Do you leave straps on the winches or take them off every time?

Always an exception to the rule. You're right, and from your description, you're not along side other trucks where other drivers might be to be hit by the hook. Either way, you're right, the pace of expected performance demands compromise somewhere in the process....which is why a hard and fast rule here wouldn't make sense, since you're doing the same job over and over, short distances and the equipment is "communal". Home Depot trailers I hauled down in Houston were like that. Load, straps (dedicated trailer, regardless who was driver) already on trailer, whip it, tarp it and go. Their system, not mine, and it wasn't going to go long distances in varying weather conditions where it made sense...and since it was dedicated per the customer, no choice.

 

If I were in your shoes hauling the same load over and over I’d just cut a bunch of straps so you only had a foot or two to pull through a winch.

 

That is exactly what I would do here but the backlash would be huge from the other drivers and management.

 

I leave mine on the winches. Have been on there for 4 years and still till this day have not had to replace one for anything other than ripping them on the load.

 

I always take them off and roll them by hand without a strap winder. I also take my sweet ### time securing them, and then I take them and toss them in my side box, where they all come unwound again.

 

Guy I learned from required us to leave them on…

Running my own operation I pull them ever load.