Diary of a current Swift flatbed driver

Where is your trip chains on that coil?

 

No criss-crossed chains either. Other chains are way to far from product also. I wouldn't drag it.

 

I seen that. I like to criss cross at least one. Prefer two, but a lot of co's don't require it.

 

A coil block. A 4x4 upright about 10 inches long front and aft of the coil with a chain on each to keep the coil from moving. Usually will go forward if anything, but I use them on the back as well. I don't want the coil riding up front with me...

 

I would not haul a shotgun coil without trip chains. My life and the lives of others are at stake. Just because your co does not require them does not mean you can not take a couple minutes and go over and beyond what is required for their requirements. It is your life in front of that coil. Not your company's.

The trip chains are a extra precaution the coil won't move. I had a local awhile back and was using trip chains and one of our drivers said what are those for. I told him and he said you don't need those. I told him I am securing this load and hauling it. What I don't need is you telling me what I don't need. He went and got the boss man. The boss man came out and asked me about the chains and told me safe is better. Do what you feel is safe. I said I was doing that and am doing that till your little snitch came slinking over here.

 

Wow...this is like being in New Testament Greek class. I can see flat bedding has it's own distinct glossary of terms us dry van drivers just aren't aware of.