securement

Sounds like making sure the units are banded tightly/bound well prior to loading, getting them pushed together as tightly as possible, having straps from both sides, having a half twist in any extended length of strap, and strapping/securing the product to the deck as tightly as possible with as little damage as possible would be the easiest and most ideal way to prevent cargo movement. Barring that-a tarp will prevent movement out of the bundles.

Tho I was trying to be lighthearted-a tarp is the only suggestion I have that gaurantees to hold that product from walking. Not saying I'd love to be working harder on such a job, some jobs have those additional steps that are no fun. I have yet to see a better solution :/ Good to hear you are coming up with ideas like the tennis balls. Update with progress on your ideas.

only other idea that comes to my mind is use some large edge protectors to spread the force across a larger surface area (and prevent premature strap wear & damage to product) then strap it like its a cheap umber load that you're taking home to burn and beat. Strap it as tight as you can.

 

Maybe a gut wrap too?

 

I agree with Ruthless. Gut wrap those bundles somehow.

 

I haul a lot of 2x yellow pine. I like to put a 4 x 4 under front and back. I used a lot of straps to keep it on. On the front bundles I use 4 4 inch straps and tighten the center 2 first. then I go back and forth to get them very tight. I bend the top bundle down on the bottom. Sometime they pile up in the center a little but if they are tight enough they don't move. I haul a lot of mixed loads loaded on drop trls so I get what ever the loader did to leave with in morn.. I dont have a headache rack and none of our trailer have a bulkhead. I would rather have a claim for damage cargo then have cargo on the road. you could get or make a small tarp for the front like a smoke tarp. Also it takes some practice but I have xed the straps on the front You can get some down pressure that way. i also will use the gut wrap if I have a bundle that I cant get right. I also take pictures of problems and give them to the shipper. sometimes they will solve the problem just dont expect anything.

 

All the solutions mentioned would probably help and are common flatbedding securment solutions. Perhaps I may have a couple that might help you. Get yourself an air powered nailer, air hose that has a glad hand on one end. Nail the loose boards to prevent movement. Or if all the above fails then possibly switch over to a dry van. That would eliminate all flatbed problem solving. Open barn doors and bump dock. Not much issues to deal with. Flatbedders are 1%ers. Requiring more thought, imagining, and thought into what we do. Hope this helps. Good luck lol