x chains

Tiedowns are not placed "every X feet" on the load, you are required to have that many tiedowns if the load is that long. This is a common misconception.

A 48' load would require six tiedowns for length (to meet the minimum requirements of the FMSCR). Weight is a separate consideration and in flat deck, is usually what a driver is going to be addressing when planning securement (as most shippers tend to load to a truck's gross maximum rather than volume like with a van).

If you are ever hauling steel, take the minimum requirements, then double them. Then add 2-3 more tiedowns. Never take shortcuts and NEVER just do "what's required". It's not enough. Steel requires a very high level of respect from drivers, because if you don't give it what it deserves, it will kill you, or others.

 

6 tiedowns for 48 feet?

 

If it's not blocked against forward movement, you need two for the first 10 feet, then one for every subsequent 10 foot section. That's what the book says.

If it's blocked, you only need one for the first 10 feet and each subsequent part.

 

Most say five, but even still, can you actually point to where it says this?

 

What do you mean most say 5?

10: 0+2 = 2
20: 2+1 = 3
30: 3+1 = 4
40: 4+1 = 5

Any fraction in this case basically means round up to the nearest ten.

40 feet 6 inches? It's above 40 feet, therefore round up and secure like it's 50 feet.

48: 5+1 = 6

 

Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - Chapter 2: General Cargo Securement Requirements

I'm not sure why the section on articles greater than 10 feet in length, not blocked isn't there. But I have a paper copy of the book at work that says, if it's not blocked, you need two tiedowns for the first 10 feet, and one more for each section thereafter.

 

It's the double strap on the first pallet row and one on subsequent pallets rule. Not for a single load. The rule for that is one for every ten feet and so 48 feet means minimum 5 tie downs.

 

If you have a load that stacked higher than 3 tier high or taller than 6 ft, you're supposed to belly strap it. Belly straps do not count in the WLL calculations. Only the main straps that go over the top of the load do. And because of that reasoning, I too wouldn't count x chains.

 

No, it applies to all loads secured based on length. I've seen it very clearly in print on paper, and in the J. J. Keller cargo securement video I show in training.

When secured based on length, and not blocked against forward movement, the rule is two tiedowns for the first 10 feet, and one additional for each 10 foot section or fraction thereof.

When secured based on length, and blocked against forward movement, the rule is one tiedown for the first 10 feet, and one additional for each 10 foot section or fraction thereof.