Loading & Unloading Guide – Empire Trailer Hire
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Loading & Unloading

Plan the load, secure it tight, keep people clear. If something doesn't feel right — don't tow. Call 1300 418 285.

Never ride on the trailer or load during movement. Keep all bystanders well clear of ramps and the path of travel at all times.
Every Time
Before You Start Do First

Set these up before touching any load. No exceptions.

Park level & chock wheels
Clear the area & set no-go zones
Gloves & closed-in shoes on
Ramps locked & pins engaged
Step-by-Step How To

Follow these steps in order. Loading and unloading are separate processes — don't skip steps.

How to Load
Getting cargo safely onto the trailer
  1. 1
    Plan the load before touching anything — heaviest items forward of the axle, centred left-to-right.
  2. 2
    Set ramps or engage tilt mechanism. Confirm all pins and latches are fully engaged before use.
  3. 3
    Guide cargo slowly up the ramps with a spotter. Keep all people clear of the line of travel.
  4. 4
    Position for balance — aim for around 10% of the trailer weight on the tow ball. Avoid rear-heavy setups as they cause sway.
  5. 5
    Apply park brake on any vehicle or machinery. Chock wheels if on a slope.
  6. 6
    Tie down using rated straps at multiple anchor points. Pre-tension evenly on both sides.
  7. 7
    Re-tension straps after a few minutes, and again after the first 10–15 km on the road.
Winch is not a tie-down. Use the winch to pull cargo into position only — always strap independently before moving.
How to Unload
Bringing cargo off safely
  1. 1
    Choose level ground. Apply handbrake and chock the trailer wheels if needed before unlatching anything.
  2. 2
    Set ramps or tilt. Confirm pins and latches are fully engaged before anyone steps on them.
  3. 3
    Release straps methodically. Stay clear of potential pinch points and swing zones as tension releases.
  4. 4
    Use the winch or low gear to control speed down the ramps — slow and controlled at all times.
  5. 5
    Keep all bystanders out of the rear path. Use a spotter to guide direction.
  6. 6
    Clear and stow ramps. Remove wheel chocks last, once cargo is safely off and clear.
Open doors slowly. Cargo may have shifted in transit — stand to one side when releasing cage doors or tailgates.
Cargo-Specific Tips By Type

Different cargo types have different risks. Tap the type that matches what you're carrying.

Vehicles on Car Trailers
▾
  • Attach tie-downs at all four wheels using the dedicated anchor points — not tow hooks or bumpers.
  • Use the winch to pull the vehicle into position only. Always add independent straps before moving.
  • Apply the vehicle's own handbrake and leave it in gear after positioning.
  • Confirm tilt ramps are fully pinned flat before driving off the trailer.
Heavy Equipment & Machinery
▾
  • Anchor tie-downs at low, structural points on the equipment — not on delicate components or hydraulic fittings.
  • Pull straight up the centre of the deck — avoid side-loading ramps as this can tip the equipment.
  • Lower any attachments or arms to their lowest position before loading to reduce height and centre of gravity.
  • Use a spotter on the ground at all times. Never have anyone in the path of travel.
Boxes, Crates & Fragile Items
▾
  • Stack evenly — heavier boxes at the bottom, fragile items on top. Don't stack too high.
  • Use padding between items to prevent vibration and rubbing during transit.
  • Strap to fixed anchor points, not to other boxes. Don't rely on the load to hold itself in place.
  • Check that nothing can shift or become airborne — even at low speeds, loose items are dangerous.
Cage & Enclosed Trailers
▾
  • Keep cage doors latched during loading so items can't fall out unexpectedly.
  • When unloading, stand to one side before opening — contents may have shifted in transit.
  • For loose materials (soil, gravel, mulch), keep the trailer level during loading to avoid uneven weight distribution.
  • Use a torch or phone light inside enclosed trailers to check nothing is loose before departure.
Quick Checklist Tick Off

Use this before moving the trailer. Tick each item as you confirm it.

0 of 12 complete
0%
✓
Vehicle handbrake on, wheels chocked Park on level ground before loading or unloading.
✓
Area clear, bystanders out of work zone No one in the line of travel or behind the ramps.
✓
Ramps / tilt locked in place All pins, catches and hinges checked before use.
✓
Weight forward of the axle Aim ~10% on the tow ball. No rear-heavy setups.
✓
Load centred side-to-side No leaning. Spread heavy items evenly across the deck.
✓
Straps on at multiple anchor points Rated tie-down straps only. Winch is not a tie-down.
✓
No loose items that could move or go airborne Check everything — including small tools and offcuts.
✓
Tailgates, cage doors & toolboxes closed Latched and secured before moving.
✓
Winch & pendant stowed safely Lead routed away from the rope and drum.
✓
Trailer lights still working Re-check after loading — heavy loads can shift the lead.
✓
Number plate visible Load must not obscure the plate — legal requirement.
✓
Final walk-around complete Ramps, pins, straps, lights and load — one full lap.
Related Guides Up Next

What to read after you've loaded up.

How to Use the Electric Winch Safe operation for loading vehicles and heavy gear
→
Full Safety Checklist Complete pre-tow checklist once you're loaded
→
Packing Tips How to pack efficiently and keep your load secure
→
Report an Issue Damage, missing gear, or a problem with the trailer
→