Load Locks

Danialsahn wrote:

We don't carry any, and I have yet to come across one in any of the trailers we pull.

Daniel for any Walmart Dedicated reefer load destined for stores or Sams, must me strapped up before departing the first stop. Otherwise if there is damage, driver is held responsible. All of the Walmart reefers have logistics tracks; some have two, the newer ones 305000-310999 series have 4.

Although I am not 100% certain Johnstown D. C. has that policy, but our D.C. sure does. I carry four straps.

As described...

I had just unlocked it from the two pallets on the wall of the bulkhead (orange). This was my fourth stop; had two frozen and three dairy (behind the bulkheads) to unload. Notice the accumulated ice on the floor. Not only is it DC policy to strap up, it also prevents major spills (requiring clean-up) the result of an unsecured pallet toppling over. Time...it's precious, not to be wasted on a Dedicated Account like Walmart.

Memory jogger:
When I did the Walmart Moberly DC, they provided straps on the reefers - not the ones I "accumulated"!

Memory jogger:
When I did the Walmart Moberly DC, they provided straps on the reefers - not the ones I "accumulated"!

Same with Pottsville. Two I was given, two I picked-up at a store that were left there.

Typically it's better to only use load locks in a reefer trailer. The walls are stronger and don't push out like the walls on a dry van. I carry straps and load locks but haven't used the load locks at all since I've been hauling dry van.

But no it is not a DOT violation to not have any load locks or straps.

Also, with Swift, at the bottom of our load origin and destination messages, their is a section for specific information. That is where it usually says if a customer requires straps or locks. I've never gotten to a customer that required them, without it being noted in my load information but that doesn't mean it won't happen.

It can be a violation to not have hazmat loads secured in some fashion on van trailers. Straps, load locks, or wall footing with a board.

Danialsahn wrote:

We don't carry any, and I have yet to come across one in any of the trailers we pull.

Daniel for any Walmart Dedicated reefer load destined for stores or Sams, must me strapped up before departing the first stop. Otherwise if there is damage, driver is held responsible. All of the Walmart reefers have logistics tracks; some have two, the newer ones 305000-310999 series have 4.

Although I am not 100% certain Johnstown D. C. has that policy, but our D.C. sure does. I carry four straps.

We have giant dunnage bags in the trailers. My mentor carries straps, though, too. We do not see inside the trailer until we break the seal at our first stop. At times, we have had them readjust how it is placed in the trailer, at that time. It makes me wonder, though, if we should be using the straps, as pallets come off after each stop.

Danialsahn wrote:

We don't carry any, and I have yet to come across one in any of the trailers we pull.

Daniel for any Walmart Dedicated reefer load destined for stores or Sams, must me strapped up before departing the first stop. Otherwise if there is damage, driver is held responsible. All of the Walmart reefers have logistics tracks; some have two, the newer ones 305000-310999 series have 4.

Although I am not 100% certain Johnstown D. C. has that policy, but our D.C. sure does. I carry four straps.

We have giant dunnage bags in the trailers. My mentor carries straps, though, too. We do not see inside the trailer until we break the seal at our first stop. At times, we have had them readjust how it is placed in the trailer, at that time. It makes me wonder, though, if we should be using the straps, as pallets come off after each stop.

So far, I have pulled produce/meat, and dry. Have not pulled any dairy/frozen yet.

Danielsahn wrote:

It makes me wonder, though, if we should be using the straps, as pallets come off after each stop.

Yes. No wondering, thats what I said; "strap-up before departing the first stop." We are required to do just that. Likely the same is required for the Johnstown DC.

If the trailer is sealed already then you dont have to worry about it. If it isnt sealed then it is a judgement call. If the load is stacked high and it doesnt look sturdy then throw some on.

Remember when in doubt it takes a lot less time to put in a couple load locks than it does dealing with damaged freight.

So you all agree its not a DOT violation not to havd them? How would you know wben to use them if customer has already locked doors and put a seal? Most of my loads are drop/hook.

Danielsahn wrote:

It makes me wonder, though, if we should be using the straps, as pallets come off after each stop.

Yes. No wondering, thats what I said; "strap-up before departing the first stop." We are required to do just that. Likely the same is required for the Johnstown DC.

I will ask my mentor why he doesn't strap up, when he returns from his 34. I asked another driver, and was told to not worry about it. Now, I am worrying about it.