Load-In/Out Playbook

The Choreography of Heavy Metal

A successful show isn’t defined by the encore; it’s defined by the first 90 minutes of the day and the last 90 minutes of the night. The load-in is where the timeline is secured. The load-out is where the profit is preserved.

This playbook establishes the rules of engagement for the loading dock. It outlines the precise sequence of events required to move 40,000 lbs of production equipment from a mobile state (truck) to a static state (stage) and back again, without injury, damage, or delay.

Phase 1: The Ingress (Load-In)

SEQUENCE: SEQUENTIAL

T-Minus 60: The Dock Prep

07:00 HRS

Before the truck backs in, the environment must be sanitized.

✓ Clear alleyway of dumpsters/personal vehicles.
✓ Verify dock plate hydraulics functionality.
✓ Mark “Box Storage” zones with gaffer tape on the deck.

T-Zero: Wheels Stop

08:00 HRS

The truck is docked. The air brakes are set. The dance begins.

WARNING: Do not break the seal on the trailer until the Stage Manager and the Truck Driver both visually confirm the ramp is secure.

T-Plus 15: The Rigging Dump

08:15 HRS

Rigging comes off first. Always. If Audio starts dumping subs before the motors are on the floor, the timeline dies.

> Points marked on floor.
> Motors distributed to points.
> Truss assembly begins immediately.

Chain of Custody: Roles

The Truck Driver

Jurisdiction: The Trailer & The Ramp.
Responsibility: Ensuring the load is secure during transit. Opening/Closing doors. Managing the load bars.
Hard Rule: The Driver does not push cases. The Driver supervises the pack.

Lead Loader (Local)

Jurisdiction: The Dock Plate to the Stage Edge.
Responsibility: Managing the flow of local crew. Safety enforcement (steel toes, gloves).
Hard Rule: No one breaks for coffee until the truck is empty.

Production Manager

Jurisdiction: The Venue.
Responsibility: Traffic control. Deciding where empty cases go (Dead storage).
Hard Rule: The PM is the only person authorized to change the timeline.

Contingency Protocols

Lift Gate Failure

If hydraulic lift fails: Immediately source venue forklift. Do not attempt to hand-ball cases over 50lbs. If no forklift, delay load-in and notify Promoter of potential door delay. Safety > Schedule.

Weather Incursion (Outdoor)

Lightning within 10 miles: ALL ramp operations cease. Personnel retreat to building or cab. No exceptions. Tarping must happen before the rain starts, based on radar, not visual.

Load Shift During Transit

If doors open and gear is leaning against the door: DO NOT OPEN FURTHER. Secure with straps from the exterior if possible. Call qualified rigger or breakdown service to assist in controlled opening.

Backstage Field Notes

READ_ONLY

#1. The Coffee Rule:
Never set up the coffee station on a road case that is needed for the first hour of load-in. Put it on a trash bin if you have to, but keep the cases moving.

#2. “Ghost Cases”:
Empty cases must be closed and latched immediately. An open case is a trip hazard and takes up twice the volume in the truck pack.

#3. Union Stewards:
Find the steward immediately upon arrival. Shake their hand. Ask about their break schedule. Work around their breaks, not through them. The steward is the key to the city.

#4. Tape Colors:
Red = Audio.
Blue = Lighting.
Green = Backline.
Yellow = Video.
Do not use someone else’s tape. It causes war.

Download PDF Playbook

Full 12-page operational manual with diagrams.

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