Headache Rack, Headboard, Bulkhead
Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by tommkatz1, Sep 1, 2008.
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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.
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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.
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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. -
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.
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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 -
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.
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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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