Lumpers - are they needed

Dock workers who unload trucks. They are not paid by the company who leases or owns the dock....they are independents. Your trucking company usually pays a comcheck to these workers to unload trucks. You will be responsible to hire them once you dock.

 

thanks!

So when I deliver a load to a company I am responsible to find someone to unload/load?

In all cases?

Wow!

 

No not all the time. That is usually only the case with grocery warehouses. Most places have employees that will unload with a skid loader

 

2lilboots - so for most of the large carriers (schneider, roehl, etc.) this is not an issue?

Really surprises me to hear that a driver has to find someone to unload...

Would your employer pay that bill (is that what you call a comcheck?)?

If so - does the driver have to pay it out of his own money and then submit it as an expense?

Is there ever any trouble getting reimbursed if that's the case?

thanks so much!

 

WHile you are in orientation with the trucking company they will give you a packet that usually has comchecks in it. The company will tell you how to use them (usually you need to call your dispatcher and get a number, plus have the lumpers SS# so that the trucking company knows it is legitimate). You should never have to pay for lumpers out of your own pocket...if you are asked to do this, it is time to find a new trucking company. Even with the bigger company you may have to hire lumpers. Hiring lumpers is more common in the grocery hauling sector.

 

very helpful - thanks....

If I ever have to find one to unload do they usually hang around the docks or do you go lokking for them?

 

Many times they will approach you when you head to the receiving office. They can be unloading other trucks and almost be finished so they will tell you once this dudes empty dock here and we can unload you. They want to make as much money as they possibly can so they will be right up there on the dock...

 

Do you usually know ahead of time that you will need a lumper?

Does the company you work for tell you what you can pay a lumper?

thanks!

 

most times the "lumper" comes to you once you enter the property. sometimes, they will announce on the CB radio that if you are going to a particular warehouse, the will solicit you for work. most warehouses although do not employ these lumpers, allow this and take a fee from the lumper as well. most warehouses have had these same lumpers working there, and sometimes will only allow more lumpers through "word of mouth" from the curent lumpers, so no "strangers" so to speak will be on the property.

most lumpers are indeed good workers, and do a good job. but you will get the occasional slacker or screw-up lumper as well.