Federal regulations on flagging of load checks?

dot doesn't look for flag checks. i never use em.

 

I do not think DOT actually checks that

 

Now that was said, the 50 mile, 150 mile/3hour cargo securement check is not covered in the regulations but in the Cargo Securement Manual section 2.3.2 is why you see it in driver's manuals.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/safety-initiatives/cargo/cs-manual-chap2.htm

I have never seen an auditor or inspector complain about not having a flag. The driver is responsible for having the truck loaded properly before beginning the trip and all points in between so complaining about you should of checked it at a certain time is redundant. You are on the clock either way. You get a fine for not properly loaded at the time of inspection. You don't get fined for properly loaded but you didn't flag a couple minutes.

Most loads are sealed today or loaded to the doors and roof where you can't inspect. Opening the doors can be dangerous so them loads are exempt anyways.

No one will get in trouble over this gray area as far as logging. They might see you as over zealous. Drivers usually check their tires most times they stop. I would be more concerned they do keep their equipment in good order however they choose and make sure the load is properly loaded and secured before they leave the shipper. If those conditions are met they won't have a problem with the load en route. It's kind of hard to fix things after you messed up and are down the road. Grant it flatbedders have to tighter their straps repeatedly but that's more of a settlement issue van drivers don't deal with. Do they log it? No, because all it boils down to is it right when you get inspected.

 

I didn't realize I was in the flatbed forum until after I posted but it all still applies. Flatbedders should be able to look in the mirror and see their load.

 

You have a point and I guess a driver can get written up for it but it's not a common occurrence. I was looking for that regulation but missed it.

It would be hard to prove is why I'd say they are not tough on that rule. A driver could always say I looked at while fueling and it looked fine or it took less than 7 minutes so a change in duty status was not recordable.

As in that 395.8 interpretation above...

May be means you can but you don't have to. Now if a driver has to spend 8 minutes or more by all means he should record it. In the real world it might be one of them little tricks to shave time.

I understand you are trying to cover your end but I along with several members here have been through many audits and that was never brought up. As far as everyone is concerned it only takes a couple minutes and a flag is not mandatory. Drivers live in 15 minute increments rounded off.

 

Do you think a line drawn on a log means they actually did it? You hire quality drivers that do their job properly. The more you micromanage experienced drivers, the more turnover and lower hiring standards you'll have, which will lead to a decrease in safety.