Unloading

Unloading is the process of removing goods from a truck or container that has arrived at the warehouse with a delivery.  While the items are being removed from the truck you will have staff who are counting them, inspecting them, and stacking them.

Important Cautions to Take

Unloading is where many losses occur.  If you are receiving a large delivery, make sure to do the following:

  1. Keep the space clutter-free.  Only the truck being unloaded should be allowed within the warehouse area.
  2. Only people with a role to play should be present. Everyone present should identify themselves to you, and ideally should wear a badge.
  3. Secure all entry and exit points. Laborers and others can use the ‘busy’ nature of the operation to leak items out. Put in place a system to check and record every movement in and out of the warehouse area.
  4. Reduce the number of people present and ensure everyone has a specific job: Onlookers can double up as thieves.
  5. Don’t let the driver pressure you into hurrying.  Many times truck drivers will put pressure on you to hurry. This can result in counting errors or poor stacking, making your job harder thereafter.

Most important: 

  1. Do not sign any document until you know exactly what its purpose is and make sure that the information on it is correct.
  2. Keep a copy of every document you sign.
  3. Do not, under any circumstances, sign a GRN or Waybill until you have counted, verified and confirmed the quantity and quality of the goods received.