Flatbed bulkheads are important to cargo control. A bulkhead is affixed to the front end of a flatbed trailer to prevent forward movement of cargo and protect the driver carrying heavy loads. What type of bulkhead is best for my flatbed? There are two basic types of flatbed bulkheads, the wrap around and the flat.
What is the difference between a bulkhead and a trailer bulkhead?
A bulkhead does much the same thing except for one major difference: a bulkhead is affixed to the trailer rather than the truck. Furthermore, bulkheads do not have to be permanently affixed. They can be installed or removed as loads dictate.
Do you need a bulkhead on a dry van?
If a bulkhead is appropriate when carrying things like steel girders or timber, drivers will not be afraid to use it. Where it’s not necessary, a driver may choose to forgo a bulkhead to save on weight. Bulkheads are most typically thought of in relation to flatbed trailers. However, bulkheads fittings are used in dry vans as well.
What are bulkheads fittings?
Bulkheads are most typically thought of in relation to flatbed trailers. However, bulkheads fittings are used in dry vans as well. A dry van is a trailer with walls and a roof. So why would a driver need bulkheads inside such a trailer?
What is the difference between a headache rack and a bulkhead?
The flatbed headache rack essentially prevents shifting cargo from penetrating the tractor cab. A bulkhead does much the same thing except for one major difference: a bulkhead is affixed to the trailer rather than the truck. Furthermore, bulkheads do not have to be permanently affixed. They can be installed or removed as loads dictate.
Do you have to have a headache rack to haul flatbed?
While headache racks are not specifically required by law, you do have the legal obligation to ensure that your cargo is being transported safely and that those inside your vehicle are protected. A headache rack can help you accomplish both of these goals.
What is dunnage on a flatbed?
Dunnage – Material used in loading freight that will be unloaded by crane or forklift. It is typically lumber (either 2 x4 or 4×4) that is placed between bundles of lumber or steel. The dunnage provides a space between bundles that will allow a forklift blade to get underneath a bundle before lifting.
What is the bulkhead on a truck bed?
The Bulkhead Tray is a universal storage solution designed to keep loose items organized and off the floor of your truck bed.
What do you need to haul flatbed?
Hauling flatbed freight requires additional equipment and accessories. Drivers are equipped with chains, corner protectors, dunnage, pipe stakes and coil racks to ensure that your load is properly secured and is shipped safely to its destination.
What does Conestoga mean in trucking?
Conestoga trailers are a specialized segment of trailers developed with security, versatility and protection from the elements in mind. Conestogas feature a retractable tarping system spanning the length of their decks and can haul a maximum of 44,000 pounds.
What are coil racks?
Coil Racks are specifically designed to keep steel coils in place and off the surface of a trailer. They are used with wood blocks to provide a cradle for the coil to be secured with the appropriate chains and straps.
What is the bulkhead on a trailer?
An insulated bulkhead is a thermal barrier in a trailer, truck body or van that separates fresh, frozen or dry goods. This allows multiple temperatures in one vehicle, or the reduction of cooled space to reduce energy consumption.
What is a header board on a trailer?
Explanation Front-end header boards, also known as "headache racks," protect the driver from cargo moving in the event of a crash or emergency stop.
What is a headache rack for?
Headache racks have been growing in popularity, likely because they have many purposes. Their main purpose is to prevent items from potentially sliding into the cab's rear window, but some have additional functions, like the ability to hold certain items upright or support long loads.
Do flatbed loads pay more?
Truck blog CDL 101 reported on average, flatbed truckers earn about $13,000 more annually than dry van truckers. Not only do they earn about 8 cents more per mile, but inclement weather may convince shippers to pay tarping surcharges to prevent precipitation from ruining the exposed load.
What to know about flatbed trailers?
Flatbed trailers are a type of heavy hauler transport that typically handles wide loads, oversized equipment, machinery, and bulk cargo. They are constructed of heavy-duty steel and often have multiple axles to allow for heavy cargo to be moved safely.
What can be hauled on a flatbed trailer?
Hauling Construction Equipment. ... Transporting Building and Construction Materials. ... Moving Scrap Metals and Recyclables. ... Carrying Landscaping Items. ... Transporting Oil and Gas Rigs. ... Moving Agricultural Equipment and Goods. ... Miscellaneous Oversize Load Use. ... Flatbed Trailers Built with Durability In Mind.
What is a penalty strap on a flatbed trailer?
