Just purchased a 48 flatbed split axle. Chains and Straps?

####. All these years I thought we had an open deck endorsement. You want a cookie? You think that makes you special? Not everyone has those options. Did you bother read anything I wrote before you jumped in with your buddy to run your mouth? My stance is FOR an endorsement. Why do you think the FMCSA put the Securement book together? It was for this very reason. Too many morons that think they can simply use any old chain attached to any old anchor point for any old load. So many flatbedders out there couldn't even tell you the difference between chain grades. Unacceptable.

 

I'm with you and I'm usually the first to stand up against more laws and government overreach but there has to be a line somewhere and where do we draw it?

 

As a rookie to open deck trucking, I have to say that having an endorsement requirement is not a bad idea.

Mainly because anyone could go buy a trailer, get authority (which is also very easy to get), load a 50k coil and hit the highway without any check as to wether they know what they're doing. I sure wouldn't want to be anywhere near someone like that when that load comes loose.

It's also true though, that anyone can pass a test, so maybe the test shouldn't be so simple. They could use a combination of written questions, photos and video to help determine wether or not someone understands WLL, and how common securement devices function.

It's also easy to understand why old hands at this would object. After all, if you've been doing it successfully for years having to now go "prove" you know what you're doing would irritate me as well.

I also think actually doing the job is the only way to really learn it. After only a few short weeks, I'm not sure yet if I'm cut out for open deck, but we're giving it a go and learning every day. And my respect for those that have been doing it has grown exponentially.

 

So, let's see. You think a new regulation and an extra endorsement will solve the problem of lazy incompetent idiots? Is that what you're telling us. An endorsement will make one "smarter" and actually do the job correctly. An endorsement???? HAH!!

 

Well we have no endorsement test or required training now for load securement, do you seriously think a 25 question test will help?

 

Did I write that anywhere in any of my responses? Does it make you feel better to put words in my mouth? You can't fix stupid. However, you CAN fix ignorance via education and/or training and those people can be held accountable for their actions.

 

Hey hey hey, retract the claws. I thought we were having a legitimate friendly conversation. I certainly haven’t been derogatory.

 

Sums it up well.

 

YES! I do. Have I not made my stance clear enough? Let me ask you a question. Some first generation Third World immigrant fresh off the boat who only drove animals before coming to the USA decides he's getting his Class A, a tractor, a flatbed and a brand new authority. Would you not feel a little safer if he was taught some very important securement details before he was given an ok to do such a thing?

 

Passing a test doesn’t mean they’ll have the ambition to actually do it right.