Post flatbed load photos here V2.0

Containers have cargo specific regulations. I’ll post the whole section here. Personally empty containers get the single chain front and back. Loaded containers get x chains on the top plus additional chains to cover the weight if needed. Straps are useless and a hassle on containers, just my opinion.

393.126 What are the rules for securing intermodal containers?
(a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of intermodal containers. Cargo contained within an intermodal container must be secured in accordance with the provisions of §§ 393.100 through 393.114 or, if applicable, the commodity specific rules of this part.



(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.

 

I “made” a chain puller out of a 10 ft. Length of 1” metal conduit that I found in the scrap dumpster. I ran a small chain through the conduit with a loop at one end and the excess chain sticking out the other end, so as I pull on the chain, the loop gets tighter.

 

Man thats genius. I just noticed how small that center hole is on the reels you haul... I was thinking maybe a long piece of baling wire and hook it around the chain end then feed thru and pull is what i would do but i like your idea better.. Do you have to take the hooks off your chain or do they fit thru that hole?

 

I tried using wire in the beginning but it doesn’t work, the reels are hollow inside so the wire just sags before it makes it to the other end. I even spent a lot of time braiding a bunch of wire together to make it more sturdy but it still didn’t work.

Then I saw another driver using a length of plastic conduit with a wire loop at the end, so I basically just ripped off his idea and made it better.

Yes, chain hooks fit through the hole, can even pull two through at a time

 

I use an extendable painter pole with a small piece of chain drilled through the end with a loop of chain. I just hook the chain in and pull it through.

 

The pole I made

 

Thats sweet. So do u just attach the hook end of the chain and push it thru ?

 

I used a 10ft piece of 1/4 inch steel rod with a 4 inch flattened closed and welded loop on one end and a short 90 degree bend on the other. Overall length was 100 inches and stored vertically behind the headache rack with a short piece of plastic pipe bolted through at the top and a short tarp strap pulling the bottom against the truck frame.

 

Actually I pull the chain after attaching it to the end of the pole.