Central Triage ...

I keep 2 with me, because sometimes a trailer has some in the back and I need the room to store them.
I don't like to just dump them on the ground at a shipper/receiver.

I don't even need them all that often. And often times when the load 'requires them there is no room to place them.
Maybe the Central drivers are getting the loads that need them more than I have in the past.

Personally, I find them less than useful unless I can place them right at a frame rail. The sides of the trailer flex too much, and they simple fall with the first turn. The only one that stays put is the bottom one.
I prefer to use straps, when the trailer has the slots and the load is positioned at the right place to use them.

 

I frequently use a combination of straps and load locks. If I need to secure the load and straps won't work (for whatever reason) I'll use a load lock (or 2) to secure the load and a strap (or 2) to lock the load locks in place.

 

In a reefer trailer there is no frame rail. The sides are fairly smooth and much more sturdy (as well as insolated). The only way to secure a load is with load locks which needs to be done fairly frequently whether the shipper requires them or not. I'm sure if I hadn't used them on my last load, the tomatoes I picked up would have been tomatoe sauce when I delivered.

Personally, I will carry up to 8 of them on my truck (4 in the rack and 4 strapped under my tractor above my tanks). I simply keep the extras that I find left in other trailers, however I can still run out at tmes too.

 

Refer trailer sides are a bit more ridged... Insulation I think... Also there are no slots for straps on the sides... So load locks are our only real choice. Not all loads NEED them, but it was company policy to apply them... It was a given. Also in many of the trailers, load locks even if used, when unloaded they aren't put back in the trailers for the next guy. So we end up having to purchase more of them. Sure we could swing through terminals to pick some up, but we try to avoid terminals as much as possible!! It's a work in progress... And I will continue working with my DM/DL and payroll to make the process smmooottthhhh ... LOL!

 

Add to that, many Swift terminals no longer stock load locks. So you are on your own as to getting them, and getting paid back for them.
Best bet is to get a PO and an advance to your ComData card before you buy them.
You might be out the ATM fee, but you won't be out the entire cost.

 

If it goes on your comdata card, and youre purchasing anything, not just load locks, at a place that accepts com checks. Could just call your card and authorize a comcheck draft for the total amount with tax. That saves the ATM fees, no point in wasting money.

 

...or...if you have manual direct deposit, just pay with your bank card and deposit the money back into your account from your Comdata card.

 

Albuquerque has pallets of load locks available. Best bet is to stock up at a terminal whenever I get below 2. I like to keep 3-4 on the rack at all times.

I concur that the best way to secure the load locks is to also strap the sides of the trailer tight so the top load lock stays in place. Straps are also available at any parts department at the terminals.

Getting a PO # and loading a Comdata card for any purchase is a major hassle, that's why I always try to get my spare parts at a terminal if at all possible.

 

i've got load locks at otay mesa terminal too. i also try to keep 4 on truck at all times