Congratulations to Mat Dockerty.

Mat from Diary of a Truck Driver has won our March Photo Comp, Mat has won $150.00 to spend on anything in our store.

If you are unaware of Mat's work, he writes a great blog diaryofatruckdriver.com.au about his time on the road. Another Great Trucky! Be sure to check it out.

Thank you to everybody who sent in photos, and Congratulations again to Mat.

TWIST LOCKS

A Twistlock is used for the safeguard of shipping containers. With the combination of Twistlock and corner casting, a systematized rotating connector is formed which helps in protecting shipping containers. Corner casting which is called the female part of the connector is fitted in the container and has no moving portion or parts with an oval hole in its bottom. It is 180×180×110 mm in size. The hole is 124.5 mm diameter circle with two sides; 63.4 mm each. Twistlock, the male part is fitted to the transport basis and cranes. It is 104.1 mm long and 55.9 mm wide. Its top pointed part is rotated in 90° so that it cannot be detached.

A variety of Twist locks are available in market with number of functions.

A) RETRACTABLE TWISTLOCK:

1. ISO Retractable Screw down Twistlock:

This Twistlock is designed as per the standards of ISO. It is used for chassis, skeletal and plat form vehicles, and special containers. The securing head is kept down below the deck level. It allows other load which is not included in freight, to be carried.

2. Heavy Duty Retractable Screw down Twistlock:

This Twistlock is attainable with third lock. Its third lock provides more and maximum security to the shipment.

3. ISO Retractable Twistlock with Set Operating Lever:

This twistlock is designed with a set of operating levers. This retractable Twistlock is used as a fixed lock to prevent the container on any kind of trailer.

B) NON RETRACTABLE TWISTLOCK:

1. Heavy Duty Non-Retractable Screw down Twistlock:

This twistlock is designed with a round top which reduces the hazards and risks of any damage to the container. It makes the time-consuming procedure of loading containers, easier and fast.

2. Non-Retractable Screw down Twistlock:

The screw down feasibility and an added vertical board assures cargo safety during shipment. On the other hand, its safe head helps in loading containers faster.

3. Non-Retractable Twistlock:

It is used in vehicles and chassis. Its steel body has weldable quality and specially designed for interchangeable spare parts.

4. Cushion-Lock Twistlock:

This is designed to fulfil the compelling and strict demands of the military. It is used in demountable units of military. This produces less noise and vibration because of its neoprene pads.

5. Non-Retractable Twistlock:

This twistlock is provided with a seal security place. It is used in cross members containers.

C) MARINE TWISTLOCKS:

This is designed for swap bodies or multiple stacking of containers. It is suitable using both for container to deck or container to container.

Twist locks are very helpful when containers are used during shipment. These locks provide a secure way to keep the containers safe.

Restraining loads safely on the truck is always a key element for truckies when carting goods whether it’s locally or interstate.

Yet many have experienced traumatic instances where the centre of the load has moved during transit and before they know it, the contents have either contracted towards the cab or telescoped out and onto an oncoming vehicle.

Worse still, the instance leaves those involved injured and traumatised in the process. Such situations create grave danger for truckies and drivers alike. Load Choker offers two exciting solutions for safely restraining loose loads such as, timber, steel, mixed loads, pipes and machinery in a safe, efficient and easy to apply manner.

Both Chokers (LS50 – 50mm Strap Model and LC08 – 8mm Chain Model) offer 2:1 leverage, which pulls the load together and maintains pressure in “choking” the load to restrict movement in all directions.

Currently, loose loads are belly strapped or belly chained, whereby the strap or chain is positioned around the products and then around itself. As a consequence, with the straps, the non winch side tends to inhibit slack and chains inhibit slack due to links binding on the loads.

With a Load Choker, as the bundle moves forward or backwards, the strap or chain effectively becomes shorter, making the choke tighter keeping the load intact. In most instances, when tying down loads with the Load Chokers, the Strap or Chain remains under the load.

