The Truckers’ Report flatbed Hall of Shame.

Header board rule...2 in the first ten feet, and 1 for every 10 ft or fraction thereof. There aren’t any myths in the green and white bible.

 

For easy reference, take the first number in the length of your load, and add 2.

44ft needs 6 straps. 31 ftneeds 5. 68 ftneeds 8.

 

I had those dump boxes stacked three high on the front of my trailer. You can see I had two belly straps, and two over the top. My DOT friend said since the top two boxes were 12’ long I needed three over the top. So much overkill, but those are the rules. My headache rack didn’t make a difference.

 

It is the rules. And the headache rack doesn't make a difference, what would make a difference would be if you had a header board *and* the freight was sitting right up against that header board. Or if it was sitting up against other freight that was properly secured.

 

A head ache rack doesn't block against forward movement. If it ain't butted up to the load it ain't stopping forward movement. Stack 3 4x4s and chain them down against the front of that load and you can use 2 straps. However keep in mind the forward movement requirement is for everything on the truck. Each individual bundle needs to be up against something or get an additional strap.

 

Yes I know these things. I was just refuting the previously stated speculations in the previous posts. Using my own experience as an example.

I did haul that load 600 miles through 3 scales with no trouble.

 

The book is the law. Much of it is up for interpretation. I always do my best to follow it to the letter. Asking a DOT guy about (whether he's my friend or not) doesn't cut it. Just because he works there doesn't mean he's right. Plenty of ignorant cops out there. Even though they stopped the inside the rub rail suggestion, I still do it whenever I can. Sometimes going that extra step makes all the difference whether it's in the book or not.

 

True, and the book clearly states 2 straps in first 10 feet of no headboard. The only thing I'm not positive of in the interpretation is is that extra strap in addition to what is required for wll or can you just move one of the other straps forward? I just throw another one to be safe. Takes all of 3 minutes.

 

Just because you haven't been caught doesn't mean it's a myth.

 

But a headache rack had nothing to do with blocking forward movement of the cargo. A headache rack isn't even on the trailer!