Transport Chains And Binders

Transport chains and binders are commonly used for securing cargo on open-air flatbed trailers. One of the advantages of using transport chain over tie-down webbing is the added durability and resistance to cuts or fraying which helps make them the safer option for certain types of cargo.

Chains are especially effective against sharp edges that can damage webbing reducing the chance of the load becoming unsecured during transit. Our transport chains are made from high-strength steel and are available in various lengths and grades to accommodate load requirements.

For example, our 1/4-inch Grade 30 transport chain has a safe working load limit rating of 1,250 lbs and is used for lighter-duty cargo control applications. For those needing a heavier-duty transport chain to secure your load, we also have a 1/2-inch Grade 70 transport chain that offers a safe working load limit (WLL) of 11,300 lbs

If you have any questions or need a quote our experts are standing by and willing to help. You can reach us best by calling 800-444-0956 or using our Contact Us page at the top of the website if you prefer communications via email. We look forward to helping you find what works best for your flatbed hauling needs.

The Different Transport Chain Grades

Transport chains come in different grades and strengths to fit a wide range of securement applications ranging from light-duty to heavy-duty.

Grade 30 Transport Chain is also known as G30 for short and is used for light-duty securement applications such as securing UTVs, ATVs, machinery, vehicles, farm equipment, and more. Grade 30 transport chains are made from heat-treated steel for strength and durability. They are also coated with a zinc finish that helps prevent corrosion and rust.

Grade 70 Transport Chain is also known as G70 for short and is built to handle more demanding applications such as lumber, construction materials, metal coils, farm equipment, tractors, and general freight. Grade 70 transport chain is also made from heat-treated steel to add strength and durability. It is also coated in a zinc finish which helps to prevent corrosion and rust which could otherwise weaken the chain over time.

The Different Sizes And Strengths Of Transport Chain

Transport chains have several grades ranging from light-duty Grade 30 (G30) to heavy-duty Grade 70 (G70). Grade 30 chain is used for lighter-duty securement applications such as UTVs, ATVs, machinery, farm equipment, and other lighter-duty cargo securement applications.

Grade 70 transport chain is commonly used for heavier-duty securement applications and comes in 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch, or 1/2-inch chain. Grade 70 transport chain is used to secure lumber, construction materials, machinery, farm equipment, tractors, metal coils, and general freight.

1/4-inch Transport Chain: 1,250 lbs WLL (G30) and 3,150 lbs WLL (G70)

5/16-inch Transport Chain: 4,700 lbs WLL

3/8-inch Transport Chain: 6,600 lbs WLL

1/2-inch Transport Chain: 11,300 lbs WLL

The Different Types Of Chain Binders

Lever-Release Load Binders offer quick tightening and release using a simple design with no moving parts. However, they require more force to tighten and can suddenly release with recoil, creating a safety risk due to less controlled tension.

This product may not be the best choice for securing high-tension loads because it relies on manual force to tighten, which can limit the amount of tension applied. Never use this product with a cheater bar, as it can exceed the binders or chains load capacity. This can increase the risk of equipment damage or failure.

Ratchet-Style Load Binders offer better precision and control than lever-release binders making them a safer and more reliable option for securing heavy loads. The ratcheting mechanism allows for gradual adjustments and the ratchet mechanism can lock securely in place to reduce the risk of a sudden and unexpected release.

The ratchet mechanism requires less physical force to operate when compared to lever binders as the ratchet flows in one direction tightening with every crank of the handle. Due to this product requiring less strength when tightening it may take slightly longer to tighten and release the loads. This product is ideal for high-tension loads that need consistent and secure pressure.

Folding Handle Ratchet Binders provide a secure and controlled way to tighten transport chains into place on flatbed trailers. The ratchet mechanism helps tighten the load using less physical strength than alternative lever binders and helps you easily control the desired tension.

Once you have secured the chain to the trailer you can fold the handle to lock the load in place and keep the handle out of the way. When you are done using the product and have released your load the folding handle makes for a compact storage to save room.

Transport Chains vs Tie Down Straps For Flatbeds

Some popular methods of securing cargo on open-air flatbed trailers include transport chains, winch straps, and ratchet straps. When deciding which one works best for your securement there are a few things to consider such as the weight of your cargo and pairing it with the correct working load limit rating to ensure your cargo remains secure.

Another thing to consider would be if the cargo you are securing has any sharp metal edges which could cause tie-down webbing to become frayed, cut, or even burned from the friction. This is why it is important to inspect tie-down straps and transport chains before and after every use.

You can also help prevent damage to tie-down webbing by using corner protectors specifically designed to provide a protection barrier between sharp edges and your tie-down webbing. Generally, if you are constantly purchasing replacement tie-down straps due to webbing damage it may be ideal to look into transport chains as an alternative. Transport chains are made from high-strength steel, which offers superior durability, and resistance to cuts.

Many regulations and industry standards require transport chains to secure heavy machinery, metal coils, and oversized loads. Meeting DOT (Department of Transportation) and FMSCA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) requirements can help prevent fines and ensure your cargo remains secured.

Minimum Number Of Chains Recommended

This chart is for reference only. Always check with the FMCSA for exact standards.

G30 Chain Size	Working Load Limit (WLL)	Net Weight of Cargo in lbs
		1,500	5,000	10,000	15,000	20,000	22,500	25,000
1/4”	1,250 lbs	2	4	8	10	12	14	16