Load Security and tarps

D

Dave in London

Member
Aug 19, 2011
274
0
16
London, more or less
10
Hey flatbed people...I'm trying to verify or squelch a rumour.
An "overly self educated" person indicated there was now a law that you had to put straps OVER tarps, or else tarps are deemed insecure since bungees have no load rating.
I find that one hard to swallow, and can find nothing about it anywhere.

Opinions?
Facts?
 
Dave in London, we call our local scale house in Whitby all the time with questions and they love it, you look very pro-active in their eyes.
 
I used to call Putnam all the time too, but all the old timers at Putnam North have retired, died, or moved on. Some of them were pretty darn good guys. One guy even gave one of my trucks a joke ticket on his last day at the scale. I laminated it and put in on my wall. When the driver got the ticket, she pooped. It was a fine for a dollar and a $50,000.00 "officer surcharge" for "defying the laws of the gods of Putnam for 15 years".

Back to tarps...It is allegedly a change. Not sure of the source. I don't like strapping over my tarps because most of my stuff is odd shaped, sharp edges, and I don't like the stretching under the load protectors. We'll see I guess.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
News to us here, also. Depending on what you are hauling this could be a real pain....It will be interesting to if this is confirmed.
 
Strapping over tarps is a good way to destroy them quickly. I've never heard of this " supposed " law but will sure do some calling on Monday.
 
Just recently I became aware that some bungee cords have a working load limit rating on them while other brands don't. Is this something new or are we about to see this as a requirement I don't know but I think I will be asking my local tarp shop on this. Strapping ove a trap makes no sense at all.
 
This comes back around again every few years.

It is not a "new law," or a new application of an old law. Rather it is a reminder that tarps are a) not a component of a securement system and b) they are by definition cargo.

“cargo” (cargaison) means all articles or material carried by a vehicle, including those used in the operation of the vehicle. It stands to reason that it is secured to the same standard as any other cargo. My practice, for what it is worth, is to throw one strap over top of the tarp, either in front of the load on the deck, or over the front of the load. One load rated strap adequately meets the requirement of the code for a 200 lb tarp, but not for the length.

Dave in London, who ever told you this is correct although it is usually only enforced but the younger snots on their first book of tickets.
 
Last edited:
"Dave in London, who ever told you this is correct although it usually only enforced but the younger snots on their first book of tickets. "

LMAO...don't hold back jsprat....tell us how you really feel! haha...thanks for the Monday morning chuckle!!
 
jsprat said:
One load rated strap adequately meets the requirement of the code for a 200 lb tarp, but not for the length.
Click to expand...

Good way to describe it lol.

So theoretically, you need 6 straps over your tarp (2 for 1st 10 feet, 1 for every 10' or portion thereafter), but then again, I believe those stipulations are only for named items...lumber, board, pipe, etc. The rest fall under "adequately secured". Kicker is, I have 3 piece tarps, so thats 3 straps.

I think I will just continue as I always have, and hope the young snot gets to his second book before he pulls us over. :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom