Best Practices – Trailer Tailgate Compliance

This overview highlights procedures and best practices when household goods and effects (HG&E) are not fully loaded inside the van at the time of departure.

Situation:

• The trailer leaves the residence with HG&E not fully loaded, e.g., items left on the tailgate.

Consequences:

• SNC27: Failure to transport all HG&E inside the van → 2-point non-compliance penalty.

• Excuses such as “Nobody will ever know,” “It’s going into SIT,” or “The customer didn’t want an overflow” do not prevent penalties.

• Items left outside can lead to claims, which are fully charged back to the responsible parties.

Best Business Practices:

• Immediately contact Atlas Canada Operations when this situation arises.

• Do not load the tailgate without instructions.

• Explain the challenge and request guidance.

• Communicate clearly – as this is an Atlas Canada registered shipment, direction must come from Operations.

• Document all actions and communications to protect yourself, the Agency, and Atlas from non-compliance penalties.

Key Principle:
“When in doubt, communicate. Proper guidance prevents penalties and claims, protecting everyone involved.”