How to secure paper rolls to satisfy DOT?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by MrsWJAA, May 14, 2023.

  1. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Coming from Wisconsin, years ago, I bet 40% of our loads were rolls of paper. I've never seen them on a flatbed, however. It used to be a very competitive business, and I hauled paper rolls from Ga. to Wis. on the rail. ( And reload rolls of paper bound for Ga.) As newspapers and cardboard vanished, so did the paper mills in Wis. and with it, thousands of jobs. The rail is a rough ride, but rarely had any trouble. Most loads were ran straight in, no gaps. Sometimes, a wood block was nailed to the floor, but did little. I don't ever remember worrying about weight or restraint with rolls of paper.
     
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  3. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    When I did those I never used any securement either.

    I'd go with actual load bars that clip into the e track on either side of the roll.

    Most folks don't carry load bars though, let alone 8 of them.
     
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  4. bzinger

    bzinger Road Train Member

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    Those rolls will move with mats if enough braking is applied .
    I was under a near new utility dry van with roll stock on when a camper came across the median at me in iowa .
    I instantly stood on the brakes and we missed each other but that roll stock pushed out the first 8 feet of wall panels and rub rails .
    Got it unloaded no problem and to the shop it went .
     
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  5. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Everything is fine until you make a panic stop because some 4-wheelr needs to exit 6 feet ago.
     
  6. silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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    At paper roll deliveries, nobody has ever checked the seal in 25 years.

    That being said, I already have two 30 foot chains for my other work, so I bought a chain binder (pictured) and secure with chain using a zip tie to keep the binder from popping open in transit.

    If its 4 big rolls in front then space then four in back, I buy a ladder to climb around. Two by fours and regular load straps for the ones in the nose then 2× 4 's nailed in floor and a chain wrapped around bunching all rolls together with tarps on the contact points between the chain and paper to prevent damage.

    I use load straps attached to the wall and chain to suspend it while I secure it to the rolls.

    Paper mills have custom straps to secure rolls but too cheap to provide them in spite of big profits. They don't care about our safety it is up to us.

    My company pays for all securement supplies. Yours should too. 20230515_084855.jpg
     
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  7. MrsWJAA

    MrsWJAA Light Load Member

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    Oh, I have absolutely had similar happen... heading through a work zone, just reach the cones ,nothing in the right lane, check my driver side mirror then back to the front in time to see 2 idiots zoom in from nowhere into the single car length of space left between me and the cones and then slam on brakes in front of me because they were suddenly eating up the 3 car lengths of space between me and the next guy at around 50mph... still no load shift... even though idiot 2 almost became a pancake and then had the nerve to parade wave at me after I finally got stopped and she pulled forward enough not to get hit... I was standing on the floor brakes, jakes in 3 and hand on the horn the whole time because this ##### was taught not to swerve with a heavy load, so I was holding her straight as I brought her to a stop. Scared me... when she started waving the princess wave, I started waving the single finger salute...
     
  8. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    That information saying that the DOT can't cut the seal, that's not quite accurate. I had a load of tires coming out of New Jersey and the scale in Girard, OH performed an inspection on me. They took off the seal, notated it, and put one back on. Also, load securement applying only to flatbed is not quite accurate either. If the DOT wants to check for that in a reefer or dry van, they very well can. Depending on the commodity, the DOT can say if your load is secure or not. Beverages, roll stock, if it ain't loaded all the way to trailer, you better put a load lock or strap on there. While I agree it won't secure the load 100 percent, it's a matter of looking like you're trying to take precautions.
     
  9. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    They have trailer floors rated just for this. Normally trailers are not meant to haul these kind of loads.
     
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  10. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    DOT can absolutely cut your seal. They put one on from their agency to replace it.

    Have had it happen with hazmat load in New Mexico.
     
  11. silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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