The Truckers’ Report flatbed Hall of Shame.

In the summer time, I don't even have a piece of glass between me and the load...



I have a box across my frame rails that carries most of my "general use" stuff. Any "specialty" equipment I might need, I toss in the cab before I roll out...benefit of being home every night. Of course I don't do anything TOO crazy, either, and usually the trailer has a box or two with the tarps and such in it as well...

 

Ya id i ran local i could put 90%of the stuff in the barn and just throw it on the trailer for loads that need it.

 

I wanna see if I can learn something here and Im not confusing myself.

Personally on the dump beds, I would have the 1st strap in the spot, 2nd strap moved upto the middle bed but back a bit, 3rd strap same place but forward, closer to the 3rd strap and 4th strap forward to have it meet the 2 in the 1st 10ft rule. In my mind that would cover the weight and movement requirements, right?

 

I can pack more in the tool box across my frame rails than I could load on a headache rack that doesn't block my view out of the rear glass...and like I said, in the summer time I've got to have that window open, and a headache rack that blocks the air flow is a no-go. Personally, I don't care much for most of the racks I've seen, even on sleeper trucks.

If nothing else, driving without one helps to avoid that false sense of security thinking it'll somehow protect you if you get lazy with your securement or try to drive with your head up your keester. Carry your gear in boxes (out of sight, out of mind...reduces temptation on the part of those with sticky fingers)...keeps things looking nicer longer when it isn't out in the weather unless it's in use.

 

I don't have that luxury. Normally when dispatch calls they don't yet know what's going on the deck and our contracts state from load acceptance to having a truck arrive has to be less than an hour. I get my wheels turning and usually have basic dispatch information by the time I arrive. THEN I find out what is being loaded when I arrive.

"Wait, you want to put WHAT on my deck???"

 

I95 SB. Pulled by a Penske rent a wreck day cab

 

That strap is over the tarped load, and there appears to be chains down lower.