Do you put load locks on loads of rolled paper stacked vertically?

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/393.122

See rule 393.122

 

And then I find this, but there is a whole lot of jibber-jabber but no specifics.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/cargo-securement-rules
They won't tell you specifics because they know that inside a van trailer with some products, there is simply no practical means ... but figure out what we're not saying anyway, then figure out how to apply it in a way that some might deem appropriate and some might not

 

This is helpful but in the case of pre-loaded trailers (as most are) most of this is applicable to the shipper to properly load and secure as they are loading.

Anyway, I'm glad I'm not doing flats and vans anymore and don't have to deal with those stupid rolls.

 

A load lock will do nothing to stop the typical paper rolls that are shipped from tipping over. A load lock will keep a paper roll from walking around some, but will not stop all movement. The thing is when the roll moves and contacts the load lock it damages the paper and the truck driver and the trucking company is on the hook for the claim.

Most of the time load locks in a paper load will fall to the floor since it is a heavy load and the trailer walls flex in and out from the stress of the trailer bouncing down the road. The load in the trailer is carried by the walls of the trailer, and they flex.

Load locks are poor securement devices anyway. Only the lightest of cargo can be secured with them. Since most trailers made now are of the duraplate type, the walls flex and stretch and leave the load locks loose and on the floor. The only reason trucking companies use load locks is they are too cheep to buy e-track, and they are sure truck drivers will walk off with the e-track straps. A 8'+ steel pool is hard to pocket and walk off with.

As such I use load locks only as intended, to ward off tickets from weight cops that like to open trailers. In the case of paper rolls, the load locks are there but far enough away from the paper to prevent damage. The are wrenched hard against the walls near the door so they don't fall to the floor. They are just there to prevent tickets. And the Dot has and will give tickets for no load securement of paper rolls.

 

I'm well aware

 

Load locks fall down often with these loads because as the rolls push harder to the front, they tend to wedge the trailer walls out slightly, just enough to make the load locks fall. So like was mentioned, you may as well place them a foot or more away if that will make someone happy, and it will probably stay put then and "look good"

 

i never did, and back in my earlier years, i hauled a lot out of Lee, MA, and Adams, MA, down to Richmond, VA.

you run the risk too of damaging the trailer, and damaging the roll(s), which YOU the driver will be held accountable.

unless you take a corner or curve like Mario Andretti, or drive off a bridge, those rolls will not fall over.

 

they won't fall over simply because they are taller than the width of the trailer. what they will do is slide to one side going as slow as 20 mph in a curve if you hit a bump (think pavement buckle from heat). and the weight of 6 2500 lb rolls moving in unison will tip you over. and yes, this happened to me. not the tip over part, but almost. scared me witless. 6 standing rolls, 36' diameter in a line down the middle from nose back with no bracing. the absolutely worst way to load.

 

we always had a full trailer load of paper rolls. always maxed out for weight.

 

Never have I seen a load bar used, you might as well chew on some gum and stick it to the floor at the base of the roll would hold just as much. Myself a good hammer some nails and a chunk of scrap wood if I was going to be hauling through mountains otherwise just drive like a professional and it wont move.