To form a choke, simply pull up a loop at each side of your bundle and connect the two loops together with a choker. This can be done multiple times across a single strap or chain. To access a bundle, you simply loosen your tensioning devise and remove the choker.

A by product of this method is safety and time efficiency. Both Strap and Chain Chokers are manufactured and tested to AS/NZS 4380 (LC 2,500kg) and AS/NZS 4344 (4,000kg) respectively.

Load Chokers are proudly invented and manufactured in Australia. Both Strap and Chain models are approved for use by BlueScope Steel and One Steel.

A pretty good video we recomend you check out!.

The guys are using tie downs, show you how to use them and explain why they are important.

Bow shackles are great tools to use when you need to tow a piece of heavy machinery. Able to withstand immense amounts of weight, bow shackles can help you pull equipment from difficult spots. Many people use bow shackles when towing another car from a ditch or any other difficult situation, to dock large ships, or they are most commonly used today for towing off-road vehicles such as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) out of muddy holes and crevices.  

Bow shackles are distinguished by their distinctive U shape with a bolt feature on the opposite end used to attach to chain or sling.

Bow shackles are used like a connector between two components for the purpose of towing one vehicle with the help of the other. Keeping a set of bow shackles in the trunk of your car may just come in handy one day if bad weather pushes your vehicle off the road.

The advantage of bow shackles is that because of their unique shape, they are able to take different loads from different directions all for the greater good of towing. However, the bigger the U shape in the bow shackle, the less overall strength the bow shackle will have. So be aware of the approximate weight of what you intend to tow.

All types of shackles have what it called a “working load”, which is the amount of weight that they can safely tow. When purchasing bow shackles, be aware of the weight of the product you are towing. If you intend to use bow shackles to tow ATV’s, the most common size is the ½ inch size. You can find a set of ATV bow shackles in most hardware stores selling for around $20.00. If you are unsure of what is the appropriate working load, contact a professional to be sure that the working load is correct. If you are in doubt, ask.

Investing in a set of bow shackles will be a very good idea if you plan to tow very large pieces of equipment such as vehicles, boats, ATV’s, or other machinery. These small but strong connecting links will make seemingly impossible jobs much easier, allowing you to finish your work more quickly and more efficiently.

Transport chain which is also called as a high-tensile chain is used to carry or protect freight.

Oblong torus-shaped thick and heavy metal links are usually used in this kind of chain. Two hooks of suitable strength and sizes are also given. These hooks can be slid over the chain link but does not let it slip by. Slip hook is used to grip the load.

High-tensile chain and high-test chains are often merged into each other. Both are different, high-tensile chain is thicker than high-test chain and normally has hooks at both ends. High-tensile chain is usually Grade 70 chain. It is not approved for lifting cargo overhead.

Following are some of the chains which are used for transport purposes.

1. LIFTING CHAINS:

It is made up of long-lasting and dependable alloy steel. It is available in many grades. Smaller and lighter chains can be used on a small-scale to carry load and higher grades means a stronger chain, used for heavy cargo. This type of chain is heat-treated and welded.

2. DOUBLE LOOP CHAIN:

This chain has longer links and used in common functions. Like playground, porch swings, boats, gates, hanging fixtures, gymnasium and other general uses.

3. HIGH TEST CHAIN:

This steel chain is welded electrically. It has a high tensile strength with wonderful wear-resisting qualities. This is used for logging, load binding etc.

4. PASSING LINK CHAIN:

This chain is made up from low-carbon steel and is electro-galvanized. Welded with a wide link design, it depreciate kinking and tangling.

5. PROOF COIL CHAIN:

This chain is made up of carbon steel. It is used for general purposes such as construction, railroad, cars and many industrial purposes. This chain is not suitable for overhead lifting.

It is important to select the right grade chain to avoid any mishaps. All chains cannot carry heavy loads. Choose the right one from trusted supplier.

The most secure way to protect your valuable goods from damage during shipment or transport, is using ratchet tie downs straps.

