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Locking Pins on Side Dump Trailers

Entry DateAugust 10, 2010
Issue Number10-022-VEH
NameCaptain Dan Moore
AgencyMontana Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Services Division
Address2550 Prospect AvenueHelena, MT, 59601United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab)
Phone406-444-0454
Fax(406) 444-6136
Email[email protected]
CommitteeVehicle Committee
StatusClosed
Summary of Issue

We have a question in Montana about side dump trailers and their locking pins, and was wondering if you?d be able to help us out. The side dump trailers have a hydraulic system that allows them to raise the trailer and dump their load. These Trailers are equipped with a mechanical locking mechanism on both sides of the trailer that will prevent the box from being raised. When this trailer is loaded or empty traveling down the road, do the FMCSR?s require that all four of these pins be locked or just two on one side? It is our position that 392.9(a)(2) would require the pins to be locked when travelling down the road, but we have run into DataQ disputes from some companies. So, we are looking for some clarification.

Justification or Need

This is important to quickly and accurately respond to DataQ disputes from companies and for our officers to properly apply the rules.

Request for Action

We would like some clarification from CVSA/FMCSA. Is it a violation and would it be OOS?