Securement (chains specifically)

That load looks like a regular PITA. I definitely would have been bringing out the coil racks and pipe stakes for that kind of nonsense.

I've always used 3/8" chain for everything, but have been meaning to switch to 5/16" for a while now. I've only got 12 20' chains so things like transformers and crushed cars are tricky even now that I've picked up some cheater chains. What I'd really like is 20 14' chains with D-links for when things get crazy, at roughly the same weight as my 3/8" chains. Along with all my short chain I should be set for anything.

 

Hahaha and my company thinks 6 chains and binders is enough. I send them pictures every time I use more. I have 11 and want 5 more.

 

I used to carry 32 when I was green and running 47 state OTR. Really only need 6 most of the time. 4 10' cheaters are nice to have.

 

It sucks having the "minimum". The trailers we have currently only have 15 strap winches, two of which are fixed. Twice now in two weeks I've used all 14 or 15 that would work. Today I ran short and had to tie the extra tarps down with a 2" ratchet strap. I personally probably wouldn't run with less than 12 binders and chains, but that's me.

More is better. It opens options. And its nice to have spares.

 

More than once I've had a broker call me in a panic asking "how many chains and straps do you have". I've had them looking for up to 24 securement devices for things like a load of 48 skidded coils. They're pretty much always willing to shell out more on the rate when I have to "swing by the shop and buy a couple more". $800 on 122 miles is the best I can recall for that type of load, but then again, I've been paid more to take 3 pipes from Indianapolis to Columbus. Being prepared can pay, but you'll never be able to carry enough equipment for every load and still be able to scale 48k. I've settled on 47k and left the heaviest stuff for someone that wants it.

I love having 2" straps and have carried as many as 6, but I've broken just about every one of mine and made due in the year since I last made it down to Tri-City Canvas. Think I'll have to make a trip down there this summer since I'm running low on 4" straps, and bungees as well (I recently bought a box of really crap bungees outside Toledo and learned my lesson, but thankfully, they were stolen before I got most of them out of the box). I might have them chop up my 3rd and 4th 4' tarps while I'm there since my 8' tarps were stolen along with those bungees since I moved closer to Detroit.

 

I was informed by a chain supply company that 100 grade chains are to brittle and they have a tendency to snap when used in load securement. Has anybody ran into this problem?

 

Someone mentioned earlier that they had a some break on a steel coil in a hard brake situation. But the last construction company I worked for uses them and they seem to work fine.