WARNING

Read and follow all of these instructions and safety messages before operating the truck. Death, dismemberment or serious injury to you, your passengers, and others on the road may result if you do not follow these instructions. Make sure all drivers read and understand all these instructions.

Truck User Instructions

Complete guide to safe operation, loading, and maintenance of Kama'aina Movers trucks

Parking, Backing and Loading

Always set the parking brake when parking. Move the shift selector firmly into park and then firmly set the parking brake. For standard transmission, shift transmission into first or reverse gear and firmly set the parking brake.
When facing downhill, turn the wheels toward the curb. When facing uphill, turn the wheels away from curb.
Get help before you back up. There are blind spots behind any vehicle. Do not rely on mirrors alone. If no help can be found, walk around the rear of the truck and MAKE SURE there are no children, pedestrians or obstructions behind you.
Do not hold the ramp or have the ramp extended while the truck is backing up or in motion.
Never overload the truck. Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR), which are posted on a label inside the driver's door opening.
Never load cargo on the outside of the truck.
DO NOT transport hazardous materials, corrosives, explosives or flammables.
Never leave children or keys unattended in the truck.

Disturbances and Emergency Situations

What is a "Disturbance"?

A "disturbance" is improper handling, oversteering or other deviation of the truck from its intended path, due to one or more causes (improper loading, steering inputs, excessive speed, crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, tire blowout, trailer sway or whipping, etc.).

If a Disturbance Occurs

  • Do not steer or brake
  • Let off the gas pedal to slow down
  • Steering or braking during a disturbance can cause a loss of control or crash

If a Wheel Goes Off Roadway

  • Do not steer sharply and do not brake
  • Let off the gas pedal and slow down below 25 mph
  • Then steer gradually back onto the roadway
  • Proceed with caution when entering traffic

Slow Down - Critical Safety Reminder

AVOID crashes by slowing down

Reduce your speed from what you would normally drive your car under similar road conditions. Drive defensively – anticipate stops, brake early and never follow closely.

Before Going Downhill

  • Slow down and shift the transmission into a lower gear
  • Let off the gas pedal and allow the engine to help you control your speed
  • Do not ride the brakes on downgrades

When to Slow Down

  • For curves
  • Adverse weather conditions
  • Hazardous road conditions
  • Road construction areas
  • Expressway exits

While on the Road

Driver Safety

  • Always wear your seat belt. Be sure children are properly restrained
  • Do not drive when you are fatigued, sleepy or distracted
  • Avoid driving at night when possible
  • Never use a cell phone when driving
  • If you need to use a cell phone, find a safe place to exit the roadway
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol or any impairing substance

Passenger Safety

  • Rear-facing infant seats should never be placed in the front seat of a truck equipped with a passenger side air bag
  • Never allow passengers to ride in the cargo area or on the truck exterior
  • Passengers risk injury due to shifting cargo, asphyxiation and lack of collision protection

Exhaust Fumes Warning

Exhaust fumes are lethal. Do not operate the engine in a confined area where exhaust fumes could enter through doors or windows. Do not sleep in the truck with the engine running.

Overhead Clearance

Important Reminder

Trucks are taller than passenger cars. If you don't know the overhead clearance, get out of the truck and make certain that you are clear of any obstruction. Do not guess.

Watch out for:

Structures

  • Drive-through restaurants and motel overhangs
  • Service-station canopies
  • Bridges and balconies
  • Roof eaves and porch awnings

Natural & Utility Hazards

  • Electrical wires
  • Tree limbs
  • Many overhead obstructions are not posted for clearance

Loading Guidelines

Load Distribution

Load heavy items first - Load the heaviest items first, in front and on the floor. Load lightest items last, on the top and to the rear.
Pack all items closely and firmly. Secure partial loads with rope, as close to the front of the cargo area as possible.
Never load cargo on the outside of the truck. Be sure the cargo door is closed and latched securely.

Do Not Overload

Every truck has a maximum (fully loaded) gross weight label on the driver's side doorpost. Never load the truck so that it exceeds the listed GVWR and GAWR. If in doubt, check the weight on a commercial or state scale.

