Securement Question

Thanks @skootertrashr6 . Was pretty sure that was the case; but see an awful lot of dumptrucks and tag trailers hauling160 class excavators with just 4 3/8 chains.

 

Not around here you won't, unless they are on the side of the road adding chains with the MCS officer watching.... LOL

 

Or they're grade 100 chains (WLL 8,800). I use these with the 3/8-1/2 binders (WLL 12,000). They are expensive, but seem much less prone to stretching and bending links.

 

Well, the laws are written in a way that will cover any object that one might strap to a trailer.

A couple guys suggested that equipment has integrated locks, hydraulics are strong enough prevent articulation during transit ect.... but often, the equipment lacks these features and/or required maintenance. Your average officer isn't going to know the difference, and regs. help to compensate for this (though, as we all know, it isn't uncommon to find a driver who hasn't a clue as well).

Every driver/carrier has their niche, and educates themselves accordingly, often supplemented with hands on experience, on a daily basis. An officer is required to have a general understanding of EVERYTHING that is strapped down or boxed. The laws are written to encompass it all... and sometimes, it doesn't. Yes, the officer has discretion, but he/she has to articulate it.

You also have to admit, that some legal tie-down methods will cause pause when you initially look at it... "seriously, that is safe???" It works, but of the surface, it instinctually appears FUBAR. That might be enough probable cause for a traffic stop (we get pissed off, but at least the officer is thinking and acting upon something that doesn't look right... that is their job). Be cool with the officer (even if he/she is a tool bag), and hopefully they will be receptive to your experience and explanation. If the interaction is positive, you just succeeded in educating an officer, who will better support you and the industry in the long run.

Considering how many loads we see dumped on ramps and intersections, vehicles rolled over, and innocent people hurt or killed, the ball is often dropped.

I guess, when in doubt, an extra tie-down doesn't hurt. Look at the load, and if there is something that may be questioned by an ignorant officer, toss a strap or chain on it, call it good.... at least that is how I approach it.

 

I like for mine to look secure and be secure. That any the officer driving by can just look over and see that it is all good.

I read this on a thread here many years ago and have always stuck to it or went beyond, I find the minimum required Amount of securement then throw one more chain or strap for my family then throw one more for your family. It has served me well.

We run a lot of 40' long 10' wide steel plate, 45 to 48k, I see people all day throw 5 straps and go, some without even using edge protectors. I use 7 3/8 chains for these loads and always x my chains in the front. Only takes a couple more minutes to do something safely and I couldn't tell you how many times I have had people on the radio say that that is the way steel should be hauled or how many times lazy azzed drivers at the mill ask why so much. Funny thing is most of the time I can have those 7 chains on before they have their 5 straps, especially if they do use edge protectors.

 

Don't haul the 10 but some steel plates and I cross 2 chains on both front and back then a strap every 3-4 foot so far none have moved.

 

I know this is an old thread and may have been brought up throughout the thread somewhere so I apologize if it did.

I had a load similar to this that I had to pull up to Winnipeg over the winter on a step deck. I did the same chain rigging as you did(from what I saw in the first couple of pics anyways) and also threw a strap over each unit with corner protectors. Never moved an inch and have hauled them this way several times.

 

You won't be put in the corner for adding to a thread. If this thread helped in the smallest of ways. It did its job, information is always good. Libraries are full and I'm thankful for them.

Feel free to add your load pic. It will help some who can't picture what you typed. That is why alot will post pictures, to help let the driver understand what's going on.

Be safe and truck-on

 

Where I work they always want pictures of our loads and usually I would have one to show but I deleted them months ago and haven't had a load like that since.