Securing Dry Van Load - Question

I think we might be talking about different pieces of equipment Dave

It sounds like you're using the ones that actually fit in the slots that the the load straps also go in?

All I have are the ones with the rubber feet on either end, and I don't think you could wedge the walls apart enough by hand with those to risk anything (Sorry, I'm not trying to be contrary but I've been meaning to ask about this for a bit anyways)

It’s cute hearing door slammers talk about load securement. 😄

I'll have you know I don't slam my doors, I treat them very nicely! XD

I think we might be talking about different pieces of equipment Dave

It sounds like you're using the ones that actually fit in the slots that the the load straps also go in?

All I have are the ones with the rubber feet on either end, and I don't think you could wedge the walls apart enough by hand with those to risk anything

Nope, we're taking the same thing. Those bars you're using with the rubber feet on the end have a bit of a ratcheting mechanism to put pressure against the walls so that they can provide actual securement. You can certainly crank them hard enough against the walls to bust 'em if you want to.

I think we might be talking about different pieces of equipment Dave

It sounds like you're using the ones that actually fit in the slots that the the load straps also go in?

All I have are the ones with the rubber feet on either end, and I don't think you could wedge the walls apart enough by hand with those to risk anything

Nope, we're taking the same thing. Those bars you're using with the rubber feet on the end have a bit of a ratcheting mechanism to put pressure against the walls so that they can provide actual securement. You can certainly crank them hard enough against the walls to bust 'em if you want to.

Unless you have the cheap Harbor Freight ones.

I might have to play around with mine then... But the only loads I have to use them on are Coors and the way they load those trailers forces the wall out so far that I'm always on the last notch when I'm putting them up.

I'm always just scratching my head when drivers talk about using load locks on lightweight dry van trailers but pulling the walls in with straps first. What's the point of using both when one (straps) will do just fine.

IDK but we NEVER use load locks and are specifically told not to. Straps only and our company will give us as many as we need or want. We don't have to buy anything like that.

In my case Susan, when we pick up Coors loads in Golden, CO, they require them to be secured, but they will sometimes have the pallets blocking a set of holes where you put straps in, and no way to get a strap around. Pallets lined flush against both walls and an airbag in the middle.

I've hauled out of Miller Coors in Golden. We simply take 2 straps and crisscross them with the upper straps hooked above and in the rails towards the front of the pallets and the lower ones hooked at the next row of strap rails past the pallets and never had a bit of trouble nor did they seem to care at all. They were satisfied there were 2 straps.

I've been there and seen drivers fussing with load locks that often won't even stay in place.

The ones I'm talking about there can be a foot or two of empty space between my strap and my load. And with the pallets locked up against the wall there's not a way to reach any of the slots that would actually allow me to use a strap

I'm always just scratching my head when drivers talk about using load locks on lightweight dry van trailers but pulling the walls in with straps first. What's the point of using both when one (straps) will do just fine.

IDK but we NEVER use load locks and are specifically told not to. Straps only and our company will give us as many as we need or want. We don't have to buy anything like that.

Susan, since I switched to dry van about five months ago, I've yet to use bars on a load. But I asked the company how to do so if necessary and they told me, so I was able to answer the question. The reason one would use them AND straps would be the rare case where a product had to be secured and/or a shipper required it, but the straps couldn't be used alone because of the way the pallets were positioned.