Cargo securement is essential to the trucking industry, and all drivers must be familiar with the fundamentals. Flatbed securement involves using various items, such as straps, chains, and load binders, to ensure that cargo is properly secured on a flatbed truck. It is critical that all cargo is adequately secured, both for safety reasons and to comply with federal regulations.
Meet FMCSA, DOT
The most important factor in flatbed cargo securement is ensuring that it meets the requirements of the DOT, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. These guidelines cover all of the necessary cargo securement rules for truck drivers to safely do their job. The ultimate goal is to prevent shifting during transport which could potentially cause loss of control or damage to the cargo or surrounding infrastructure.
Methods Used
Three main methods are used in flatbed cargo securement: 4” winch straps, G70 transport chain, and load binders.
4” Winch straps are made of woven polyester material and equipped with a flat hook to hook onto a stake pocket, or rub rail. These winch straps can be tightened using a heavy duty winch bar to create tension, holding the cargo firmly in place. Straps are commonly used on most cargo being secured on a flatbed truck.
Chains come in different sizes and WLL (working load limits) providing extra security for steel cargo and even heavy equipment like skid steers, excavators, and tractors. The most common chain sizes for flatbed load securement are ½ G70 transport chain and ⅜ G70 transport chain.
Finally, load binders are used to secure a chain to an anchor point such as a j-hook, or rub rail on the side of a flatbed trailer. There are many types of load binders, but the most common today are ratchet style binders, lever binders, and automatic chain binders.
Factors to Consider
Drivers must consider factors such as weight distribution during flatbed load securement. For example, suppose too much weight is concentrated on one side or corner of the flatbed trailer. In that case, it can lead to instability or even a rollover if not properly distributed across the surface of the truck’s trailer deck.
Drivers should also ensure that their vehicle has working brakes; otherwise, inadequate braking can spell disaster during transportation due to heavy cargo being hauled.
Once a load has been properly secured onto a flatbed truck, drivers should conduct routine load checks. According to FMCSA regulations, “cargo securement inspections are required within the first 50 miles after loading, and then after every 3 hours, 150 miles or at duty change, whichever comes first.” This ensures that cargo securement devices are properly secured during transit. Loads settle and trailers flex which contribute to tie-down equipment coming loose periodically.
When it comes to successful flatbed load securement fundamentals: understanding proper training on these topics prioritizes safety both inside and outside of your vehicle each time you transport cargo on your flatbed trailer.
That’s why many states have enacted legislation requiring commercial motor vehicle operators to complete specialized training courses related to safe driving practices related, specifically to hauling goods via flatbed trailer trucks – from loading procedures through how best to interact with law enforcement officials who may inspect your freight during transit on public roadways.
Types of Cargo Securement
Securing a cargo load is a must for any shipment. There are two primary types of cargo securement—direct and indirect. Direct cargo securement involves applying 4” winch straps, G 70 transport chain, or drill powered load binders that keep the load in place.
Indirect cargo securement uses materials between the product and the trailer deck to create security and protection. Common examples of this type of securement include 8’ 4×4 hardwood lumber and 4×4 hardwood coil dunnage.
Both direct and indirect cargo securements protect shipments from movement, damage, theft, or contamination during transport – making it essential for each type to be used properly according to regulatory standards.
Cargo Securement Devices You Will Need
REVOLOK 6600
The REVOLOK 6600 3/8 G70 is a flatbed securement device with many advantages. It’s sleek robust design makes it ideal for securing wide loads. It’s 1” drive nut can be actuated by a battery drill to increase speed of tie down, so whatever the job may entail, you can be sure that the Revilok 6600 will get it done safely and efficiently. The device also comes with safety features such as a radial clutch, offering equal known tension at each anchor point. With so much to offer in terms of convenience and safety, the Revolok 6600 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a drill powered chain binder.
This type of comprehensive learning about cargo securement not only helps protect those around you but also reduces the risk for yourself behind the wheel – meaning you can arrive at every destination safely without worry about fines/penalties associated with improper loading/securing processes or incidents involving unsecured cargo bouncing off your vehicle mid-trip!
