Here is why rates are tanking!

You better be tarping it. Wouldn't want it to get wet.

 

I know @starmac has mentioned using straps with no hooks and running it thru winch on both sides. Always wanted to try it but never got around to it

 

I laughed at the Gerdau steel loader who loaded a half dozen round bars on my flatbed once and told me I couldn't get up there and throw a strap. He wanted me to pull out into the street first because that was safer by their policy.

 

I've done that before too when choking a single large piece. Kinda hard to get both sides tight with one winch and a 60,000 lb shaft on the deck.

 

I have 4" straps (and some ratchets) with a short length of chain on the end. It's enough to go around two close-set spools and hook together in a triangle. They can be a pain to work with, but they stay inside the rail.

 

I have 4 3" like that but don't carry any 4" with chain ends. I'd have to carry at least 5-6 of those and just don't have the room for any more straps.

For the 10 or so loads a year I run on a standard 48x102 I'll take my chances with the occasional strap outside the rail.

 

Only thing I see is not the best choice of a trailer. Look close it has hell of a dip in it setting on the side rails. Good way to break a trailer.

You can wrap straps on spools and pockets if you have a brain and not cut them. I try to not wrap chain just because it is hard on shinny aluminum, but not illegal. I would only be cautious if a trailer manufactor forbid it. Some are different. I think utility is one that forbids it.

 

Rates have tanked because a huge influx of new entrants since 2016. Almost every truck that passes me has an MC number beginning with 9. Give these guys a couple years when the wear and tear catches up and the puny profits they make cannot cover the expense.

 

I know- Makes no sense-Monroe gerdau?
I do a lot of work for all the NuCor steel plants.....

Yeah,Its against their Policy to be on a Trailer to set up A few Bunks for hauling Wire Rod- Yet if moving a standard Coil- Its ok to be on the bed at any time-even when crane comes.

Gerdau Macsteel policies are super crazy- So was AK steel-

 

?
I linked to the FMCSA website. No "trainers" involved.