Stepdeck with holes and DOT inspection

The holes can allow a spillage of cargo, so the load isn't secure. You need to get the holes repaired. Now they may not gig you for it, but beware it is a securement issue maybe someone else can post the exact language in the Regs... I have to get to sleep.

Good Luck

 

How could they even say anything at all about it. Trailer decking is not in the regs at all. If I'm wrong you really need to post a link.

OP I've been in a level one in LA of all places and had a flatbed next to me with a load of steel loaded directly on the cross members as in he had no deck at all. He was out of there before me with nothing said about it. I run a RGN now with no deck in the center between the beams so I really wouldn't worry about your small holes just get them fixed when you can.

 

I'm with haulhand. When I was running my 13 axle I took all the deck out of my trl. Trying to lighten my mty. weight.
I had some loose boards on the crossmembers.
Was through a lot of insps. Nobody said a word. Main they will hammer you on is if the boards are loose and no ld. on them,make sure you have a chain or strap holding them down.
They can pop you for unsecured ld. Yes loose deck boards

 

I've dealt with this issue many times when performing DOT inspections. The ruling is; As long as the existing decking is secure and the type of freight you haul cannot possibly exit through the holes in the deck, the holes should not be considered. If the decking is broken up and susceptible to possibly fall off into the roadway, then that portion would need to be removed.

 

I have several missing boards on my flat, no DOT has ever mentioned it.As quick as I fix one, another breaks.

 

DOT hasn't said anything to me yet.

 

Here you go.

-- emphasis added.

I ran into this as an operator of a salting/plow truck, and is the only exception allowed; a salt load that is being actively used. It can be loaded where if you make corners, it spills. It is alright as that is the purpose of the load.... other than that, spillage is not allowed. If a deck has holes that a load (even on a flatbed) can fall through and become loose on the roadway, it is not, by definition, secured. Therefore, the holes in the deck CAN be a violation.

And in the interpretation part.......

As for RGN's etc, any equipment that you put in there, heavy or not, if it comes out it can be a violation so unsecured material in them (I've seen them, things loose inside) it can be considered unsecured items on a trailer.

Now as we constantly talk about, you may not get gigged by someone that doesn't consider it something they concern themselves with...HOWEVER, it is in black and white, and can be
"reasoned" that it violates the regs and thereby be a ticketable offense.

It's a gamble, but when you win, don't say I didn't warn you.

 

if they dont get you under 393.100 then they can get you on 392.8 or 396.a3

 

Logging trailers have no decking, so I don't see where a few holes in a FB would be an issue.