How Flatbed Drivers Can Avoid Out-of-Service Violations

A lot of drivers think that if they just jam it into the structure of the trailer that that's secure, but the DOT doesn't care how tightly it's on there.

So if it's a 50-foot load, you need at least 6 pieces of securement for that load. What are the most common out-of-service violations in the open deck division? I would say the most common violations that we run into are tonnage violations and securement violations.

You know, heavy haul is, is difficult in that aspect, but the, the most common ones are definitely related to the out-of-service service violations for dunnage and for securement. Drivers here at Vista Trans in the open deck division, what do you guys do to help them to minimize those violations with the securement of cargo? Well, we have staff on call 24 hours a day to assist them if they have any questions about their load. They can send them pictures.

They're assisted in understanding the regulations and how to specifically secure the load so that they can make sure they're in compliance at all times.

So even if the driver is unsure if the cargo is properly secured, they can always call someone, send pictures, and verify before they leave the shipper. There is always somebody available to help them make sure that they're good. What is the number one rule in properly securing the cargo?

Well, I think the, the one that we run into the most is that most drivers understand that you have to secure for weight, but what they don't understand is you often also have to secure for length. And the DOT requires that for every 10 feet of cargo that you have, you have to have at least one strap on there. 10 For the first 10 feet, you need 2 straps or chains, and then for every 10 feet after that, you need 1 strap.

So if it's a 50-foot load, you need at least 6 pieces of securement for that load. What about a 53-foot fully loaded trailer?

A 53-foot fully loaded trailer with a load that is 53 feet would require 7 straps because that extra 3 feet of length would require 1 whole extra strap.

Okay, so 2 straps for the first 10 feet and then, then 1 strap for every 10 feet. Even if it's 50 foot and 1 inch, you're still going to need an extra strap on the end.

Okay, and you mentioned securement of dunnage.

Yes. Can you explain to us what is dunnage and how is it supposed to be secured?

So dunnage is anything that's used to help secure the cargo. Usually it's something like this, which is wood to go underneath cargo to make sure that it doesn't move in process of the drive.

So 2x4s, 4x4s? 2x4s, 4x4s is the most common. And the DOT requires it to be secured. A lot of drivers think that if they just jam it into the structure of the trailer that that's secure, but the DOT doesn't care how tightly it's in there. It needs to be secured with at least a strap or a chain.

Bungee cords, no good? Bungee cords are no good. They used to be kind of common, but they are not allowed anymore.

So now it has to be a tight strap or a tight chain.

So if you leave the shipper with something like this loosely This is guaranteed to be out of service and probably flying into the car behind you. However, if you look underneath the deck here, you can see that that dunnage is correctly strapped down with a tight strap, so it will not move.

Okay, so either strap or a chain required. What is the number one reason that drivers are pulled in for an inspection?

Most commonly, it's because either they have an issue with weight at the scale, or it's because they have been found on the, the new technology that the DOT has. They have tire pressure sensors which can tell if you you have low tire pressure.

They also have infrared cameras which can detect brake heat, so they can see if your brakes are overheated.

So for our drivers, we stress that they need to check their tires daily, multiple times per day, and we have created a PTI app which automatically helps them track issues and identify it to roadside staff so we can get it fixed before the DOT finds it.

We have 24/7 roadside assistance which can help find and fix issues anytime, anywhere in the United States of America, so you're always supported and you can always drive safe equipment to make sure that you can get where you need to go and make the money that you want to make. If drivers are interested in working for Vista, where can they get more information? They should go to vistatrans.com where they can get all the information they need. Thank you very much. Thank you.

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