Headache Rack, Headboard, Bulkhead

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by tommkatz1, Sep 1, 2008.

  1. Joetro

    Joetro Road Train Member

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    Now, who in the hell had that bright idea?
     
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  3. TrooperRat

    TrooperRat Medium Load Member

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    I have a hard time believing that. They implemented new securement laws for trailers without bulkheads - I really seriously doubt they did away with the requirement for a rack on the tractor - gonna have to see that one to believe it.
     
  4. grizzly

    grizzly Medium Load Member

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    With the new cargo securement laws you are NOT required to have a headache rack or a bulkhead, you just have to have more tie downs. I like a headache rack because it's a good place to hang your chains, plus you can overhang the front of your trailer.
     
  5. User Name

    User Name Light Load Member

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    After flat bedding for many years & seeing the results of having a head board or headache rack this one really bugged me.

    Here's what I found in the FMCSA website effective 1/1/04....
    Front End Structures on CMVs
    FMCSA revised its rules concerning front-end structures or headerboards by changing the applicability of the requirements to cover CMVs transporting cargo that is in contact with the front-end structure of the vehicle. By contrast, the old rules required certain vehicles to be equipped with front-end structures regardless of whether the devices were used as part of a cargo securement system.



    Just seems really crazy to me.
     
    Baack Thanks this.
  6. L.B.

    L.B. Third Generation Truck Driver

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    I have seen cargo go through headache racks before. They really do not do much if the cargo is not secured correctly. I have pulled loads without either before and I am comfortable with it.
     
  7. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    That's what I always thought.
     
  8. Joetro

    Joetro Road Train Member

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    I don't imagine you were dragging a load of bar stock without one, though and I, for one will have built a bulkhead out of 4X4s for that stuff. Yes, loads may have gone through the bangboards on a rare occasion, but that doesn't mean they won't slow them down. I've seen bangboards prevent what could have been an ugly situation.
     
  9. JPenn

    JPenn Road Train Member

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    Good-size bar stock will make hash of anything ahead of it if it comes loose, and that includes bangboards, bulkhead or a headache rack. Personally I'd prefer to haul that sort of thing on a stepdeck, where it's low enough not to harpoon me. Don't have that option though as I run a conventional flat.

    My personal bottom line: if it looks like it might hurt me, oversecure the hell out of it and drive like it's loose on the trailer :D
     
  10. Passin Thru

    Passin Thru Road Train Member

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    I remember in 1974 a driver w/ a load of beams got killed around Wheeling. He had an old short hood White and no Headache rack and the stff came thru the cab. That looked awful.
     
  11. Roadhound

    Roadhound Light Load Member

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    I don't use either one on my rig. I pull a stepdeck and 95% of my loads are on the bottom deck, so I didn't see the use, plus they're ugly as hell! Besides, if you look at the construction of and material used on most cab racks, they're not going to stop much in a hard enough collision. Plus, they are only held on by grade 5 u-bolts. Just my opinion.
     
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