Cargo Securement Training

Cargo securement is really just alot of common sense. SO if you are lacking in that department all the training in the world won't help.

What you will learn is important stuff like chain ratings, strap ratings, how many straps/chains needed for weight and/or length of material. They will most likely show you how to chain a coil and flat steel.

You will most likely ride with a trainer for a few weeks to learn different things.

 

If I could learn how on my own,(true story)but not a very good typer....Certainly 2-3 days will be enough time.. Sometimes still,I get a load & wonder (?) How the f### am I gonna secure that?.? If any questions on how to,I ask the shippin boys,-( they do it day in & out) and have never had a problem in 7 years..

 

i was at Davenport, IA many years ago at the now defunct PST flatbed co.

we were taught how to chain down John Deere farm equipment and pipes and pieces of the oil rig (derricks?...towers...?? whatever they were called) for the oil fields....took all of about 1 full week....then a trainer goes with you anyways....or at least, at PST one did...when you were a newbie....

do not be afraid to put more straps or chains on the loads....it is after all YOUR responsibility.....don't be intimidated by other "experienced" drivers that say, "you got too much on thar boy"......

 

Like Rerun said, it's better to go with a few more than a few less. One really important thing about tying stuff down is that you need to stop every so often and check your load and straps. Loads can shift and straps and chains can get loose. There are a lot of little tricks you will learn in tying stuff down. Like when you have pieces of lumber used for tying down left over. There are certain little things you can do to secure them to bed so that they won't go all over the place. Usually there is a place to hang chains and straps on your headboard. If not you can strap them on the bed. Nothing complicated but if you are shown how it will save you time.

 

Remember one thing.

You will NEVER stop learning cargo securement. At least if you are a good driver and not BBR or a ST (like a certain someone from Ice Road Truckers that thinks securement of their load is someone else's job).

Deck work is a great job. You get to stay in shape and EVERY load is different.

 

I have never heard of someone getting in trouble from the DOT for having to many chains on a piece of equipment. Load securement is the responsibility of the driver. I'd be careful of taking advice from some of the shippers load out people. Some of the local guys make people with S*** for brains look pretty smart.

I believe that there are regs on how many chains/straps are needed on a load, and spacing of the straps/chains. I'd get a copy of that, Mind you I haul grain so load securement for me is roll the tarp.

 

That's right.


You can lern alot from a flatbedder,








that hauls live chickens !!!!!