Some of the most popular ratchet straps are:

•             E-track straps

•             Camouflage ratchet straps

•             ATV and motorcycle tie downs

•             Flatbed straps

•             Car tie down straps

•             Endless loop ratchet straps.

Ratchet straps come in various styles and sizes and in different lengths and widths. Ratchet straps are available 25mm - 100mm polyester webbing. The assemblies provided with standard ratchet straps are usually made up of polyester webbing. This strapping is very strong so that it can keep the loads protected.

If more stretch is needed, nylon straps with buckles or other ratchet tie downs can be used. For an inexperienced trucker or mover, a ratchet strap is absolutely a perfect tie down strap.  Tie downs are not supposed to be stretchable. Polyester straps are not stretchable and that enhance its strength to keep the heavy load in its place.

Ratchet straps are very easy to use they keep the load secure in your pick-up truck, boat or trailer and prevent the cargo or items from getting dispersed or scattered. These straps are easy to install and disengage, but at the same time they give enough resistance to the load from shifting its place.

Selecting a correct ratchet strap is crucial for safety reasons. The correct size of ratchet strap is not only necessary for the secure delivery of cargo, but it is also important for your personal safety.

Ratchet straps provide a perfect midline. 

Using ratchet straps for Load Restraint means a complete secure process of shipment with complete trust and tension free mind.

Load binders can be defined as a locking device which is used to transport the desired cargo in a compact way to full fill the purpose of protection. Load binders can be classified into following categories:

• YALE LOAD BINDERS: Its fastening capacity is LC4000-10600. It is a universal tool which is used to hold back and protect the cargo. Its self-locking threads keep the tension maintained. It is equipped with parallel hooks so that it can directly attach to the chains or with the clevis ends. This helps it to work with already existing devices.

• Ratchet Load Binders: This load binder includes forged bearings. This is used for Grade 70 transport chain. It is a one piece binder having no nuts and bolts. Its spring is rust proof and it is very easy to handle and work.

• Snubbing Load Binders: This load binder is made up of forged steel. It is tempered and quenched with spring cushions for excellent load protection. This also helps in cushion shock and do not let it to move back and forth.
• Standard Lever Type Load Binders: This load binder is specially made up to prevent spreading at the place of most influence or in other words at leverage point in excessive heavy construction. It allows the easy release of load as the binder's heel toggles apart from the freight. Its socket swivel joints and ball make it easy to pull a load in a straight line.
• Walking Load Binders: It is made up of forged steel. It is also quenched and tempered. This can be used for a short initiate on chain.
• Crosby Standard Ratchet Type Load Binders: This load binder is boost up with advancement to use with the transport chains of Grades 70, 80 and 100. It has new forged design with no nuts and bolts.

• Load Binder without Links and Hooks: This load binder comes without links and hooks. Load binders play an important role during shipment.

Quality and strength of load binder is very crucial for the secure shipment or transportation of cargo. Select load binders from the trusted company and save your time, money and cargo.

Call Us Now if we can be of a service to you! 1300 877 277

What is a tie down?

Tie down straps are fasteners usually used to constrain or hold down equipment and/or cargo during shipping or transport.

Tie down straps are typically webbing that are provided or supplied with Ratchet/Fastening hardware. This hardware enables you to attach the tie down strap around the equipment or cargo.

Tie downs are normally provided with a method of using them to hold back your desired item in place. Tie downs can be categorized into several categories. Some of them are, buckles, fasteners, and end fittings. Cam, rachet and over centered comes into fastener category.

Threaded and snap buckles are the two most commonly used buckle tie downs. Several varieties available in market A variety of tie downs are available in market. These includes ratchet and over-center buckles, cam, anchor plates, brackets, delta rings, d- rings, footman’s loops, threading plates, e-track fittings, s-hooks, hooks with keepers, hooks without keepers etc.

