SAFETY AND RENTALS
As part of the Production Safety Program, it is strongly recommended that all SFTV students working on productions receive the Truck Loading Safety Badge (see the Safety Badge section of this handbook). This is especially important for Grips and Gaffers who will be loading trucks. It is mandatory for all students working in Camera, Grip and Electric, and Sound on set to receive this badge.
If you plan on getting carts, you must get a truck with a lift gate. Carts DO NOT fit on UHAUL trucks with ramps. L&G will not let you leave with carts if your truck cannot properly accommodate carts. There will be a fine if L&G has to remove carts from your order.
Don’t be pennywise and pound-foolish and try to pack your family or friend’s SUV. It is dangerous to you, the vehicle and the equipment. Trucks with lift gates are relatively cheap (around $180/day) and will save you and your crew a lot of time and possible injury.
INSURANCE
LMU’s insurance does not cover your production truck. We highly recommend you purchase the insurance from the rental company. This will save you money if there is an insurance claim.
In California, all drivers must have Liability Insurance. You may provide it through your own personal auto insurance or purchase it from the rental company.
One of the most popular truck rental companies that students use is Avon Truck Rentals. They have been very supportive of SFTV and offer student discounts.
Many rental companies will have specific exclusions on coverage(s), i.e. overhead damage as a result of low clearance. Make sure you understand exactly what is and is NOT covered for before you arrive to rent the vehicle.
WHO’S DRIVING?
Make sure that the person who is actually going to be driving the truck is listed on the insurance and rental agreement and that they have a valid driver’s license. Do not let any unauthorized driver operate the vehicle – EVER. Confirm with the rental company on how to properly add or change a driver. If possible, have someone with truck driving experience assist you.
LOADING AND UNLOADING
Loading a truck requires some thought and planning. Everything has to go in a certain way. The reason for this is that you have to be able to work off of the truck.
The contents of the truck may shift during travel. Open all doors slowly to avoid being hit by equipment tumbling out.
The lift gate should be operated by only one person. The operator should give a verbal warning, “going up” and “going down.” Crew not operating the lift gate should stand well clear of the lift.
Use truck shelves and racks and ratchet straps to tie off equipment. Avon, for example, has shelving available for their trucks – use them. Ratchet straps are available for the Lighting & Grip department. Notify them of your intent to use a truck and they will provide those.
DRIVING
Whenever possible – and it is highly recommended – have someone drive with you. They can assist you with visibility and clearance. This is especially important when changing lanes, parking or driving in a tight space.
Drive slow and take extra precaution. Always allow considerable extra travel time. Driving a truck will take longer than you expected.
Familiarize yourself with the route you will be taking. Be aware that some freeways re- strict trucks by size and weight. Check with your GPS to confirm you are requesting truck routes.
Make sure your load is properly secured and evenly distributed.
Trucks are taller and wider than the vehicles most people are used to driving. Make sure you have proper clearance at all times – if you want to avoid costly damage to the roof and sides of the truck. Overhead damage is usually NOT covered by insurance purchased from the rental agency.
This truck damage occurred on a recent student film because the driver did not pay attention to the tree branches. This cost the student filmmaker $5,500.
If the height and width of the vehicle is not indicated on the truck, be sure to get this information from your rental agent or measure it yourself.
Always use your turn signals and make sure to signal well in advance. Avoid making sudden stops or abrupt lane changes and obey all traffic signs and lights.
Trucks don’t accelerate as fast as cars. Be aware of this when you attempt to change lanes. Additionally, sudden movements can cause your load to shift – damaging the items – for which you will have to pay.
Driving uphill (especially with a full load) will be slow. When appropriate, use “truck- only” lanes; otherwise, stay in the right lane.
The recommended maximum speed for a loaded truck is 45 mph. Do not attempt to pass a vehicle moving faster than 40 mph. Never pass on hills or curves.
Trucks weigh three to ten times more than cars and must have more time and room to stop. You must begin braking sooner, particularly when you have a load.
Set the hand brake (or emergency brake) every time you park. Turn the wheels away from the curb when parking with the truck faced uphill. When parking with the truck faced downhill, turn the wheels in toward the curb.
PARKING OVERNIGHT
When parking your rental truck or van overnight you must park on private property in a secure, well lit area. Do not park on the street. Pad lock your rental and safely back the vehicle close to a wall so the lift gate is inaccessible. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER A PARKING GARAGE WITHOUT KNOWING IF YOUR TRUCK WILL COMFORTABLY FIT.
Your camera and lenses should NEVER be stored overnight in your production truck. Camera and lenses should be taken home EACH NIGHT by the DP and stored in a secured home.
The safest place to park your production truck is at LMU in the Hannon Lot near the Loyola Boulevard entrance. Drive to the edge of the lot near the trees that border 80th street and safely back your truck into a spot. Weekend parking is free starting at 8:00 PM on Friday. You must pay to park before then.
IF AT ANY TIME DURING THE COURSE OF THE RENTAL YOU HAVE A QUESTION OR CONCERN – TAKE THE TIME TO CALL THE RENTAL COMPANY. THEY WILL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTION OR CONCERN YOU MAY HAVE.