is it required to have a headache rack or bulkhead?

No. But without one where will you put all your stuff

 

I have seen trucks with out either but always heard it was a must have deal. But like everything else things change. I hauled one load that the headache rack would only added to the headache if the load had shifted forward. 50K lbs Granite Block. 1 Rock had me 800Lbs over gross.

 

Washington state wrote me a $300 citation for not having one, it's the only place that has though.

 

my first 2 companies don't have racks or bulkheads. never had a problem with washington. or any state.

 

It used to be but they changed the regs. I forget when, but it was a few years ago. Lemme see if I can dig it up.

Edit: Here's the link to the applicable FMCSR: Here

Notably, this part is what I've seen used to say that headache racks are no longer needed:

Basically, if you use extra securement on the load you do not need to have either a bulkhead or a headache rack.

 

don't matter how much securement. you can't stop pipe and rebar. LOL.

 

I was refused loading a few months ago because I didn't have one. First time that's happened to me. They said it was their own policy.

I keep 10-3/8" chains and binders in a 24" step box. 18 belts in a 12" step box. Works very well I find.

 

If you do not have headache rack you need an extra chain on your load I think that is how it is now.