If your flatbed trailers are not equipped with bulkheads, header boards, or any other type of front-end structure that prevents the cargo from sliding into the cab, did you know that you need to use an extra strap or chain to hold the cargo in place? Often referred to as a “penalty strap,” this extra tiedown helps secure the cargo to ...
When is an extra strap required?
As you can see, for anything over 5 feet or 1,100 pounds, an extra strap is required if the cargo is not placed against a bulkhead to prevent forward movement. Review your cargo securement practices and make sure your drivers are using the penalty strap when required.
How long is a tiedown?
5 feet (1.52 m) or shorter, AND. 1,100 pounds (500 kg) or lighter. 1 tiedown. 5 feet (1.52 m) or shorter, AND. over 1,100 pounds (500 kg) 2 tiedowns. longer than 5 feet (1.52 m) but is 10 feet (3.02 m) or less, no matter the weight. 2 tiedowns.
Do trailers need bulkheads?
The answer is no, there are no federal regulations saying that trailers need bulkheads or any other kind of front-end structure. Under 49 CFR §393.114, front-end structures have to meet certain standards ONLY if you actually use them to help secure your cargo (i.e., by placing cargo up against them to help prevent forward movement). ...
Why is a bulkhead always there?
In either case, no extra time is spent on tiedowns when a bulkhead is involved. This reduces load times and gets the truck driver on the road more quickly.
Where is the headache rack on a truck?
Where a headache rack is usually affixed to the rear of a truck’s cab, the bulkhead is affixed to the front end of a flatbed trailer to prevent forward movement of cargo. In the absence of a bulkhead, some other means of preventing forward movement is required on flatbed trailers.
Is a bulkhead more secure than a tiedown?
The reality is that penalty straps can fail in the event of an especially violent accident. Bulkheads can too, but they are less likely to fail than tiedowns. We think bulkheads are a better option just from a safety standpoint alone.
When to use bulkheads?
Bulkheads are used on a case-by-case basis. If a bulkhead is appropriate when carrying things like steel girders or timber, drivers will not be afraid to use it. Where it’s not necessary, a driver may choose to forgo a bulkhead to save on weight.
What is a bulkhead rack?
The terms ‘bulkhead’ and ‘headache rack’ are used interchangeably in the trucking industry. That’s fine. Truck drivers understand what others are talking about by the context of their conversations. For the rest of us though, there is a significant difference between the two pieces of equipment. That difference can help us to better understand how drivers use truck headache racks and bulkheads to protect themselves.
What is a headache rack?
For all practical purposes, a headache rack is a semi-permanent aluminum alloy panel affixed to the back of a tractor to provide protection against shifting cargo. The flatbed headache rack essentially prevents shifting cargo from penetrating the tractor cab.
How high is a cargo trailer?
It stands roughly 4 feet high and is made with a strong yet lightweight aluminum alloy. Cargo can be loaded flush with the bulkhead or with a bit of space between the two. It is common to see bulkheads on flatbed trailers dedicated to local routes.
Why do dry vans need bulkheads?
There are some dry van loads more prone to shifting than others. In such cases, using a number of removable bulkheads can help keep cargo more secure. A good example is a trailer filled with rolling carts of linen.
Why are bulkheads important?
Bulkheads in ships, planes, and rail cars are multipurpose panels. Not only do they help manage cargo, but they also provide structural integrity.
Do bulkheads have to be permanently affixed?
A bulkhead does much the same thing except for one major difference: a bulkhead is affixed to the trailer rather than the truck. Furthermore, bulkheads do not have to be permanently affixed. They can be installed or removed as loads dictate.
HGRaptor Bobtail Member
is it required to have a headache rack or bulkhead? or is it just a matter of more safety.
HGRaptor Bobtail Member
There are options for that. I just bought this truck,and i am looking for one, but can't sit here and not roll just looking for one.
coastie Road Train Member
I have seen trucks with out either but always heard it was a must have deal. But like everything else things change. I hauled one load that the headache rack would only added to the headache if the load had shifted forward. 50K lbs Granite Block. 1 Rock had me 800Lbs over gross.
JayTee Light Load Member
Washington state wrote me a $300 citation for not having one, it's the only place that has though.
snowwy Road Train Member
my first 2 companies don't have racks or bulkheads. never had a problem with washington. or any state.
Raezzor Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
It used to be but they changed the regs. I forget when, but it was a few years ago. Lemme see if I can dig it up.
Freightlinerbob Road Train Member
I was refused loading a few months ago because I didn't have one. First time that's happened to me. They said it was their own policy.
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