Securing/Blocking loads

When you load a box. All you will have to do for most loads is put a load lock or 2 in. Just make sure there is a double on the back end. Usually I had them load single double single double out. Depending on weight and skid count. If there's an old skid where there has to be a single by the back it has to be one row in. I went a few rounds with a loader in franklin park over that. He refused to pull the last skid and put it up a row. If there's a single for the last skid it will move!!! So you want that single 1 row in and a double on the back. Your company should explain it too you. I didn't run a box very long but my dad did it for years. You might end up pulling loads with logistics bars. But I can't say for sure they'll train you on those. As well.

 

If you were LOBOTEAM One would have to get in back and lean against load to prevent shifting.

 

For the most part when you get loaded the shipper will make sure the load is secure and loaded correctly because they don't want their product damaged BUT....sometimes shrink wrap is not enough depending on what it is or how they wrapped it and just like everywhere else, not everyone knows what they are doing all the time. If it's a live load you should be able to see how it's loaded and if you don't think its right then don't take it. Usually if you sign for the load it's your responsibility. Loads come in all different shapes, sizes and weights so it's not a one size fits all type deal. If you can grab or have access to some straps it wouldn't hurt to carry a couple extra with you, ratcheting if you can get em. They are usually better than load locks but not all trailers will have a place to hook them onto the walls. If it looks like it's not secure or questionable then think twice about hauling it.

 

Its always your responsibility for load securment no matter what kind of trailer u are pulling. If it shifts and u are overweight it will be your fault. Or, if it is damaged it will probably be your fault. Most shippers have lumber for blocking if needed. One thing that comes to mind is hauling steel. Many places have wood blocks and a nail gun for you to use. Of course if you're pulling a reefer with a metal floor it's a little hard to block the load since you won't be nailing into the metal. That's why in this case you would need to be extra careful on turns so it doesn't shift. But most van/reefer loads can be secured with a load lock.

 

a lot of times the shipper will tell you if you need load locks etc, some might tell you required 1, some might say 2, I even had a chip load that wanted 3 load locks. I try to keep my rack full with 4 at all times and sometimes if I come across extras I will strap them down somewhere or throw them in the cargo space. I also have several straps I hijacked out of mt's that I pick up sometimes but I never use them but keep them around just in case.

 

Sounds like a few of you need to read your little green book. It is always the drivers responsibility to make sure the load is secured. Irreguardless if the shipper placed airbags in or whatever. I carry both straps and load locks, and use them both regularly. If you haul beer they won't even let you leave if YOU haven't strapped it in. It only takes a minute to throw a load lock on anyway so why gamble with the DOT?

 

On air ride trailers, pre-loaded and sealed, many are typically NOT secured in any way and the product arrives at the destination 1700 miles away just like it was when it was loaded. But like was mentioned, there is all types of freight and customer demands. Poor spring ride trailers are the reason for most securement demands in van trailers with low profile, palletized and wrapped freight.

But when securement is warranted, many times the shipper uses special dunnage, sometimes the driver is to provide load locks or straps and put them in him/her self prior to sealing.

 

-When that load shifts,

putting your rig on its side,

who is responsible ?