Flatbed Load Securement Checks Question

Hello all,

In regards to Load Checks I understand the first 50 miles / 1 hr check and the every 150 mile/3 hour checks.

I have been logging these since I started the account I’m on with Schneider however the question I have is my company advised that when I have an empty trailer and have the tarps on the trailer I still need to log load checks since the tarps are considered a “load” , so I’ve been doing the load checks on the tarps even when i don’t have a load.

My question is: Is this a DOT requirement or more of a company requirement ? It just feels funny logging a “Load Securment Check” when Im running empty other than my tarps secured to the flatbed.

Does anyone have any information on this? I was wondering if DOT were to find it weird that I am logging the check even when empty if they were to inspect my logs.

Otherwise I don’t mind doing the checks if the tarps are considered a load as that’s what I’ve been doing, but it’s just hard to find a clear answer on the matter. Thanks in advance.

Of course also I’m assuming since the tarps on the trailer and strapped that would be why they are considered a load due to the risk they could fall off etc.

Hey Brock, that's a great question!

I think your company likes to have it done that way for a reason. Let's say you get stopped for an inspection and the D.O.T. officer wants to see your logs. He's going to be looking at your past seven days. If he's kind of particular he may show some concern over the stretches where you didn't show a "load check" in your logs. You can tell him, "I was empty," but that may not be good enough for that particular officer. I think Schneider would rather there be no question about your log book practices. As long as you follow their policy you will be fine.

The D.O.T. will not find it weird that you are logging load checks when you are empty. They will be glad to see that you are. I can't even tell you how many rolled up tarps I have seen on the road. They fall off of trucks all the time. Most of them could have stayed on the truck had the driver bothered to check them occasionally.

Hello all,

In regards to Load Checks I understand the first 50 miles / 1 hr check and the every 150 mile/3 hour checks.

I have been logging these since I started the account I’m on with Schneider however the question I have is my company advised that when I have an empty trailer and have the tarps on the trailer I still need to log load checks since the tarps are considered a “load” , so I’ve been doing the load checks on the tarps even when i don’t have a load.

My question is: Is this a DOT requirement or more of a company requirement ? It just feels funny logging a “Load Securment Check” when Im running empty other than my tarps secured to the flatbed.

Does anyone have any information on this? I was wondering if DOT were to find it weird that I am logging the check even when empty if they were to inspect my logs.

Otherwise I don’t mind doing the checks if the tarps are considered a load as that’s what I’ve been doing, but it’s just hard to find a clear answer on the matter. Thanks in advance.

Of course also I’m assuming since the tarps on the trailer and strapped that would be why they are considered a load due to the risk they could fall off etc.

If your company is telling you to do it, I wouldn't second guess it, whether it's a gray area or not. As a general rule of thumb, DOT is never going to think it's weird that you are being diligent with safety. In fact, an officer seeing something like that in your logs is likely to go pretty easy in other areas because there is proof of you being a conscientious driver.

Schneider has a solid reputation for being very safety conscious, so I would say that you are in good shape continuing to do what you are doing.