Question hauling empty containers

The few that I've hauled I've done basically same as you describe. Chain in front chain in back then threw couple straps over

 

What do you mean 10 feet apart fpr cargo? 2 in the first 10, and one for every 10 foot after that, 40' 5 straps, 41' 6 straps to be legal. Dont know about chains...

 

I haul 20ft containers often for one of our customers. I've always done 2 chains and 2 straps each.

For a 40 I would probably do 4 straps and 2 chains even if its empty. 2 more straps isn't that much extra work and I'd feel better about it.

 

I love doing containers with a trailer that has container locks. Almost as easy as swinging a door.

 

It depends if it is loaded or empty. No straps if loaded. The 10-foot rule does not apply. I left out the part regarding container chassis. For a fully loaded 40 foot container I would do both top and bottom; empty, bottom only.

§393.126 What are the rules for securing intermodal containers?

(c) Securement of loaded intermodal containers transported on vehicles other than container chassis vehicle(s). (1) All lower corners of the intermodal container must rest upon the vehicle, or the corners must be supported by a structure capable of bearing the weight of the container and that support structure must be independently secured to the motor vehicle.

(2) Each container must be secured to the vehicle by:

(i) Chains, wire ropes or integral devices which are fixed to all lower corners; or

(ii) Crossed chains which are fixed to all upper corners; and,

(3) The front and rear of the container must be secured independently. Each chain, wire rope, or integral locking device must be attached to the container in a manner that prevents it from being unintentionally unfastened while the vehicle is in transit.

(d) Securement of empty intermodal containers transported on vehicles other than container chassis vehicle(s). Empty intermodal containers transported on vehicles other than container chassis vehicles do not have to have all lower corners of the intermodal container resting upon the vehicle, or have all lower corners supported by a structure capable of bearing the weight of the empty container, provided:

(1) The empty intermodal container is balanced and positioned on the vehicle in a manner such that the container is stable before the addition of tiedowns or other securement equipment; and,

(2) The amount of overhang for the empty container on the trailer does not exceed five feet on either the front or rear of the trailer;

(3) The empty intermodal container must not interfere with the vehicle's maneuverability; and,

(4) The empty intermodal container is secured to prevent lateral, longitudinal, or vertical shifting.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=1&ty=HTML&h=L&mc=true&=PART&n=pt49.5.393#se49.5.393_1126
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https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulatio...go-securement-chapter-8-intermodal-containers

 

Well the 5 min is based on length. Assuming the wll will cover you. But reading the regs, sounds like what you do is plenty, the chains give you fore aft and side to side control, and a few straps stop vert. If just straps you need 5. Dot might look at ya funny, till they see the chains..