Tie downs can be used anywhere at any place. From aircraft to a truck or just in simply moving your house hold item from one place to another, they can be used by anyone. Tie downs come in number of colors. The most important thing to choose is, a tie down that can be matched and has an ability to cope up with your need. How to select the right kind of tie down? Don't use a tie down which may harm your equipment. Always select a tie down according to the size and weight of your cargo or equipment so that your possessings will be saved while shipping or transporting.

A Tie down is normally supplied with complete information regarding the weight it can handle, and other necessary configuration to make it easy for you to select a right kind of tie down. Just make up your mind to choose a good tie down from a renowned company and send your cargo with tension free mind. You don't need to bother about any damage or loss if you have chosen the best tiedown.

Figures compiled by the trucking industry and the Roads and Traffic Authority show that Mondays and Tuesdays register the highest rates of truck accidents.

More than 70 per cent of accidents involving heavy trucks occur on the outward leg of their journey, and the majority occur within 100 kilometres of their departure.Advertisement: Story continues below  

''The first thought you would have is that people are starting work on Sunday night, or the early hours of Monday, and they would be fit for duty, because the logbook looks clean,'' said Owen Driscoll, the national manager of industry relations for National Transport Insurance.

''But we make no allowance for the fact that drivers might have had a busy weekend, and that doesn't go in the logbook,'' said Mr Driscoll, who compiled the research for an article in the latest Journal of the Australasian College of Road Safety.

The figures, put together in 2009, show that 37.5 per cent of truck accidents occur on the first two days of the week. Mr Driscoll said they matched similar results in earlier surveys.

The Transport Workers Union attributes the higher rate of accidents early in the week to heavy workload and possible drug use.

The article above is just another way Tie Downs Direct is trying to make a safer transport industry right across Australia.

It is always the Driver's Responsibility to ensure the Load is Secured properly. Ignorance is no excuse. 

Convoy for Kids in Australia was first started in 1989 by John Moran,

 a columist for ‘Truckin Life’ Magazine, and truck driver David Gaudron.

David was a truck driver for Logan City Council with a 10 year old nephew with autism

 who badly wanted to ride in a big truck. David wrote a letter to  ‘Truckin Life’ asking

 for help to organise something – he had no idea what he wanted to do.

The editor gave the letter to John and asked him to see what they could do to help.

At that meeting many years ago Convoy for Kids was born. John was President of

 the Queensland Convoy for five years, and in the second year he took the Convoy interstate. 

Because of John and David’s vision approximately 240 convoys have raised

in excess of four million dollars for children’s charities.

John “The Ferret” Moran is the undisputed face of Convoy for Kids Australia.

 He is a Life Member of the Sydney Convoy for Kids, patron of nine other

convoys around the country (including Brisbane’s) and is the event’s National Ambassador.

21 years later John is still on the convoy circuit. In 2008, following a roadside

 discussion between two local truck drivers, Camp Quality was approached about

re-igniting the Brisbane event.

As a result Brisbane Convoy Kids returned with a bang in 2010 after a ten year hiatus.

The 2010 Brisbane Convoy for Kids raised an incredible $40000.00  for Camp Quality

and $2500.00 for T.R.U.S.T.

 This year an expected 300 trucks and 200 utes travelling the 65 kilometre distance

from Heathwood on Brisbane’s south side, along the Gateway Motorway to finish

up on the north side at the Redcliffe Showgrounds. 

We could never have imagined how much the community would embrace

the event the way that they have.

Our goal is to provide commitments to both sponsors and beneficiaries alike through

Truck and Ute Convoy/s yearly, with all proceeds from your kind support

going directly to this listed organisations. This years Goal is $100,000.00

for the events beneficiaries Camp Quality and T.R.U.S.T

Patrons

Mr John “The Ferret” Moran (original organizer of Convoy for Kids)

Mr Don Rogers (Tarragindi Base Operator)

 

The Load Restraint Guide (LRG) provides transport drivers, operators, and other participants in the transport chain such as freight consignors, as well as vehicle and equipment manufacturers and suppliers with basic safety principles which should be followed for the safe carriage of loads on road vehicles.

