Freight unloading services are still often referred to by truck drivers and carriers as “lumper services.” A “Lumper” is an outdated term used in earlier times to refer to workers hired by truck drivers right outside the warehouse where they were making deliveries. A lumper would be paid by a driver to help unload their truck. Most warehouses now hire professional third-party freight unloading teams, and these crews are sometimes still referred to as “lumper services.”
It may be obvious that there are significant risks associated with using untrained workers to assist with freight unloading. This practice has been replaced by the use of professional freight handlers contracted to work in the warehouse itself. This is a safer, more reliable alternative and now the industry standard.
Professional Freight Unloading Increases Driver Safety and Warehouse Efficiencies
Professional freight unloading services are also an alternative to drivers unloading freight themselves, which is something that most trucking companies will not even allow today. Carriers want to prevent drivers from experiencing excessive fatigue and risking bodily injury. Many grocery chains, retailers and even 3PLs will contract with third-party logistics providers for freight unloading services. This increases both truck driver safety and warehouse operating efficiencies.