Ya, but I got the last laugh, I made it when he said I couldn't so, in your face!!!! Yippee-ki-yay

 

Do any of you flatdeckers have any "thinking outside the box" securement tips?

 

When you think you have enough chains or straps on the load, add a couple more. At least till you know the loads and what they require.

Be careful asking for advice, some drivers take short cuts. If you have any doubts, add more, as you are ultimately responsible for your load.

If you ever do lowboy,here is how to secure an excavator. 4- 1/2 chains and binders at 4 corners and a 3/8 chain and binder over the boom. We lowboy drivers don't mess around with that lightweight 5/16 stuff. :lol:

 

When you get into something new, take your time and really look the load over before you start your securement. When securing a vehicle, ALWAYS have your chains pulling in opposite directions on each end. Otherwise, your cargo may move one way or another. The last thing you need is a vehicle moving on the trailer.

 

That rub rail requirement comes with caveats:

"All tiedowns and other components of a cargo securement system used to secure loads on a trailer equipped with rub rails must be located inboard of the rub rails whenever practicable"

Whenever practicable. That's from the FMCSA's Cargo Securement Rules PDF version, P.3. One example might be a load wider than the trailer.

 

I always check out other flatbeds in truck stops and if I were to count the number of straps on the outside of the rub rails I would guess 99% are over. I don't think anyone actually cares or they would ticket them at every weigh station.

 

That bugs the hell out of me when I see another flatbed withnthe straps hooked on the outside of the rail!!!!

 

LOL.

I put them inside when I can, but to get all bent about it? Well that's kinda funny.

Actually one of our trailers has bolt on winches and I put the straps outside the rub rail on that one all the time. It I don't, the strap pulls against the inside of the rub rail and breaks the welds.

 

I'm with you Chuck thats a pet peeve of mine too. It's kinda like the old guys giving you a hard time about having the straps on the outside of the tarp.

 

I rarely see flat beds with the straps on the outside of the rub rails. When I do, it seems that they are local. :P