Reefer load securement question.

Discussion in 'Refrigerated Trucking Forum' started by dmick1954, Oct 20, 2014.

  1. dmick1954

    dmick1954 Light Load Member

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    Feb 27, 2010
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    I recently picked up a dry van load with a reefer trailer. The load weighed 35,800 lbs. The loader split the load with half in the nose and half part way back. The problem was that there was no way to secure the second half so that it wouldn't slide forward. I couldn't use straps nor were blocks possible because of the metal floors. I don't trust load locks to hold that kind of weight back. So, is there a way to secure the second half of such a load so that it won't slide forward?
     
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  3. w.h.o

    w.h.o Road Train Member

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    Shrink wrap all of it together. About 10-20 times around. Of course depending what kind of load is it....it might not work if it's pallet full of 6/10 cans or soda/beer... why can't you strap it in? Strap bar doesn't go all the way back?a few load bars looks like a better way..
     
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  4. Trckdrvr

    Trckdrvr Heavy Load Member

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    never had that problem in 9 years pulling reefer..
    that's some heavy enough pallets,what would make them slide around that much?
    You slam on the brakes a lot?

    I just use load locks 2-3 should hold it..Roll down road,when I open the doors it never moves.
     
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  5. vavega

    vavega Light Load Member

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    learn how to spread load your pallets and then insist that the forklift driver load it your way. you don't say how many pallets, and that's key. now mind you i am guessing but a good start would be 2 in the nose side by side, then a single in the middle, followed by another single, 2 side by side behind them, 2 more singles in the middle, and so on. there won't be any sliding front to back. if you end up with a single at the end, put it on either side up against the wall and then brace it in with 3 empties.

    but like i said how you spread it out totally depends on how many pallets you have.
     
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  6. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    What kind of product are we talking about ? Can goods loaded on pallets shrink-wrapped and crotch high shouldn't be a problem. Beer loads stacked 6 ft would be a problem. FYI, you can put some empty pallets down flat on the floor if they're available to act as blocks. Also, did you "supervise" the loading ? If so, why did you let him load it like that ?
     
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  7. dmick1954

    dmick1954 Light Load Member

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    Feb 27, 2010
    Bartow, FL
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    I didn't supervise the loading because I don't usually have this problem. Thanks for your ideas and suggestions.
     
  8. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    Reminds me of a load I did a couple times. It was milk and cream packaged in 5 gal bags inside cardboard boxes, going to an ice cream factory. Each skid was about 6 foot high, super heavy, and a bit wobbly. I got involved when they tried to nose load 16 skids and I could see my drive tires sagging when I pulled off the dock. The loader was worried that singles would tip over. Mmmkay... no.

    I told him singles wouldn't tip if he got them in there tight. So he stretched it out, single/double all the way back. I weighed and still way over on drives. Back to the dock. This time I told the loader that the load needed to stretch out to at least the 40' mark. That took two singles in the nose, a double, then two more singles, then double single all the way back, with another pair of singles before the double in the back. That balanced perfectly. 700 miles from TX to GA and then up a steep driveway to the consignee and nothing moved. It also helped that I was driving a notch more cautiously than usual as well. Slow in the curves LOL
     
  9. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    This is why the drivers need to know how to load his trailer. I'd say about 50/50 forklift jocks don't really know weight distribution etc. They just stack it in there. I've had an argument or two over the years with loaders on how to load it. This is assuming you're "live" loading. At any rate, before loading, discuss with the loader type of product, weight of each pallet and how many pallets.
     
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  10. bulldog522002

    bulldog522002 Light Load Member

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    When spreading a load out I always start with a single pallet in the nose of the trailer. You have to consider the weight of the unit up there too. I go single double to the back and when I start getting towards the 48' mark on a 53' trailer,I start doubleing them up. This way I can slide my tandems to axle out. On a heavy load I always try not to go past the 48' mark.
     
  11. born&raisedintheusa

    born&raisedintheusa Road Train Member

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    Perhaps ALL truck drivers should have loading dock experience BEFORE getting their CDL's and getting hired on as truck drivers, (local or OTR).
     
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