The Truckers’ Report flatbed Hall of Shame.

One of the securement criteria I use is pretty simple. Would I want my family to ride down the highway next to the load.

 

I always had to carry one of those books with me, but to this day I've never looked at it outside of when I had to open the glove box. I just relied on common sense, and common sense to me is to chain equipment or machinery. Certainly not saying you are wrong, but just because we can do something doesn't mean we should do something.

 

The best part of all this is that the rules don't even apply to him. If he threw the parking brakes on and a 1" strap over the middle he's good to go as long as it stays on the trailer. The rules are only enforced against commercial vehicles. The guy with the roller even took the time to put edge protectors under his straps where he basketed them through the tie down points.



Modern 3/4-1Ton pickups weigh anywhere from 8,000-10,000 lbs when they are manufactured. They are generally hauled on a car hauler with 2-4 straps basketed over the tires. It's totally legal for them to just throw straps on 2 of the tires as long as they keep it from moving. Somehow that's totally safe but this guy using straps with edge protection on the designed securement points isn't?

You guys are acting like it's impossible to get a ratchet strap tight no matter what. You can use a winch bar on a hand ratchet strap too. You can also get an extension for the hand ratchets that is designed to get them tighter than you would be able to normally.

All securement equipment is rated and tested to hold a certain amount of weight. Doesn't matter if it's a chain or a synthetic strap. Both will perform up to and likely much beyond their marked ratings.

I personally would also use chains for this equipment. Not because I don't think straps would work but because chains are faster and easier. Especially if you have short chains with slip hooks specifically for hauling equipment. I use direct securements almost any time I possibly can.

Common sense says that as long as the tiedowns are tight, properly rated and attached to secure points on the load and trailer the machine won't move.

 

A bit heavy on the weights, gassers are usually just under 7K#, Diesels are usually just under 8K# for single wheels, a touch heavier for duallies. And while most guys 2 strap them, you're over the working limit of the straps if you do.
Also, it bears remembering that over the tread straps don't directly secure vehicles. They increase the pressure on the tire footprint and depend on the park brake & transmission to hold them. The straps provide some direct tiedown, but they'll move a few inches before there's any major force. Whereas on a typical equipment on a flatbed the tiedowns are directly holding everything in place.

 

I based my info on a guess that truck is no newer than a ‘19.:looks more ‘14-15 to me

 

This will ruin a guy’s day. Found on Instagram.

 

From a group I am in: guy proud of the new to him bike he just got

 

Friend sends picture….how long before the phone conversation?

 

Assuming im just missing something about how youre actually supposed to tie down motorcycles since i dont ride and dont really know anyone that does.

I see its in the front wheel ... stabilizer? Will it hit a bump, loosen straps and fall over because of the shocks?

Just curious since i dont know

 

Western Express just sent this guy a pre-approval to become trainer