Headache Rack?

I hate to tell you this, even on such an old post. But you need to read the 393.114 rule for front end structures. If there is no front end structure on a flatbed trailer then one is required to have a headache rack.......sorry, but you're wrong......here's the rule effective 10/01/2008 that has been in existence since 1977:

(a) Applicability. The rules in this section are applicable to commercial motor vehicles transporting articles of cargo that are in contact with the front end structure of the vehicle. The front end structure on these cargo-carrying vehicles must meet the performance requirements of this section. (b) Height and width. (1) The front end structure must extend either to a height of 4 feet above the floor of the vehicle or to a height at which it blocks forward movement of any item or article of cargo being carried on the vehicle, whichever is lower. (2) The front end structure must have a width which is at least equal to the width of the vehicle or which blocks forward movement of any article of cargo being transported on the vehicle, whichever is narrower. (c) Strength. The front end structure must be capable of withstanding the following horizontal forward static load: (1) For a front end structure less than 6 feet in height, a horizontal forward static load equal to one-half (0.5) of the weight of the articles of cargo being transported on the vehicle uniformly distributed over the entire portion of the front end structure that is within 4 feet above the vehicle's floor or that is at or below a height above the vehicle's floor at which it blocks forward movement of any article of the vehicle's cargo, whichever is less; or (2) For a front end structure 6 feet in height or higher, a horizontal forward static load equal to four-tenths (0.4) of the weight of the articles of cargo being transported on the vehicle uniformly distributed over the entire front end structure. (d) Penetration resistance. The front end structure must be designed, constructed, and maintained so that it is capable of resisting penetration by any article of cargo that contacts it when the vehicle decelerates at a rate of 20 feet per second, per second. The front end structure must have no aperture large enough to permit any article of cargo in contact with the structure to pass through it. (e) Substitute devices. The requirements of this section may be met by the use of devices performing the same functions as a front end structure, if the devices are at least as strong as, and provide protection against shifting articles of cargo at least equal to, a front end structure which conforms to those requirements.

From a retired federal DOT official

 

"393.114 What are the requirments for front end structures used as part of a cargo securement system?
(a) Applicability. The rules in this section are applicable to commercial motor vehicles transporting articles of cargo that are in contact with the front end structure of the vehicle. The front end structure on these cargo-carrying vehicles must meet the performance requirements of this section."

So, meaning, if load is not against front end structure, as part of its securement, same as using a bulkhead instead of additional straps or chains, to stop forward movement, there is no need for front end structure, or substitute devices, or headache rack. But, if you are using a front end structure, as part of load securement, it must meet the listed requirements.

I have been wrote up for not having part of a load, a seperate partial, either against a bulkhead, or with additional straps or chains, to stop forward movement. That DOT officer, nor any others had anything to say about no headache rack on the truck. As I'm sure the countless other flatbedders haven't either. I pull a stepdeck though, for which the step itself provides protection from forward movement on certain loads.

 

That's correct. The drop is the front end structure in that instance and most drop decks also have a header board.

 

I was wondering if anyone knew of a online web site to buy headache racks from. I know i can go to a trailer or truck dealer to find them, but lets face it they always jack up prices. Most sites i have found dont included prices. Any info would help thanks.

 

I was just looking at headache racks. Some of these things are be-a-u-ti-ful! Almost hate to put it on the back of the truck.

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geu.M6gP9JUQ4A3GBXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTBzdTNjcXU5BHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMTAEY29sbwNhYzIEdnRpZAM-/SIG=11mdl39ab/EXP=1241567674/**http%3a//www.tlwoods.com/cabinet.htm

 

thanks for the link triplesix

 

http://www.ds-sewing.com/truck_acc/truck_acc.html

 

thanks truckmetal that is a great link.

 

who makes the ones that they use on the trucks hauling for the oil companies?

 

found mine on craigs