Aggregate WLL....one more time once and for all LOL

They do seem to be worded to contradict each other but I think it just how they are worded. Ive always been told only way to get full WLL was to go deck to deck. Every time ive been inspected or talked with DOT the only counted chains that were tied deck to deck for full WLL. I always put on more then required and have just got in habit of trying to get atleast a couple that are deck to deck whether im pulling step or rgn

 

It all says pretty much the same thing but defines the aggregate in different ways to cover each different situation.

Example on finished dies and molds, I have to tie them down with three or four items (chains/straps combo), the die or mold have holes in them so they can be lifted into the machine, I put in the appropriate pin in those holds (1, 1.5 or 2 inch pins) and then put a chain over them, tie it down with a binder on each side of the deck. The chain is in front of and in back of the die or mold and ensures that it won't move but because of the size, I put at least one or two straps cross the die or mold with padding (they have sharp edges no matter what the machinists say they ground the edges down) to add to the securing of that piece. The aggregate is one half of the total of the chains/straps WLL. I also use one WLL number for all the chains - I have mixed grades on most of the trucks I drive so I go with the lowest grade and use that.

Now there was times where I will wrap the straps around a piece when I am driving a small flatbed, in the case of a 3000 lb mold where it is put right on the deck, I will go around it one way with one strap and anchoring it on the same side with another strap on the opposite side and then go over the top with a strap to hold it down as an added securement. I have been criticized a few times by big bad truckers who were filling up next to me about overusing straps but they don't seem to deal with slippery things that are machined to a smooth finish with oil on them that make them slide everywhere on almost every surface they are put in. Nothing like leaning against a 5000 lb cavity on a machine and having it move a few inches.

 

We just went through a securement class from the FMCSA directly. What I got from that was that as long as both ends of the chain secures to the trailer at some point then you get the full WLL.

They did however try to tell us that the outrigger brackets on the Cozad trailer was the securement point and not the trailer frame.

 

Both ends of the chain hooked to the deck or trailer.

 

Now you have me thinking I may have answered you kind of incorrectly. It may be OK if its a binder connecting to the trailer at one or both ends for full WLL.

Someone else will have to chime in.

 

I believe Mack is correct. As long as the binder and chain being used have the same WLL, having the binder secured to one side of the deck, and the chain to the other is acceptable. I prefer to just hook the chain on each end, and then hook my binder one or two links from one side, and then loop the extra chain around the binder after tightening. Unless I'm securing rubber tire equipment; then I like to have one chain and one binder pulling to each corner, plus any others necessary through the machine.