Dumb question about flatbed.

I used to. If you really want to be legal you’ll need a tie down that can be tightened, like a ratchet strap, that has a visible WLL.

or you can find somewhere where else using a bike rack on a headache rack. On full truckloads I would have to rig a ratchet strap through the cross members and suspend the bike under the deck.

The thing about strapping it down, i bent my rim and ended up messing my chain alignment up because of the way I used to lay it on its side and tie down.

 

Yes, it just has to be secure, like any other freight.

 

Sure you bet, toss it on there. Ratchet strap that thing. Don't bend it.

If it is a premium bike keep a eye on it baby sit that thing. Or better yet tarp it. (HA... head scratcher. Whatcha you got under there?)

 

I strap (3) 4x6 timbers across my catwalk butted up to the quarter fenders. when I need em on the deck I use them, otherwise I have a really nice area to stand on while working. they fit under the deck swing fine and got me to thinking of ways to utilize the catwalk space. you can't park the bike across it due to trailer swing, but you could probably park front-back with the back wheel in a cradle in the center and hang the front wheel up off the headache rack....? I can't see any headache rack with space for a bike unless you can lift way over your head....
I'm also considering a bike for next spring so put up pictures when you figure out how you're going to rig it...

 

No such thing as a dumb question. Only dumb answers, lol.

Anything that's on the truck, catwalk or trailer has to be secured with something either designed to secure something (i.e. a bolt or similar fastener for something more permanently attached) or a temporary securement device rated with a WLL (or it will be assigned a minimum WLL as laid out in the green book).

Certain states and provinces (Minnesota and Ontario specifically) are getting pretty picky over what counts for securement. Bungees or tarp straps are out for the most part now, for anything besides a tarp.

So dunnage has to be in a rack or on the deck (not across the legs anymore), secured with a strap (no bungees) and anything else on a part of the truck needs to have a strap across it holding it in place.

So long as you aren't crossing the border, DOT won't hassle you about the bike so long as it's strapped. If you are planning on crossing the border, strap it to the headache rack since if it's on or in the trailer, and isn't a "tool" (a bike would be hard to get passed an a-hole CBP/CBSA agent) it has to be listed on a manifest and be detailed on a customs form sent in on the trip.

 

It should not be a problem as long as they are secure, by secure I mean strapped, not bungied or strapped with a 1" strap. Canada pretty much goes by the same laws we do on securement.

I used to run Canada all the time and never had any grief from having any personal items on the trailer, but I guess a guy could run across one that didn't like it.

 

Can you post the regulation stating this?

 

Absolutely, I’ve seen several drivers put tires between 4/4’s built up on catwalk or deck.