Reducing spillage during transport
Published: 19 Aug 2024 | Category: Safety
Spillage looks “normal” in many routes, but it is avoidable waste and a safety risk.
Why spillage matters
- Operational waste: material lost before reaching the buyer
- Safety risk: road hazards for two-wheelers and local traffic
- Compliance risk: site or local rules may penalize repeated spillage
- Reputation risk: sites remember transporters that create problems
Where spillage usually happens
- During loading: overfilling, uneven heap, weak side boards
- During transit: vibrations, potholes, sudden braking, uncovered loads
- During unloading: rushed unloading, wrong positioning, uncontrolled tipping
Practical controls that reduce spillage
1. Avoid overfilling
Overfilled loads spill in the first 10 km. It is a false “efficiency”. Load should be within safe side height and evenly distributed.
2. Use proper tarpaulin coverage (when required)
Tarpaulin reduces both spillage and dust. It also reduces moisture exposure during rain. Coverage should be secured, not loosely tied.
3. Check tailgate and side board integrity
Many spills happen due to worn tailgate locks or broken side boards. A simple pre-trip check prevents repeated losses.
4. Route awareness
If the route includes rough segments, loading strategy should account for it. What works on a smooth highway may not work on damaged roads.
5. Controlled unloading
Unloading should follow site instructions. Rushed tipping causes spillage and dust bursts.
Coordination best practices
- Confirm site unloading rules before dispatch
- Ensure driver knows the unloading point and sequence
- Document repeated spillage events and switch transport discipline if needed
- Encourage dust suppression practices at unloading zones where applicable