CFA Loading Dock Procedure 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before a trailer is spotted at a loading dock, the yard hostler driver should ensure the trailer has:
- Full fuel tank
- Kingpin properly secured to the fifth wheel
- Landing gear fully retracted (Correct answer)
- All lights functioning
Correct answer: Landing gear fully retracted
Landing gear must be fully retracted before a trailer is moved and spotted at a dock to prevent damage and instability.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a dock leveler when loading or unloading a trailer?
- To lock the trailer's rear doors open
- To bridge the height difference between dock floor and trailer floor (Correct answer)
- To chock the trailer wheels automatically
- To signal the truck driver when to pull away
Correct answer: To bridge the height difference between dock floor and trailer floor
A dock leveler bridges the gap and height difference between the dock floor and the trailer bed, allowing forklifts to transition smoothly.
Question 3: A forklift operator notices the dock leveler lip is not fully extended onto the trailer floor. What should the operator do?
- Proceed slowly and carefully
- Stop and notify a supervisor before entering the trailer (Correct answer)
- Place extra pallets to fill the gap
- Reverse direction immediately and report to dispatch
Correct answer: Stop and notify a supervisor before entering the trailer
An improperly seated dock leveler creates a fall hazard; the operator must stop and notify a supervisor to have it corrected before proceeding.
Question 4: When must a vehicle restraint (ICC bar hook) be engaged at the loading dock?
- Only when loading heavy pallets over 2,000 lbs
- Before any forklift enters the trailer (Correct answer)
- After the forklift has completed its first trip into the trailer
- Only during night-shift operations
Correct answer: Before any forklift enters the trailer
The vehicle restraint must be engaged before any forklift or worker enters the trailer to prevent the trailer from creeping away from the dock.
Question 5: What does a red light on a dock communication system typically indicate?
- The dock leveler is raised and ready
- It is safe for the forklift to enter the trailer
- The trailer is not secured and the forklift must not enter (Correct answer)
- The truck driver may pull forward
Correct answer: The trailer is not secured and the forklift must not enter
A red dock light signals that the trailer is not yet secured or that loading/unloading is not authorized, preventing forklift entry.
Question 6: How should a forklift operator handle uneven trailer floors caused by load shifting?
- Accelerate to pass over uneven sections quickly
- Reduce speed and proceed with caution or stop if unsafe (Correct answer)
- Add counterweight to the forklift before entering
- Only enter from the opposite side of the trailer
Correct answer: Reduce speed and proceed with caution or stop if unsafe
Uneven trailer floors can cause tip-over; the operator must reduce speed and assess safety before continuing.
Question 7: What action should a forklift operator take if a trailer begins to tip or shift while the forklift is inside?
- Back out immediately at full speed
- Lower the load to the floor, back out slowly, and report the condition (Correct answer)
- Raise the forks to stabilize the trailer
- Stay inside and honk to alert coworkers
Correct answer: Lower the load to the floor, back out slowly, and report the condition
Lowering the load reduces the center of gravity, and backing out slowly minimizes risk; the condition must then be reported before anyone re-enters.
CFA Loading Dock Procedure 2
Before a trailer is spotted at a loading dock, the yard hostler driver should ensure the trailer has: