Flatbed Securement Discussion 2022

I was asking about "A" chains to prevent forward and backward movement. Somebody told me that was the "old" way of doing things. I am skeptical. Hate throwing chains. Sure can see the need though.

The "A" chain is a method sometimes used for skidded coils, or those "eye to the sky". The method wasn't recommended by my company, so I never used it, instead preferring "X" chains or straps, or a combination of both. The only "A" chains I used were to create a bulkhead with my dunnage.

Shotgun coils are secured with a combination of "X" and "C" chains, with additional straps side to side over the coils when needed.

When hauling coils, you absolutely need to be quite familiar and comfortable with throwing chains.

Michael P says:

Hate throwing chains.

The only aggravating thing I find about throwing chains is that I have so much stuff stacked on top of them in my headache rack that it takes me more time to pull that stuff off, get my chains out, and then put the other stuff back than it does that actually throw the chains.

Thanks. I left out the obvious stuff. Hogtie x chains straps etc. Going to have to talk to the safety guy in our company again and see what the deal is. Someone else had told me a chains we're not really required for securement. I see them being used in our load securement manual. That particular securement is an awful lot of work.

The "A" chain is a method sometimes used for skidded coils, or those "eye to the sky". The method wasn't recommended by my company, so I never used it, instead preferring "X" chains or straps, or a combination of both. The only "A" chains I used were to create a bulkhead with my dunnage.

Shotgun coils are secured with a combination of "X" and "C" chains, with additional straps side to side over the coils when needed.

When hauling coils, you absolutely need to be quite familiar and comfortable with throwing chains.

This may not belong here but I watched this Facebook reel several times (turned off volume) as I found it to be a very interesting load, the likes of which I've never seen (huge long lion statue) and trying to see how it was secured. Maybe front right paw is bolted to the deck? I don't see anything there.

Can't get hyperlink work, sorry https://www.facebook.com/reel/505260561509198

I’m new to the flatbed world looking into buy chains for load securement of steel. I’ll be driving a straight truck and a trailer flatbed. I’m thinking I would be fine with 20ft 70 grade 5/16 size chains for both trucks? I’m looking for any recommendations I can get.

Thanks

Sorry, this post slipped right by me.

Yes, 5/16 grade 70 chains (20ft) will be sufficient for most typical cargo. I believe I kept 15-20 of them on my truck back in my flatbedding days.

If you got up into bigger heavy haul type stuff, you'd want bigger chains.

It's been 5 years since I threw a strap or chain, and I still sometimes miss it. But not too much.