It is DOT safety Blitz week. Of all things I was stopped in Oklahoma for a tire issue found on a rolling scale check. Got a full underside inspection including logs and permits. First inspection in over 40 years. It took a while to find the tire problem but soapy water found bubbles under tire. Rolled forward and there was a screw.
Glad inspection went so well, but OK DOT did not like my load securement but could not find the specific code and let pass.
I do haul backs for extra fuel funds and normally I get 3 or 4- 30 foot bundles on the bottom load with 45 to 50 foot bundles on top using a 53 foot step deck. The problem is the top pipes have hang over both front and rear 8 to 12 feet. I still strap the pipes adding tension but there is no support under the pipes. The last load I also had 2 chains holding the entire bundle together but not attached to the trailer. The pipes settled too much on the last load and this worked very well. I use at least 1 belly strap on bottom load sometimes 2. Then I strap every 4 to 5 feet over the top.
Question is what bottom support is required for pipes that hang past the 30 foot bundles? I have tried stacking 4x4s but they fall too much. Seldom do I make the 500 mile trip with all the wood still in place and I have no way to jack the pipes to put it back. I cannot carry extra RR ties or metal racks as first load uses entire trailer. I would think it is the OPS yard to supply their own racks since load is going between their two yards.![]()
Hauling used oil pipe
Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by GrumpyJoe, May 5, 2021.
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Trailer needs a dunnage box underneath to hold the crossties and wood or support rack.
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I do have a small box but it is used for the braces and cross ties for hauling trailers. I only back haul the pipe 3 or 4 times a month.
cke Thanks this. -
"Glad inspection went so well, but OK DOT did not like my load securement but could not find the specific code and let pass."
That there tells you everything you need to know about what is neccessary.
To be fair, i dont love the way its loaded either, but i would consider perhaps positioning the lower bundles further back so there isnt as much rear overhang and looking into pipe stakes? This may not work for the weight but i dont know. Since you can carry heavier to the rear i would imagine the bigger problem might be the way it rides -
Sometimes for support. I will put screws or nails to hold 4x4's stacked, with a strap over the top. Then put load on that. Fasteners keep dunnage together, strap on top keeps it from moving on deck. I try to have a strap over load and dunnage placement in addition to other securement.
DOT gave you the answer with a clean inspection. -
I think I found an answer for the front using stacked and screwed 2x8 boards from our shop. Like RV wheel ramps I can glue and screw 3 together 2 feet long, then have a couple singles to adjust for load height. I just need to get owners ok to keep running screws into the deck.
On the rear I have no ideas. Bundle sizes vary from 24 to 40 inches tall. The bottom bundles will need to slide even more forward making the overhang even longer. My trailer axle weights are too high while my drive axles are too low. A lot goes into the why, but moving the load all the way up to the bulkhead will help equalize the load.
As for the back, the best solution would be metal frame. The pipe company uses them on their trucks but again the bundle height changes too much.
Thanks for the open ideas. This will be a work in progress.cke Thanks this. -
Maybe a metal frame that has an adjustable cross brace?
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1. Your load is fine. You could position the lower bundle further back as mentioned. F*k OK DOT.
2. Load levelers/ramps for stepdecks is also an option.
Edit: Also belly wrap the pipe thats overhanging. -
The other day I saw briefly a thing I've never noticed before. It looked like a piece of channel sized to fit the stake pocket facing outward. A piece of larger channel facing inward was attached (not sure how) that was sized to capture 3x3ish timbers to make a mini bulkhead without needing to run a chain over it.
GrumpyJoe Thanks this. -
Does that make sense? Seems easy enough to fabricate with a weld. They could hang out empty in a pocket and timbers stashed below when not needed. I've never seen it before so I don't know if it's an actual thing or a homebrew but I thought it was cool.
For 24" -40" I'd size for 4x6 but ymmvclausland, GrumpyJoe, cke and 1 other person Thank this.
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