Hazardous Materials

Prohibited Items

  • Do not transport hazardous materials, corrosives, explosives or flammables
  • A container that is almost empty is just as dangerous as a full one
  • Flammables may explode or ignite through spontaneous combustion from vehicle movement

Fuel Safety

  • Empty and air out the tanks on lawn mowers, camping stoves and lanterns before loading
  • Propane tanks must be secured standing upright, with fuel hose disconnected
  • Never fill a portable fuel container IN or ON the truck
  • Set tanks on the ground to fill to avoid static electricity and prevent sparks

Loading Safety

Loading Ramps

  • Make sure the loading ramp is completely stored and latched before you put the truck in motion
  • Follow ramp operating instructions on the decal in the cargo area of the truck

Proper Footwear

  • Wear fully enclosed shoes with slip-resistant soles
  • Flip-flops and sandals do not provide protection from falling objects or sharp edges
  • You are more likely to slip and fall when wearing flip-flops or sandals

Wet Floors Warning

If the floor of the cargo box or the loading ramp become contaminated (wet, oily, other), remove all contaminate from that surface. You may slip and fall when walking on a contaminated surface.

Driving Procedures

Stopping and Following Distance

Trucks are heavier than passenger cars, especially when loaded. This means it will take you longer to stop.

Allow at least 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. Start counting when the back of the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed object. If the front of your vehicle reaches the object before the end of the 4 seconds, increase your distance.
If driving in adverse weather (rain, snow, or fog), use at least a 5 second gap.

If a Disturbance Occurs While Driving

Immediate Actions

  • Let off the gas pedal
  • Never speed up to try to control a disturbance
  • Do not apply your brakes
  • Hold the steering wheel in a straight ahead position
  • Do not try to control the disturbance by turning the steering wheel

After Disturbance Stops

  • Pull a safe distance off the roadway and stop
  • Get all occupants out of the truck and away from the roadway
  • Check the cargo to make sure the load has not shifted
  • Check that all the tires are properly inflated and that all lug nuts are tight

Hills and Passing

Hill Driving

  • Shift into lower gears to prevent engine lugging when traveling up hills
  • Do not ride the brake pedal while going downhill
  • Prolonged brake use causes overheating and possible loss of braking
  • When slowing downhill, apply brakes then release completely, repeating as needed

Passing

  • Your truck is heavier and longer than a passenger vehicle
  • It will require more time and distance to pass
  • Do not pass on hills or curves

Servicing the Truck

Refueling Safety

  • Shut off engine before refueling
  • Extinguish all smoking materials and open flames
  • Remove fuel tank cap slowly to vent any pressure inside the tank
  • Avoid spilling fuel
  • Hot engine exhaust can ignite flammable vapors, causing fire or explosion

Tire Pressure

  • Set all tires to the proper pressure
  • Find recommended cold pressure on tire decals located on the truck
  • Tire pressures go up during driving - do not let off this extra pressure

Engine Maintenance

Engine Oil

  • Check engine oil at each fuel stop
  • Use only the grade of oil listed on the decal in the engine compartment
  • Keep engine oil level between Add and Full marks
  • Save receipts for reimbursement when you return your truck
  • If equipped with tilt engine hood, pull it open only from the front handle

Coolant

  • Never loosen the radiator cap when engine is hot
  • Hot coolant can spray out under pressure
  • Check radiator level only when engine is cold

Driving Checklist

Daily Driving Checklist

Before Driving

  • Fasten safety restraints
  • Properly adjust mirrors

Backing and Loading

  • Before backing, check behind the truck for pedestrians and obstructions
  • Secure load in cargo area
  • Cargo door closed and latched securely

On the Road

  • Slow down to avoid crashes
  • Anticipate stops. Brake early
  • Be alert and drive defensively
  • Stop for rest when you get tired

At Stops

  • Firmly set parking brake
  • Shift transmission firmly into park (first or reverse gear for manual transmission)
  • Check tire condition
  • Check that all lights are working
  • Remove keys and lock the truck

Crash Prevention

Crashes are Caused By:

  • Driver error or inattention
  • Excessive speed
  • Following too closely

You Should Always:

  • Load truck heavier in front (not rear as previously stated - corrected per safety guidelines)
  • Reduce your normal driving speed
  • Wear your seatbelt

Remember to take precaution and care. There is a very good reason why "Better safe than sorry" has become the cliché it is.

