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Originally Posted by ChikinTrucka
I'm new at flatbeddin' and beginning to think it was a mistake. Of my many concerns, load security seems to be the biggest. Only because I don't like the idea of the load hitting me from behind and pushing me through the engine.
Securement that specifically prevents forward movement are X-strap, X-chain, bulkhead and choke strap.
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I don't think my truck has enough straps, just 12.
How many winches do you have? You may have to take it upon yourself to request more, accumulate more or even buy more.
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I have seen 24 on a Hart truck. My typical load is lumber.
4 tiers high, about 13 feet overall, and 3 or 4 rows from front to back.
The way I read the rules is,
One strap every 5 feet, and straps over the middle of the load if it's higher than 6 feet.
Most of my loads would require 4 straps per 'stack' for the first two tiers and then 4 more over all 4.
I think that may be more than enough, but I only have 12 straps and don't think I can make it legal.
Typically, I would secure the front row and the last row the best. The center rows are contained by the front and the back, especially forward and rearward movement and somewhat side to side movement. If it is flat lumber it tends not to move so much. Use of lumber tarps will add a little securement. If it is short boards that tend to walk on you, tarping is mandatory.
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On a load of shingles, I have 14 pairs of pallets front to back.
Each pair weighs over 6400 pounds. My straps are rated at 5600 pounds, but I only have enough for one strap per pair plus a couple for each end.
Am I too concerned about this small discrepancy? It seems like everyone else only puts one strap over shingles. I've even seen loads going down the road with NO straps over the middle rows!
Something is wrong as you are describing it, or as I am understanding it. You have described 89,600 lbs. of shingle. You are overweight. Do you mean 14 individual pallets or 7 pair? That would be 44,800 lbs. a more typical load. Two straps in the front and rear and one each on the middle rows. X-strap the front to stop forward movement.
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And one more. How do you keep steel from moving? It seems like there is no way to get a chain around some loads that would keep it from moving in an emergency situation. Even if someone cuts me off and I have to stab the brakes pretty good, the load always moves a little.
You would have to describe the steel load.
Sheet steel, X-chain the front, maybe the rear. Chain a minimum of the front, middle and rear. Use 4" straps. Chains, usually allow some movement, the straps do not.
Angle iron, pipe, rod, etc. you need to build a bulkhead. Then chain and strap.
Greasy pipe or rod, build a bulkhead and use choke (cinch) straps.
Secure your load so it doesn't have a chance to start moving. Once it starts moving it is harder to stop it.
You have to drive your load. If it is one that is prone to movement, drive slower, brake well in advance of your stop, take turns and corners very slowly and carefully. You have to drive very defensively.