pickup to flat bed

[56FordGuy]

As a long time customer of the D.O.T, I learned early on that a flatbed driver who used the rub rail to tie the straps to, was an open target to be stopped and politely invited to give them an autograph.David from jax

I want to say that has been changed. My truck at work doesn't have them, but it seems like all the steel haulers around here are strapping/ chaining to the rub rails. Next time I get to see the folks in the building, I'll try to remember and ask.

Got inspected twice this month, maybe I won't have to visit for a little while. :laughing:

 

[sandman2234]

I want to say that has been changed. My truck at work doesn't have them, but it seems like all the steel haulers around here are strapping/ chaining to the rub rails. Next time I get to see the folks in the building, I'll try to remember and ask.

Got inspected twice this month, maybe I won't have to visit for a little while. :laughing:

I got away with it for about 4 years before I found the one D.O.T guy that remembered the rule and couldn't find anything else to write me for, or maybe that was just the easiest to see, don't know. That did happen quite some years ago so if it has changed, I haven't heard about it. I don't haul flatbeds anymore, just my own little trailers so I fly below the radar on most of that stuff, thank goodness. I would suspect that it is just a phase drivers are going thru, rather than a rule change, because the reasons for not using a rub rail as a tiedown place are still valid. If there had been changes to the rub rail that allow for more weight capacity, I could agree with that, but I haven't seen that, in fact, the trailers I see are going the other way, being built lighter and lighter.
David from jax

 

[Case485Guy]

It has changed, I have it bookmarked at work, printed it out and put in all our company trucks. Will try and put link up tomorrow

 

[Redneck in training]

Flat beds are the rule in Australia.

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Home Australia

Nissan Patrol Cab Chassis Ute: Offers, Deals, Prices - Nissan Australia

 

[Case485Guy]

some quotes from the article
DOE agreed that the FMCSA proposal to rescind Sec. 393.104(f)(4) would not have an adverse impact on safety, but DOE noted that the inference that it is acceptable to attach tiedowns to rub rails appears to be in conflict with requirements for anchor point and the "North American Cargo Securement Standard Model Regulation."

Kinedyne also recommended retaining the existing Sec. 393.104(f)(4). However, Kinedyne recommended that if this section is eliminated, then the rub rail should be re-identified as a "securement rail" and needs to have an established WLL rating by the trailer manufacturer per Sec. 393.108

FMCSA appreciates the comments provided by EMC, and agrees that vehicle manufacturers can incorporate features that assist the vehicle operators in complying with the cargo securement regulations. The Agency believes that in many instances, the nature of the cargo dictates the ability of the cargo securement devices to meet the existing requirements of Sec. 393.104(f)(4). As discussed in the NPRM, however, State enforcement personnel and motor carriers expressed difficulties in achieving uniform and consistent enforcement of the regulation. Therefore, the Agency rescinds Sec. 393.104(f)(4) as proposed

Final rule:
Final Rule - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Its a long read

 

[Diamondpilot]

Things like not securing to the Rub Rail are what I call a "Hot Topic" item around here. You will hear about 10 guys getting busted for that in a week then no one for 10 years. It seems as in the weekly briefing the Chief must bring up a Hot Topic item and they all hit you on it till the next week they are looking for something else like loose wiring under trailers or no light on the license plate.

Chris

 

[slowzuki]

Yeah, the rub rail thing is pretty ridiculous. On many trailers the rub rail is as strong or stronger as other tie downs.

 

[sandman2234]

Thanks for the heads up Case485Guy, and your right, it can be a long read. After you mentioned it the first time, I went looking for it, and never did find it spelled out, but quit after about a half hour of looking/reading.
I need to take some time and see just what the changes are that are coming up at the end of this month, so I can be prepared. I know they will start nailing everyone with the "new rules" so that the word gets around.
David from jax

 

[davkir]

Flat beds are the rule in Australia.

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Home Australia

Nissan Patrol Cab Chassis Ute: Offers, Deals, Prices - Nissan Australia

Those are nice trucks, but with the exchange rate, they seem very expensive to me?

 

[RobertN]

I really like flatbeds. Have used them a lot while working with a friend who did concrete and other construction.

I have yet to see one nicely trimmed out though; the truck frame ect is exposed.