Daily Operational Procedures

Follow these procedures each day to ensure smooth operations and maintain safety standards:

Morning Truck Inspection: Complete a thorough inspection of your assigned truck before starting the day. Check tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels.
Equipment Check: Verify all necessary equipment is present and in good condition. This includes dollies, straps, blankets, and safety gear.
Route Planning: Review the day's schedule and plan efficient routes between job sites. Consider traffic patterns and potential delays.
Pre-Job Briefing: Conduct a brief team meeting before each job to discuss specific requirements, potential challenges, and safety considerations.
End-of-Day Procedures: Complete all necessary paperwork, clean and organize the truck, and report any issues or maintenance needs.

Forms & Documentation

Proper documentation is essential for operations, billing, and liability protection. Use the appropriate forms for each situation:

Job Completion Form

Required Forms Checklist

  • Job Completion Form (after every job)
  • Daily Vehicle Inspection Report
  • Equipment Damage Report (if applicable)
  • Incident Report (for any accidents or injuries)
  • Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • Fuel and Mileage Log

Safety Instructions

Critical Safety Reminders

Safety must be the top priority on every job. Failure to follow safety procedures can result in serious injury, property damage, or termination.

Proper Lifting Technique: Always lift with your legs, not your back. Keep the load close to your body and get assistance for heavy items.
Team Communication: Maintain clear communication with team members during all moving operations. Use established hand signals and verbal commands.
Equipment Safety: Inspect all equipment before use. Do not use damaged or malfunctioning equipment. Report issues immediately.
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear appropriate PPE for each task, including gloves, safety shoes, and back supports when necessary.
Vehicle Safety: Follow all traffic laws and company driving policies. Never operate a vehicle while fatigued or under the influence.

Equipment Use Instructions

Proper use and maintenance of equipment ensures efficiency and prevents damage or injury:

Dollies and Hand Trucks: Secure loads properly before moving. Balance weight evenly and use straps when necessary. Never exceed weight limits.
Moving Blankets and Pads: Use appropriate protection for all furniture and fragile items. Secure blankets with straps to prevent slipping during transport.
Straps and Tie-Downs: Use proper tension when securing loads. Check straps periodically during transport and adjust as needed.
Ramps and Lift Gates: Ensure ramps are securely positioned before use. Never exceed weight limits on lift gates. Keep clear of moving parts.
Tool Maintenance: Clean and store all tools properly after each use. Report damaged or missing tools immediately.

Equipment Issue Report

Customer Interaction Protocol

Professional customer interactions are essential for maintaining the company's reputation and ensuring customer satisfaction:

Initial Contact: Greet customers professionally and introduce yourself and your team. Confirm job details and address any immediate questions.
Communication: Keep customers informed throughout the process. Explain what you're doing and why, especially when special precautions are needed.
Property Protection: Use floor protection, door bumpers, and other protective measures without being asked. Show customers you respect their property.
Problem Resolution: If issues arise, address them promptly and professionally. Involve a supervisor if necessary, but take ownership of finding solutions.
Final Walkthrough: Conduct a final walkthrough with the customer to ensure satisfaction. Address any concerns before leaving the job site.

Reporting Procedures

Accurate and timely reporting ensures proper operations tracking and issue resolution:

Daily Reporting Requirements

  • Submit completed job forms by end of each workday
  • Report any vehicle issues immediately
  • Document any customer complaints or concerns
  • Report any safety incidents, no matter how minor
  • Submit mileage and fuel usage reports
  • Report any damaged or missing equipment

Reporting Timelines

Safety incidents must be reported within 1 hour of occurrence. All other reports should be submitted by the end of the workday unless otherwise specified.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Contacts

Immediate Supervisor: (808) 555-1234

Dispatch Office: (808) 555-5678

Emergency Services: 911

Company Emergency Line (24/7): (808) 555-9999

Medical Emergency: Call 911 immediately, then notify your supervisor. Provide first aid if trained to do so. Do not move seriously injured persons unless absolutely necessary.
Vehicle Accident: Ensure safety first, then call 911 if needed. Exchange information with other parties. Take photos of the scene. Notify your supervisor immediately.
Property Damage: Document the damage with photos. Notify the property owner and your supervisor immediately. Complete an incident report.
Equipment Failure: Stop using the equipment immediately. Secure the area if necessary. Report the failure to your supervisor.
Weather Emergency: Follow established safety protocols for severe weather. Prioritize crew and customer safety over completing the job.