In the recycling industry, the quality of your bale output—and the safety of your operation—rests heavily on the knowledge and discipline of your baler operators. Whether you’re producing fiber bales for paper mills or handling mixed materials, operator training isn’t optional—it’s essential.

At Black River Trading, we specialize in professional baler operator training and certifications that focus on safety, performance, and compliance.



🔐 Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Non-Negotiable for Safety

LOTO procedures are crucial for protecting workers from unexpected machine movement during maintenance or clearing jams. Improper or ignored Lockout/Tagout steps can result in catastrophic injuries. Our training ensures operators know:

  • When and how to safely shut down equipment
  • How to secure energy sources before entry
  • OSHA compliance and documentation practices

A trained team is a safe team.



📦 Proper Bale Stacking: Protect Workers and Meet Mill Specs

Poorly stacked or strapped bales are more than just sloppy—they’re a safety hazard and a quality control issue. Paper mills may reject loads due to:

  • Leaning or collapsed stacks
  • Broken wire ties or misshaped bales
  • Unsafe loading techniques that shift in transit

We teach operators how to:

  • Stack bales securely and evenly
  • Use strapping and wire correctly
  • Load trailers for safe unloading and mill acceptance

🚛 Safe Trailer Loading for Mill Shipments

Paper mills expect clean, uniform, and tightly packed bales that can be safely unloaded. Black River Trading’s training emphasizes:

  • Weight distribution and load balance
  • Securement methods for over-the-road transit
  • Avoiding load rejections and costly delays

📋 Certification Builds Confidence and Consistency

Whether you're onboarding new operators or reinforcing safety with a seasoned crew, training ensures consistency across shifts. Black River Trading offers:

✅ On-site or virtual instruction

✅ Equipment-specific procedures

✅ Hands-on and written testing

✅ Certification documentation


Ready to Raise the Bar on Safety and Quality?

Black River Trading’s baler operator training and certification programs are tailored to your equipment, materials, and facility needs. From Lockout/Tagout to bale handling and shipping prep—we help your team perform at its best.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a training session or get a quote.