Guidelines for Straight Lengths

Check that the load has not shifted before removing the nylon straps securing the load to the trailer. Use caution when straightening shifted loads before unloading.

Bundles should be unloaded with fork trucks or cranes equipped with spreader bars with at least three wide web slings. If bundles are stacked and individually strapped to the truck, unload the bulk packs one at a time from the top. Remove only the straps over the pack being unloaded. Steel bands used on bundles should not be removed until the bundles have been transported to the storage area and secured in a stable and safe manner.

Never stand on a load of pipe. Do not roll or drop pipe off the truck. Do not use backhoes, end loaders, or other material handling equipment to push or pull the load off the trailer.

Unloading Strip Loads from a Flat-bed Trailer

Strip Loads Using Strip Packs

When unloading with a forklift, a second truck (or some other means) should be placed on the opposite side to the unloading equipment to prevent pipe from being pushed from the truck.

Check that all steel bands are in place before removing the nylon straps securing the load to the trailer. Unload pipe with fork trucks, cranes equipped with wide web slings, or cranes equipped with spreader bars with wide web slings.

If a fork truck is used, the forks should have sufficient length to safely support the strip pack. The pack should be approached slowly at the midpoint of the pipe lengths. To improve the pack stability during transportation, the forks should be as far apart as possible.

If a crane with a single sling is used to unload the strip pack, the lengths should be handled at their midpoints using wide web slings. If multiple slings or a spreader bar equipped with wide web slings are used, the equipment manufacturer's recommended methods and procedures should be used. If the pipe is being unloaded in full rows, do not cut the bands until the row is lowered to the ground; the bands prevent the pipe from rolling.

If the pipe is being unloaded in less than full rows, the bands should be cut and removed only from the length(s) being unloaded. Any loose pipe in the row should be secured with suitable wedges. After each layer is off the trailer, remove dunnage from the top of pipe.

Strip Loads Using Chocks

Assure that all chocks are securely in place on both ends of the timbers. If they are not, nail a chock or other suitable wedge into position. At no time should the chocks on timbers be removed. The chocks prevent pipe from rolling. Check that all chocks are in place before removing the nylon trucker straps securing the load to the trailer. Do not remove "belly" straps until unloading is to take place on that layer. Use caution when straightening shifted loads before unloading.

Pipe should be unloaded with fork trucks or cranes using at least three slings or end hooks. When banded pipe is being unloaded in full or partial rows do not cut the band until the pipe is lowered to the ground. After each layer is off the trailer, remove dunnage from the top of pipe.