Straps Over Tarps?

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by Bumpy, Jul 23, 2011.

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  1. Jul 23, 2011 #1
    Bumpy

    Bumpy Road Train Member

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    I have heard lately that having straps over a tarped load is illegal,is that true? I have been doing that for quite awhile,crossed many scales this way and allot of miles,and have NEVER had a problem..

    Now,where is that Diesel Bear?:biggrin_2556:
     
    Bumpy, Jul 23, 2011
    Bumpy, Jul 23, 2011
    #1
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  3. Jul 23, 2011 #2
    Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    I always secured the load (straps, chains, etc.) BEFORE tarping, so that I could see that the load was secure before I covered it up. Those rubber tarp straps do a good enough job securing the tarp....don't need to strap over it.

    Besides, the tarp isn't meant to be used as edge protection for your straps. I would imagine by strapping OVER the tarp, you will wear holes in the tarp more frequently where the tarp is pressed into the load at the edges.

    Also, by placing the tarp on the outside of the straps, the straps make a more uniform frame to tarp around as they stretch from the top of the load to the rub rail on the trailer. Otherwise, an irregular shaped load will leave a lot of loose spots on the tarp to flap in the wind.

    The list goes on...

    Whether it was legal or not, I never saw any benefit to strapping over the tarp...but had plenty of reasons in support of securing the load before tarping it.
     
    Pedigreed Bulldog, Jul 23, 2011
    Pedigreed Bulldog, Jul 23, 2011
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  4. Jul 23, 2011 #3
    Scalemaster

    Scalemaster Heavy Load Member

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    I don't know about DB, but I cannot imagine any legal problem with putting straps over the tarp. (other than tearing up your tarp)

    Where did you hear this? Truck stop? Channel 19?

    I call BS.
     
    Scalemaster, Jul 23, 2011
    Scalemaster, Jul 23, 2011
    #3
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  5. Jul 23, 2011 #4
    Bumpy

    Bumpy Road Train Member

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    Close...Other flatbedders,of course,all at shippers.(different locations). One went so far to say,a driver working for him was fined $250 for every strap over the tarp(s), in Mo.

    I believe this is a question I will ask next time in a scalehouse.:biggrin_25511:
     
    Bumpy, Jul 23, 2011
    Bumpy, Jul 23, 2011
    #4
  7. Jul 24, 2011 #5
    Jumbo

    Jumbo Road Train Member

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    As a company policy we are not allowed to strap over the tarp, but I have never heard it as a securement rule.
     
    Jumbo, Jul 24, 2011
    Jumbo, Jul 24, 2011
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    Bumpy Thanks this.
  8. Jul 24, 2011 #6
    crzyjarmans

    crzyjarmans Road Train Member

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    dont know if its illegal, but when I ran for a flatbed co. they had us secure the load before tarpping and then after tarpping they wanted at least 3 straps on top.
     
    crzyjarmans, Jul 24, 2011
    crzyjarmans, Jul 24, 2011
    #6
  9. Jul 24, 2011 #7
    dieselbear

    dieselbear Road Train Member

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    Sounds like truckstop lawyer 101. I have to call BS as well.
     
    dieselbear, Jul 24, 2011
    dieselbear, Jul 24, 2011
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  10. Jul 24, 2011 #8
    Prairie Boy

    Prairie Boy Road Train Member

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    Prairie Boy, Jul 24, 2011
    Prairie Boy, Jul 24, 2011
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    Bumpy Thanks this.
  11. Jul 26, 2011 #9
    blackw900

    blackw900 The Grandfather of Flatbed

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    Strapping over your tarps is perfectly legal...It's a stupid thing to do because it tears up the tarps but most company drivers couldn't care less about tearing up equipment so they do it anyway because they think it's less work than doing it the right way.
     
    blackw900, Jul 26, 2011
    blackw900, Jul 26, 2011
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  12. Jul 27, 2011 #10
    UCT

    UCT Bobtail Member

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    Why would anyone want to put straps on over their tarps, company driver or not? My take on it would be that anything put between your straps and the load would present the opportunity for load shifting or a strap loosening could be a possibility and worse, a liability...
     
    UCT, Jul 27, 2011
    UCT, Jul 27, 2011
    #10
    Giggles the Original Thanks this.
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