load securement

DemolitionMan · #1 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 02:32 PM

How did you learn how to secure flatbed loads? Is there a course you can take somewhere, or would one have to work for a flatbed operation to learn?

ranger309 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemolitionMan

How did you learn how to secure flatbed loads? Is there a course you can take somewhere, or would one have to work for a flatbed operation to learn?

Ask a flatbed driver, would be my advice. I haven't driven flatbed much over the 30 years of trucking I have under my belt, but there are all kinds of tricks of the trade, thats for sure.

Remember with flatbeds you might be using straps, chains, rope or cord to fasten the load and they all need certain ways to secure them.

The BIG thing I learned when pulling flats was to get out and check the load for loose straps or chains, every so often, else you could lose your load very easy.

A good pair of leather gloves and a winch-bar are mandatory. Hopefully someone with lots more experience with flats then I can help you out in the real world.

All I can say is thankfully I never had to tarp up in cold weather.

RedRollingRoadblock · #3 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 01:00 AM

One rule to follow is "if it falls off you own it."

Here is a link to the Cargo Securement - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Ed, The wooden shoes have dry rot.

Faber · #4 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 02:27 AM

Watch how the other drivers are doing it at the shipper, then figure their lazy and proably doing it wrong. I learned at a company. They had a great refrence book...that I really dont need, but still would like to have.

kantgetryte · #5 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 11:19 AM

A few months back I saw a couple of manhole covers on the side of the road [I-95] about a mile up the road was a flatbed on the shoulder,the driver looking at his load which happened to be manhole covers and other various items related to same.So the big ? is do you leave them or try to rollem like a tire and get it back up on the trl?

Faber · #6 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kantgetryte

A few months back I saw a couple of manhole covers on the side of the road [I-95] about a mile up the road was a flatbed on the shoulder,the driver looking at his load which happened to be manhole covers and other various items related to same.So the big ? is do you leave them or try to rollem like a tire and get it back up on the trl?

now that sucks....