Here is why rates are tanking!

Looks like illinois trailer plates

 

So you can tell by his load securement how much he charges?

 

I’ve pulled one similar on my RGN that was listed at 44k lbs

 

Other than the one on the front deck the rest of the chains visible in your photos go to either a chain pull or through the rail and under a spool/pocket before hooking back to the rail. Is there a law somewhere that says you can't hook directly to a rub rail with a chain? I hook straps directly to the rails all the time.

Would I do it on my trailers? Of course not because I know it can cause the hook to dig into the rail and possibly bend it. This guy will learn that eventually.

Personally I'd be more afraid of all that weight sitting on the outside 6" of the deck. Hope his supports and cross members are strong. Again not illegal. It will likely bend/break eventually.

Looks like he has at least 8 direct 3/8" chains so he should be perfectly legal on securement as long as that thing doesn't weigh over 52,800 lbs.

 

Interesting, hooking to the rubrails isn’t illegal and I’ve done it myself. However you said “most” of the binders went directly down to the rubrail, I can see at least three that are hooked to chain pop ups and and I’m assuming the 4th is to. They’re pulling in and down and the other ones are not just hooked to the rubrail they look like they go under the pocket and hook to the rail, probably not ideal but those are doing more to keep it centered than to hold it down. I’ve seen WAAAY worse securement.

 

Definitely seen worse, but I'd still go all the way around the pocket, (preferably spools).

 

Straight from the FMCSA website:
"All tiedowns and other components of a cargo securement system used to secure loads on a trailer equipped with rub rails must be located inboard of the rub rails whenever practicable."

 

Nowhere in what you quoted does it say you can't hook a chain to a rub rail.

Your quote is not written in an actual law anywhere.

Here is a link to the entire current section 393 SUBPART I which covers all the laws relating to cargo securement. Let me know the exact law number if you find it.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)