) The method of entry into the carrier for

unloading depends upon the type of carrier, type of

3-2