F&M Transportation - Proper Loading of Flatbed Trailers with Rebar

We identified the various sizes of material that needed to be secured. We noted the weight ratings of the tie downs (Synthetic Webbing tie down known as straps) both 2" and 4" wide. We then discussed where and how many straps needed to be used to secure each type of bundle.
Examples:
- 5' or shorter use one strap if the material is less than 1,100#'s
- Over 5' to 10' and/or weights more that 1,100#'s use 2 straps.
- After 10' add one strap for every additional 10'. So a 12' length of material would require 3 straps.
- Weight of material and size of the strap also matters. 2" straps "Working Load Limit" is 3,333#'s and 4" straps "Working Load Limit" is 5,400#'s
We then took the time to identify all the different configurations of material to secure from both the point of view of standing on the ground to getting on top of the load to discover if there bundles were hidden.
From that we discovered:
- Bundles that would need to be manually adjusted so straps would securely touch the freight
- Bundles that could be compressed down by securing bundles on top of them
- Bundles that would need additional straps due to length
- Bundles that would need a strap that were not secure by bundles above them that were secured by multiple straps
As we strapped material we identified a strap that was cut and needed to be replaced. We showed the techniques to do this and mentioned tips on how to save time in the replacement process.
Once the load was completely secured we did a final walk around making sure all straps were tight and touching the freight where they were supposed to be touching. At this time I also noted that a driver should stop within the first 50 miles to tighten any straps that may have loosen due to material shifting. If shifting did occur then additional stops along the route may be needed to maintain proper securement.
We also discussed the placement of the straps between the rub rail whenever possible to help prevent straps from being cut by outside forces.
Safety was noted as the top priority and an improperly secured load could result in:
- Loss of life
- Loss of load
- Damage to cargo
- Damage to vehicle
- A crash
- Insurance of citations/fines to driver/carrier
- The vehicle being placed out of service

[@josereyes9726]

I personally dont approve of just using straps on iron without edge protectors.....id use chains belly wrapoed were possible.....throwing straos over will only serve as maintaining load down not forward...so its useless in a hard break stop....belly wrapping will serve the forward movement...example try pushing down on a pipe/rope and have someone lpull on it... they'll pull it right out...know wrap around the pipe/rope and pull it...youll have that resistance from pulling forward ..