New member question

A far as I'm aware, there is no load securement regulation for dry vans, just company policies. The excemption is hazmat- any hazmat MUST have a load securement device installed, even if it's not doing anything.

The X factor is whomever is doing the inspection and what they THINK the rule is. If they THINK the rule is every load must have a strap, and they write a ticket, then you have to prove your innocence to a magistrate judge, and good luck with that. Thus the company policy "I know it's dumb and not doing anything, but put a strap in there. "

 

I had a load shift once on the pa turnpike. Had to have it reworked enough to get it to a shop an have it reloaded. It was a load of cranks an the racks were greasy from the foundry floor. Had load bars on the back an the state cop said that if he wanted to be a prick he could still cite me for improper securement cuz the racks shoulda been board an toe nailed in to keep em from goin sideways.

 

I know of several drivers here at Xpo who have been ticketed for unsecured loads. One on highway at a scale, 4 in the city. City guys were targeted, officer didn’t even inspect truck. Three guys didn’t have their pallet jacks strapped, just rolling loose in trailer. Other one had his on a pallet jack pad, they were going to ticket but supervisor looked at it and said it was acceptable. Highway guy had a sealed bypass load, no strap on the back skids. Company was fined, not driver.

 

From what I understand any pallet or part of the load that is not next to something else is supposed to be blocked, braced or strapped. Especially if its hazmat. I have had a DOT cop in South Carolina break my seal on a hazmat load, climb his rear up in the trailer and ALMOST crawled on the load to go all the way to the nose, but opted not to, to check securement. I had two straps at the back of the load, which were slightly loosened from driving and he didn't say a word about that at all. No violations that check.

 

Here's my question: In an industry that is highly regulated and scrutinized, and constantly targeted by "poverty pimp" attorneys, how does it make sense for a dry van, the most prevalent and visible trailer on the roads, to be exempt from load securement regulations?

 

Carpet works best for cadavers. Everyone knows that.


Perhaps there's some green carpet remnants from 1968 lying around in an abandoned house somewhere.

 

Having a pallet jack just rolling around is crazy! I strap whatever will be a headache for me (if I don’t)

 

Around here what @MACK E-6 said. But. Dot has been known to stop you in routes and have you open back door to see if the pallet jack is strapped solid to wall. The rubber jack wheel chock/holder thingy isn’t good enough for some of them. Lol

 

True for transporting, yes carpet is good , not so much in the rain though. I am not going back to that house. Plus cement shoes are faster.
Don't you hate that awkward moment when the starving brain eating zombie walks right past you? I've gotten used to it. That is supposed to be funny too.
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There's always plastic.