• Load Restraint Guide Section A – General Principles of Load Restraint
• Load Restraint Guide Section B – ARRANGING LOADS ON VEHICLES
• Load Restraint Guide Section C – RESTRAINING LOADS ON VEHICLES
• Load Restraint Guide Section D – DRIVING LADEN VEHICLES
• Load Restraint Guide Section E – LOADS

Safety and efficiency are two primary concerns of most Gold Coast drivers. A driver is not interested in compromising the safety of their load or the people around them. Increased efficiency is beneficial for everyone involved with that shipment. That is what makes the load choker such an appealing product.

The load choker is a horse shoe-shaped link designed to help provide a more focused binding with straps, chains, or other restraints. This solid little workhorse can provide the drivers of the Gold Coast with a means to more efficiently secure their loads with less material.

The functionality of the load choker is to let a driver create different choke points in the same strap. Hauling two rectangular I-beams of different sizes would normally require three straps to secure. Each I-beam would require a strap of its own to secure it and then a third strap to bind them both down. Not all of those straps will have 100% efficiency in tension on them either due to the shape of the I-beams. The use of load chokers cuts the number of restraints down to just one while offering 100% efficiency.

The driver creates a loop in the restraint and brings it to the inner, upper corner of the first beam. At this point, the strap is doubled over itself with the loose end underneath. That end is brought up around the bottom of the beam and hooked into the load choker. The driver then pulls it tight. Now, we have a restraint that is fit snugly against the body of that beam the entire way around.

The process is then repeated on the second I-beam. The loose end of the restraint or chain is doubled over and the loop brought to the outside of the second beam. The driver puts a load choker through the loop and runs the loose end back towards the inside and around below the beam. The loose end is then looped and put through the choker.

The result is two I-beams that are secured tightly with 100% efficiency by only one restraint. Each beam is completely wrapped with no loose play in the restraint because of the size difference of the beams. If chains are used, this can help prevent rolling of the chain on the squared corners. A Gold Coast driver can then secure the free end to the trailer and bind it down with a tensioning device.

A couple of load chokers can help Gold Coast drivers save a lot of time getting secured and ready to roll. One can even position them along the outside of a stack of a lumber to place more tension there to keep it upright. Numerous options are available with this little workhorse.

Improper use or maintenance of tie down device can cause death/injury or property damage.

To avoid injury or property damage:

• Do not use tie down device for overhead lifting.
• Work only with secure footing.
• Inspect equipment before use and periodically during use. Remove from service if broken, worn, cracked, or deformed.
• Do not exceed working load limit. Do not overload – binders develop approximate working load with hand effort.
• Use only alloy (Grade 80, Grade 100 or Grade 120) chain for overhead lifting.

When tying down and binding loads please follow following guidelines:

1. Maintain secure footing at all times, check for loose spots periodically.
2. Inspect tie down device before use. Do not use hooks, shackles, links, clips, chain, and other equipment components that are bent, elongated, gouged, nicked, excessively worn, or damaged. Make certain that nuts, bolts, pins, and other fasteners are tightened and secured.
3. Do not exceed the working load limit of tie down equipment. Refer to literature by grade for specific working load limits.
4. Center load in hooks, shackles, rings, and other such equipment components. Use spacers on bolts and pins as necessary to maintain center loading.
5. Do not apply load to hook latches; latches are to retain slack slings and chains only.
6. Avoid sudden jerks when applying the load. Rapid load application can produce overloading.
7. Free all twists, knots, and kinks. Apply load in a straight line fashion.
8. Refer to specific instructions when applying load binders. Observe warnings and stand clear of binder handles at all times.
9. Use only alloy chain and attachments (Grade 80, grade 100 and grade 120) for overhead lifting.
10. Inspect load periodically for securement.

