Load securement on flatbed....
 

So let me keep being a post/information whore again. So say you were interested in venturing out on your own and had flatbed as interest. Where do you get some training and learning on flatbed securement...do you just have to learn it on your own through books and word of mouth through other drivers or can you go take a load securement course thorugh someone like Prime/Maverick/TMC for a fee or something.....how does an independentlearn some flatbed tricks without working for a flatbed company previously....i expect maybe SteveBoothcan shed a little light on this........I expect a good answer from the Gman as well.....no pressure guys lol

Most of it is common sense. I bought a book on load securement and also followed the FMCSA book of regs. Pretty much everything you need to know is in there.

The shippers usually know the best way to secure their load if it's something they ship out all the time. When I hauled coils the shipper made you do it this way and no other way. When I hauled plastic pipe they make you strap half the load then strap the whole load.

You can ask and watch other drivers too.

Here is a link to the cargo securement book.

http://www.amazon.com/Securement-Han.../dp/159042610X

I doubt whether any of the flat bed carriers would be interested in training someone who would be competing with them for freight. Most carriers who do flat bed offer training for those who either drive or lease to them. I know that CRST Malone and Lanstar both offer training to owner operators and their drivers if they are leased to them. Much of securement is common sense. There are some factors which are not usually mentioned such as edge protectors and strap protectors. Where some get into trouble is not knowing the load limitations of their chains or straps. For instance a 5/16" chain will have a lower load rate limit than a 3/8". You will find both on a flat bed. I prefer 3/8". Most shippers are willing to tell you the best way to secure their loads. Two things to watch is to make sure you have enough chains or straps to properly secure the load. If using chains on coils, you usually need to use edge protectors on them so that the coils aren't damaged. With straps, you use protectors to prevent the straps from being cut. The handbooks can help you with spacing and other things to help you stay legal and safe. Most flatbedders are willing to lend a hand when needed or asked. Over the years, I have found flatbedders to be more helpful to other flatbedders than any other type of hauling. As Steve stated, you can always watch other flatbedders to see how they secure their loads. When in doubt, ask. You never want to leave a shipper without knowing that your load is secure. Don't be afraid to add additional chains or straps. You can never have too much securement. I always check my chains or straps when I stop.

Yup, no kidding about flatbedders. Anytime I've ever asked for help they are there in a second with any help they can offer. I think most love to be asked for advise.

I've found myself chaining or hooking straps on someone else's flatbed and we just continued on without saying a word until the finish when he would say thanks.

Definetly a different breed.

They sell that same book at the Ontario TA.

YA, it gots lottsa pickshoars ifen uze kan't reid.

Did you buy that book before or after you were putting your straps on the outside of your rub rails? :lol:

I have a book at home that I downloaded....I think it's by the FCMSA. Might want to check their site.

hang around a truck stop for a while and you'll see all sorts of stuff.

Yup, that's for sure. I've gotten some good pointers checking out other peoples techniques.

Steve, Rev is not going to give you a break, is he? LOL :lol: :lol:

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:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y28...S6300046-1.jpg

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

Proper Use of Tiedowns
The new regulations require each tiedown to be attached and secured in a manner that prevents it from becoming loose, unfastening, opening or releasing while the vehicle is in transit. 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. Also, edge protection must be used whenever a tiedown would be subject to abrasion or cutting at the point where it touches an article of cargo. The edge protection must resist abrasion, cutting and crushing.

This is copied from the FMCSA Load Securement site.

The key words for me are "whenever practicable".

If you have a 102" trailer and have a 102" wide load the straps have to go on the outside. If I put the straps on the inside and the buckle end or ratchet end is rubbing the freight or trailer frame I go to the outside.

To me "whenever practicable" means that if you hook under the trailer frame and the hook slightly bends the frame that is not practicable.

If you hook under the frame and the buckle is 90 degrees to the trailer the webbing is not protected as well where is goes through the buckle like it is when the webbing and the buckle are straight.

When I go on the outside I do the DOT wrap so if the strap comes loose it won't come off.

The are many ideas on this topic.

If the straps are on the outside and you get side swiped the freight comes off.

If you use the rub rails and the welds break on the rails the freight comes off.

If you go behind the rub rail and the strap rubs on the frame of the trailer and rubs the strap through the freight comes off.

If you hook the buckle under the trailer in a spot not made for this the freight comes off.

I think it all comes down to what is the safest for each load and use common sense.

Mike

In our travels out west here.....I have seen alot of flatbeds with NO rub rails!! :shock:

tootie

No rub rails would be the same as putting your straps on the out side of the rub rails.

I agree 9200IH, I am just talking about guys with a load that would be inside the rails on a 96 wide trailer.