x chains

Think along this path.

Tools.
Tools are things like bulkheads, stakes and other devices and equipment that does not have direct securement of the cargo. They are containment, and improve the safety of the load.

Securements
securements are in direct use of preventing movment of cargo. usually in some form of direct contact with the cargo. The clamping forces.


wondering about the first two securements in 5 ft you mention. From a company policy?

 

Don't know whether it counts or not.

If it's a flat guillotine, then you bet I'll have cross chains on the front.

Scares me when I see guys without it on plate steel.

 

Personally I K chain flat steel, but if your using two binders and chains they would be hard pressed to not accept it as two in the first ten.

 

If I read FMCSR 393.106(d) and 393.110 correctly, then yes, your x chains on steel plate would count as your first two tie downs on the first five feet. Then you would need one tie down for each additional 10 feet.

 

There is no "2 straps for first 5 feet" rule. The only rule there is between 5 and 10 feet 2 straps are required, but under 5 feet and under 1100lbs one may be used.

 

FMCSR 393.110(2i) Two tiedowns if the article is: 5 feet or less in length and more than 1100 pounds in weight: or (ii) Longer than 5 feet but less than or equal to 10 feet in length, irrespective of weight. (3) Two tiedowns if the article is longer than 10 feet and one additional tiedown for every 10 feet of article length, or fraction thereof, beyond the first 10 feet of length.

 

Yeah, I read it, but nowhere does it say 2 straps in the first 5 feet of a load.

 

Generally I don't include X chains guts bellys or chokes in my aggregate or length calculations. I usually try to secure it for length or weight rules, then add driver safety.