Do you need a headboard on a flatbed??

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by ducatijay, Jun 11, 2011.

  1. ducatijay

    ducatijay Bobtail Member

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    Do you need a headboard on a flatbed if you don't have a headache rack?

    The reason i ask: Last truck inspection a pa state trooper said that my headboard looked to be loose (one bolt started to back out). I explained i just put the headboard back on because this truck doesn't have a headache rack. He then tells me i don't need a headboard even if the truck doesn't have a rack. He said the new load securement standard doesn't require them anymore

    can that be true? Can it be a state-to-state law?

    Can't find it on fmcsa site. Thanks......
     
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  3. snowman_w900

    snowman_w900 Road Train Member

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    i have heard the same thing, but theres been a few guys tell me california still requires them. not sure if they really know what they are talkin bout though. i kinda figuerd it may be state to state, but a dot here in ohio said no more headboard or headache rack needed. just gotta use more straps and chains when securing your load. hell i guess it all depends on what scalehouse or cop pulls ya over and how up to date they are on the new regulations. ya know how that goes.....i would like to know if this is fact or not or nationwide.
     
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  4. DL550CAT

    DL550CAT Road Train Member

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    Nope not required anymore.
     
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  5. lostNfound

    lostNfound Road Train Member

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    What he said.

    Just foolish not to have, IMHO.
     
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  6. Vampire

    Vampire Medium Load Member

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    States can exceed certain requirements if they wish. I am not 100% certain if all states abide by the changes in which there is no requirement for a headache rack for the truck or headboard for the trailer. With removal of the requirement, there is still the requirement for an extra binder or strap if no rack or board is on the truck or trailer. I throw extra's on anyway.

    Question, why wouldn't you want a headache rack or cabinet? Chains, binder's, straps, and tarps are all the more accessible, and can be better organized. Sure beats digging around the truck to drag out chains and so on. That and there is now more storage available for other things. On some lowboys there is space for storing some chains, binders and probably one tarp or so. Still, I'd rather have a nice cabinet / headache rack. That, and every bit of resistance helps if that load goes to crash through your truck.

    You can get the beams made of steel, and the rest of the cabinet, or rack made of aluminum. I had one drawn up. Not sure where it is though. I'll look around for it.

    If you wish not to install a headache rack, why not just tighten up that headboard and leave it on the trailer?
     
  7. Prairie Boy

    Prairie Boy Road Train Member

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  8. ducatijay

    ducatijay Bobtail Member

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    Feb 11, 2011
    Yorktown Heights, NY
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    one truck has a headache rack and the other two don't. the one with the rack has a trailer without a headboard. i try to keep each truck and trailer paired but sometimes i have to switch trailers. plus my trucks have dedicated runs of palletized stone and block that are always belly loaded. i don't carry chains and binders. so i don't think headboards would help me any. plus i would probably get better mpg.......
     
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  9. rbht

    rbht Heavy Load Member

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    Do not need a headboard or headache rack any more just need an extra tie down in the 1st 4ft of the load. I run without and have never bin question once in any state i run.
     
  10. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Kinda like some steel plants not requiring hard hats anymore. A 20 ton beam falling on your head, hey, no hard hat's gonna' help anyone, right ?
     
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  11. canuck in da truck

    canuck in da truck Road Train Member

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    in that case--a hard hat will only contain the mess,making cleanup a bit easier
     
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