What chain or "traction device" would you use on the front axle?

Your location says Colorado, so if you grew up there, you likely grew up with snow. But a lot variables go into the decision to throw a chain on the front. Personally, it's usually just one chain on the passenger tire, and for a short of distance as I can get away with. But, and I think the LTL operators that participate here will truly understand, when you get back in the woods and you're 8' and the 2 way road is only 12', and those switchbacks needed to be 30', you learn to throw a chain on the front. It's really not about plowed and salted interstates.
In a semi config, and assuming your slider aint froze, you might slide the trailer forward and get by. A truck'n trailer is a whole nuther deal. If you look at the loggers and veggie farmers, they all run a pretty aggressive open shoulder tire up front. It's that way for a reason. And those truck are usually ordered with cross lockers for the same reason. So if your drivers are all locked up just to maintain forward motion, steering ability depends solely on the truck's mood.
But ya, I can see your point and point well taken. Especially for model years between installing front axle brakes and anti-lock technology.
There is of course that point where one does say effit, the load will just be a day late. But there are those times when, and I know this will surprise many, but the weather forecaster was wrong, and/or like the mining road replies above, there is no forecast for those situations. Once you're in it, you're in it.