Securing coils in a dry van

[Big_Dave]

Last week I picked up 5 skids of aluminum coils (3 coils per skid), weighing about 17K lbs.

Here's how I secured them in my dry van.

I used 2x4 blocking nailed to the floor. The shipper provided all blocking and a nail gun. I also installed straps to help keep them from shifting.

The first pic is an 'auto-chock'. A hydraulic operated chock block system. I thought it was kinda cool since I had never seen one before. When activated, it comes up out of the floor and slides down the track until it meets your trailer tires. Pretty slick deal I think.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/southernrain/auto-chock.jpg

The next 4 pics are mostly how I blocked the skids and how they were loaded in the trailer. 2 were loaded in the nose and the other 3 were loaded over and slightly in front of the tandems.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/southernrain/coilsecurement1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/southernrain/coilsecurement2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/southernrain/coilsecurement3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/southernrain/coilsecurement4.jpg

Note: Some steel and aluminum plants do not provide blocking to help secure coils! If they do not provide blocking, I will not haul them. Straps are not strong enough to use alone! Their 'working limit' is only about 1000 to 2000 lbs per strap.

[Curlyfrompgh]

:clap:
That's about the way I'd do it if I had a van with Logistic posts. Ideally if coils were to be transported in a van the van should be equipped with either drop chains that are affixed to the crossmembers, or 'D' rings (also bolted/welded to the x-members) flush mounted in the floor along the sides of the floor. Either of these would be a substantial anchor point that would allow the use of properly rated tiedowns such as chains or 3 in./4 in. portable ratchet straps with chain & hook ends.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/Curlyfrompgh/3in.jpg

[Uturn2001]

Be sure to inspect the blocking material to try to make sure it is not rotted or of extremely soft. If it is, the wood will not stop the pallets from sliding.

I learned this the hard way when I was a new driver. Had 3 pallets break through their bracing and slide to the front of the trailer.

I found out about it when I got a nice fine for have 48,000 lbs on my drives. :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: