When you’re hauling aggregates like sand, gravel, or crushed rock, the job isn’t just about driving; it’s also about loading and dumping safely and following plant‑site rules. This article is designed for owner‑operators in the end‑dump business, and includes steps you should take before you enter a plant or quarry.
Site Entry & PPE Required Before Entering a Plant
Before you ever pull into a yard, make sure you meet standard safety requirements. Our customers emphasize a “Safety First” culture and require all haulers to comply with PPE and site rules.
Standard PPE includes:
- Hard hat
- High-visibility safety vest
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Work gloves (cut‑resistant preferred)
- Steel-toe boots
- Hearing protection (if specified by the plant)
Why this matters: Dust, flying rock fragments, heavy equipment, and shifting loads all create hazards in aggregate yards.
Always check for additional site-specific rules at check-in and be prepared to show proper insurance and credentials.
Pre-Loading Safety Checklist
Before you load any material, take a few minutes to run through a walkaround and mechanical check:
- Clean out your bed completely. You should never load a new material (such as sand) on top of leftover gravel or rock.
- Check the bed liner, floor, tailgate, and hoist system for cracks, damage, or debris.
- Inspect hydraulic lines for leaks or signs of wear.
- Confirm tire pressure and look for sidewall damage.
- Verify the load type, destination, and material weight limits with dispatch or plant staff.
- Position your truck in a safe, visible spot before loading begins. Stay clear of loader paths.
Loading Best Practices
- Ask the loader to distribute the material evenly from front to back. Uneven loads can cause axle stress or rollover during dumping.
- Stay in your truck unless instructed otherwise. If you must get out, stay alert to equipment movement.
- Keep your bed lowered unless actively dumping. Never travel with the bed up.
Dumping Safely and Preventing Rollovers
Dumping is when most end-dump rollovers occur. Follow these best practices:
- Only dump on flat, compacted surfaces. Never dump on soft shoulders or slopes.
- Before raising the bed, check for overhead obstructions like tree limbs, power lines, or structures.
- Engage your PTO and lift the bed slowly, monitoring how the material releases.
- If material sticks partway through the dump, lower the bed and clear it manually using safe tools and procedures. Never attempt to shake it loose by driving forward with the bed raised.
- Remain in the cab with your seatbelt on while dumping. Never walk behind or under a raised bed.
- Use trailer safety props if your trailer is equipped and you need to inspect the raised bed.
Special Materials Require Special Handling
- Wet or sticky materials like clay or damp sand are more likely to cling to the bed and create tip-over risks.
- Frozen materials or cold trailer floors in winter can cause sticking. Allow extra time to inspect and clear your trailer.
- Some plants may require that you carry a shovel and broom to help with manual cleanout after dumping.
Use a Spotter When Needed
At busy plants or tight job sites, always ask for a spotter if you need help reversing or positioning to dump. Agree on hand signals before moving. Do not rely only on mirrors or backup alarms in congested areas.
If in Doubt, Don’t Dump
Trust your judgment. If something feels off — the ground is uneven, the load is off-center, or the trailer is behaving strangely — do not proceed. Contact dispatch, the loader operator, or site personnel and wait until conditions are safe.
Why This Matters at 326 Trucking
Safety is not optional. At 326 Trucking, we prioritize building partnerships with drivers who take their responsibility seriously. Our dispatch team works closely with each plant to ensure materials are loaded properly, and we expect every owner-operator to follow best practices when loading and dumping.
Taking a few extra minutes to do things right can save your truck, your load, and possibly your life.
Need More Tips or Have a Concern?
Our team is here to help. If you have a safety concern at any pickup or drop-off location, email trucks@326trucking.com or speak to dispatch immediately.