Saw this on the NYT. Any thoughts?

On the original topic,..

On that particular load I would have used V-Boards. Not everyone carries them, much less uses them. But in my opinion that would have been a safer option for that type of load. As for the twist in the straps. Thats just a personal thing. Some drivers do. Some dont. I dont think its right or wrong. I have my own reasons for twisting my straps. When you eat through $250 in straps in 6 months, you have to think to yourself, there must be a better way.

I'm no expert and still learning every day. I observe what other guys are doing. I ask questions and I'm not afraid of what others may think of me.

Hurst

 

I only did it on loads that I couldn't crank a straight strap down enough to stop it from flapping. And I always turned the strap to the rear of the trailer so the wind catches it even less (hard to picture in your head from a description, but you turn the strap counter clockwise from the bottom on the driver side, clockwise from the bottom on the passenger side.) If you turn if the other way the wind still catches inside the fold where you twisted it and can pull the strap back off the load if it should loosen up any. Never had DOT say anything to me about it either, even ones who were looking at me hard for load securement for some reason (hmm, how long is this load? how heavy? how many straps is that... er ... um... hey Bob, is this enough straps? Are you sure? Doesn't look like it to me... is that one frayed? Etc etc)

 

Tarped hay with 2 straps inside and 12 straps outside. Tell me that's being lazy. Light weight 9' drop tarps. The straps were to keep it from billowing like a sail.

 

That's what bungee straps are for.

 

The only time I intentionally twist straps is when it is on my personal truck where you can hear every vibrating strap.

On loads that settle a flapping strap tells me to stop and put another click on the winch. I watch my straps and chains like a hawk. Going around a bend, I check my securement in the mirror. I am still a rookie and haven't gotten complacent yet. This first year is critical for me. I have 4 DUI's (2-23 years ago and 2-16 years ago). I need a clean first year to bring the insurance rate down so I can get paid more.

 

Load looks perfectly fine to me.

 

A straight strap will viberate no matter how tight you make it. This is the same principal as a reed in a musical instrament..

I always put a full turn in my straps on each side. they don't move, viberate or cause any problems. to each their own tho.

 

Full twist is illegal.

 

STIR, STIR, STIR!!!!! You want a canoe paddle to use in that pot??? LOL

 

Twists are as illegal as my gardner