The Truckers’ Report flatbed Hall of Shame.

That's the problem, that plastic strap isn't listed in the tables. I talked to @brian991219 and his feeling was the same as mine that that is not a legal tie down in any way, shape, or form.

 

I know nothing of US law, but from a personal point of view, if @Razororange is correct and the strap goes though a hole (but I would prefer to see some protection at that point|) then ok. But if it is merely over the top I would let some air out of the tyre enough for a really tightly tensioned strap to bite into it. Bit worried about what the wheel is resting on though, some of those bearers look like tubes.

As to the stack on the back, those whatever they are look a bit sharp to me for unprotected straps.

 

Doesnt even look like a strap. Looks like banding they use on a bundle of lumber or something... Which has no wll and would be illegal. Same as a bungee with no wll

 

Looks like it is brand spanking new, the side pickets are still stored and not a mark on the deck. I think it is just packaged for shipping and not operation, those cheap little straps come with a lot of products, water heaters etc.

 

As @Banker pointed out, they've been done this way forever, and they don't generally move. But this morning, as the DOT cop was sitting in their pull off that overlooks our loading area from <100 yards, it struck me that it would be an easy OOS ticket, and the tails of those plastic bands waving in the wind looked like an invite for a cavity inspection.

It's one of them things that nobody ever thought about changing when the securement rags changed a few years ago.

Edit: added my solution

 

That solves the problem pretty well, well played

 

Wonder if it makes any difference if its loaded on a car hauler and not actually driving down the road...? Not sure what the proper answer is to the question but now im as curious as you what the proper way would be..

 

Nice work!
I was thinking about that as an option. In years past coming out of Wentzville with Dually wheel cab and chassis they would take the outer wheels off and band them to the frame so we could haul more units. Wasn’t any more secure than your stake bed but they did stay put.

 

Yes, as we discussed that nylon band is not specifically listed in the tables to 393.108 therefore it would have no effective WLL. Too much to be left up to officer's interpretation so it was better to just assemble the side kit. The other option would be to install rated tie down straps but that is not practical and leave open the chance for paint abrasion.

I think you made the best decision with the material available. Like Mack E-6 said, that nylon banding breaks at the most inopportune times and I don't trust it.