Back to the Basics – Operations Need To Know

This overview highlights essential operational practices to reduce preventable penalties and ensure smooth, compliant government moves. Focus areas include proactive communication, proper scaling, DDR usage, and thorough documentation.

Key Focus:

• Reduce preventable penalties.

• Be proactive in communication, scaling, DDRs, and documentation.

1. Communication:

• Contact the shipper 24 hours before pack, load, or unload.

• Report delays greater than 1 hour to the shipper, Operations, and Government Services.

• Overcommunicate if necessary — it’s better to provide too much information than too little.

• Notifications that don’t require approval: survey confirmations, same-day pack/load under 4,000 lbs, parking passes, shuttles.

• Actions requiring approval: DDRs (unless RCMP), weekend DDRs, preload requests over 14,000 lbs, DSR changes, GTT extensions, shipment weights exceeding 110% of the estimate.

2. Scaling:

• Required for government shipments over 7,000 lbs and COD/corporate shipments.

• Shipments under 7,000 lbs use the Government Standard Weight List.

• Rescale if the actual weight exceeds 10% over the estimate or over 20,000 lbs.

• Use only government-approved scales.

• Scale tickets must include: shipper, contract number, driver, date/time, and scale master signature.

• Fuel tanks must be full at the time of scaling.

• Non-compliance can result in $1,500 fines plus penalty points.

3. Documentation:

• Ensure all forms are signed by both the member and crew.

• Pre-move booklet acknowledgment is mandatory.

• High-value items must be properly documented.

• Remove debris and protect goods during unloading.

• Unpacking should start within 1 business day of delivery.

Key Takeaway:
Effective communication, accurate scaling, proper DDR use, and thorough documentation minimize penalties and strengthen Atlas Canada’s government business.