Tie Downs Direct

Po Box 93 Miami
QLD Australia 4220
service@tiedownsdirect.com.au
1300 877 277

The proper lifting sling should be used to secure a lifted load efficiently by any Gold Coast resident. Lifting equipment is often tailored to fairly specific circumstances to provide optimal performance and a safe work environment.

Nylon or polyester lifting slings are a very popular commodity both through the Gold Coast and beyond. The construction material is resilient and provides solid support without damaging effects on the load. This usefulness works for the person using the lifting equipment by allowing use of the sling with a softer or more easily damaged material.

Different lifting slings may feature alternative construction styles but will have prime similarities. Eyelets and triangular attachments for securing the lifting equipment should be reinforced for safety and to lengthen lifespan. Polyester or nylon lifting slings should have some give to them to absorb sharp shocks without snapping the sling. This can be anywhere in the neighborhood of 3-8% and will be noted on any documentation.

Polyester and nylon lifting slings are color-coded and feature stripes to help identify their Working Load Limit quickly. Quality lifting slings are tested after production and will include a certificate of verification in the package.

Common configurations of flat lifting slings are as follows;

• Reversed Eye – Extremely strong and durable for abusive applications. Features a wear pad to prevent damage to the sling.
• Twisted Eye and Eye – The eyes are turned at a right angle to the sling body. Optimal for choker hitches.
• Endless – This continuous sling features no wear points and is suitable to about any application.
• Flat Eye and Eye – One of the most popular lifting slings used in a variety of hitches.
• Triangle and Triangle – A reinforced triangle on each end of the sling provides the hardware for a more efficient basket or vertical hitch.
• Triangle and Choker – The combination of triangle and choker hitch on either end allows for an incredibly efficient choker hitch. Also usable with other hitches.

Round slings and flat slings both offer a versatile approach to any Gold Coast job. Round slings do not typically feature hardware and are of the Endless configuration. Their entire length can be used in a variety of jobs to help spread wear and lengthen the life of the lifting equipment. A flat sling provides a bit more specific approach and is better used for direct lifting from beneath the load.

No matter what load a Gold Coast user needs to lift, there is appropriate lifting equipment available for use. Several physical indicators make it easy for the user to find the right lifting sling for their job.

Tie Downs Direct

Po Box 93 Miami
QLD Australia 4220
service@tiedownsdirect.com.au
1300 877 277

A variety of different lifting slings are available to meet an array of jobs. Webbing slings and round slings both have optimal uses as lifting slings. Truckers,Crane Drivers, Dogman and residents of the Gold Coast should have a solid understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both to choose the right tool for the job.

Webbing Slings

Flat, or webbing slings, are popular lifting slings for raising a variety of objects. They are typically made from nylon, polyester, or a combination of the synthetic materials to provide strong lifting slings. The material is one of the less abrasive kinds. It is often chosen for lifting objects that are easy to damage, scratch, or otherwise mar as it is strong yet soft.

Webbing slings can be produced in numerous ways. Some feature one or multiple plies for reinforced strength. Other webbing slings can have a sheath sewn over the primary working area to help mitigate damage done to the sling itself from rough loads. Quality slings are tested after manufacture and will include a certificate with relevant information.

Round Slings

Round slings provide a solid utility for a variety of lifting jobs. These lifting slings are more versatile in that they can be bound around the object in addition to under it for greater control of the load. A variety of lengths are available depending on what job lifting slings are being sought for.

The Universal loop is the most commonly used round sling configuration. The Universal loop gives the user a lot of freedom in how they want to secure the load and provide the most efficient lifting. The rounded nature of the sling also subjects it to more wear and tear than a webbing sling would be subjected to. That is simply due to the natural shape of the webbing sling and round slings. The Universal loop allows a user to vary where on the sling it is secured for more even wear and tear.

A Gold Coast resident may find appropriate use out of either round slings or a webbing sling. Both are perfectly suitable to a number of different jobs provided important safety guidelines are followed.

Tie Downs Direct

Po Box 93 Miami
QLD Australia 4220
service@tiedownsdirect.com.au
1300 877 277