Need Advice From Flatbedders

There is no minimum amount per layer. Straps over top no more than 5 feet apart.

Few joints on top can be chalked, nailing small piece of wood on each side of layer.

I like to throw a strap over the first layer towards the middle to stabilize bottom layer.

 

When it comes to gut wraps on that (layer wraps as someone else called them) I use 2 per 40 ft length on pipe and lets say you have 4 layers of that pipe. I would gut wrap the first layer and 3rd layer then you need 1 strap per each ten ft minimum over the top and an extra strap on each end within the first 5 feet.

 

Regulations just state that you need to have 2 straps on the first 10 feet and then 1 strap every 10 feet after that...... not the safest way, but that's how the reg's read.

I put 3 straps per layer, and if not using pipe-stakes, I would gut wrap them as well on each end.

 

Yeah what he said ^^^ They usually call it a "penalty strap" as since you dont have either end blocked and/or braced against forward and backward movement then you have to throw the extra strap. Just depending on the load (ie. what it is, how high its stacked, etc.) is what determines for me on how many gut wraps I throw. You can throw 3 as there is nothing wrong with xtra. The amount of straps thrown will cover the working load limit (WLL) of the load too as that is something else to consider.

 

I know this is not entirely on subject but I've seen a many big company drivers throw straps every five feet or so when I asked why there answer is because steel load's require more securement than other loads if using straps instead of chains is that true I know what the regs say online but they refer to the lil green book or there company book any answers would be great since I've only ever done two within the first ten and one every ten after unless the weight of the load required more than the length

 

Funny, since my 4 inch straps have a WLL of 5400 pounds and my 5/16 gr70 chains have a WLL of 4700 pounds.
The little green book is just a printed version of the regs found online at the FMCSA website. They are the same. Doesn't matter if you use chains or straps, the WLL needed is identical.

 

5/16 gr70 chaines should have a wll of 6600. Unless yours are marked for less for some reason

 

5/16 gr 70 is 4700lb WLL, 3/8 gr 70 is 6600 WLL
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=393.108

 

He is correct ^^^^^^