Securement training

Overkill is always best!

 

Like earlier posts. Overkill. Ya gotta carry them straps and chains anyway, put them on the load.
When I started open deck. I had no training. Most shippers will tell you how and what to use and where to place it.
Almost any driver around will help or give you answers. Watch and look as loads leaving, see how others have secured their load.
Read your little green book, it will give you the basics.
Good Luck.

 

99% of time, don't listen to shippers, especially if they say "well, they do it xyz way ALL the time!"

Like Dave and CJ said, overkill is your friend. You can oversecure all day, every day, but you'll only under-secure once!

 

Yeah, like all the other answers, trial and error. I always copied off of the other drivers to get the basic idea. The F/B world is like a community, most guys will give you advice and help, we all started somewhere, and we all realize how dangerous the job is. Always cover the load 100% for weight, at least, if something happens, you're the one that has to live with the results. Mudguppy said it best just above, you'll only under secure once! Also, everywhere you go your work is open to inspection. Every LEO, every chicken coop, is looking. You have the load done right, it shows you care, one less reason for them to be looking, it does make a difference. Good luck and safe travels, hope to see you out here.

 

That "under secure once" statement is a classic!!! Lol.
Never heard it expressed that way.

 

Some shippers will pull you to the side an say "hey, DONT overkill it, just get it snug!" LOL!!!

 

By overkill I mean throwing an extra strap or two. Not over tightening a load of insulation. LOL

 

JJ Keller offers a Flatbed securement training course online... Check their website out...

 

Yea I knew what you meant lol

 

Fmcsa has a securement handbook you can download. That's what I use.