On route today I passed a 3/4 article pulling flatbeds with containers sat on top. While the looked pretty solid I noticed when going past that the winds were actually lifting the container slightly causing a slight gap between the container base and flatbed. It was only an inch or two but still some movement. Thing is I couldn’t see any sign of them being secured to the flatbed itself. I admit my knowledge of flatbeds is poor but I don’t think they have anywhere for twist locks, and there were no ratchets in sight.
I couldn’t help but think if a strong gust of wind caught that at the right time, taking speed and harshness the driver may have took the corner or if he was forced to swerve that it could come of.
I know there are a lot of guys that won’t touch straps and “that load isn’t going anywhere” gets thrown around a lot but personally I would have put a few rachets on it myself for price of mind.
Any thoughts? Could come in handy for the future…