U.S. freight law treats tie down chains for heavy equipment far more strictly than many carriers expect. You must satisfy both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) cargo-securement rules and the OSHA / ASME / ASTM performance rules that govern the chain itself. The “five questions” below walk you through selection, use, and inspection—so you pass roadside checks the first time.

1. How strong must the chains be? — 50 % of load + 0.8 g dynamic

lRule source: 49 CFR § 393.106(d) says the total Working Load Limit (WLL) of all tiedowns must be at least 50 % of the cargo weight, and the system must restrain the load under 0.8 g forward, 0.5 g rearward/sideways, 0.2 g vertical forces .

lField math:

n20-ton dozer → total WLL ≥ 10 t.

n3/8 in Grade 70 chain (WLL ≈ 6.6 t) → need two chains minimum.

nIndirect tie-downs (chain passes over/through the load and hooks back on the same side) still count at full weight; never halve the requirement.

Click on the image to learn about the product

2. How do inspectors judge chain grade? — No tag = Grade 30 by default

49 CFR § 393.108 states that tie-downs without a legible manufacturer WLL mark default to Grade 30 proof-coil capacity . That cuts rated strength by 50 % or more, and roadside officers will flag the load as under-secured.

l Stay compliant: Demand ASTM 80 / NACM 96 certificates at purchase and insist on laser-etched grade, size, and WLL on every chain.

3. How many chains do I really need? — Use the length + weight double test

The table comes from FMCSA cargo-securement guidance and matches CVSA roadside-inspection criteria.

4. What do OSHA / ASME require for the chain itself?

5. What inspection records do I need? — Annual file, daily eyes-on

l Annual: OSHA requires a “competent person” to inspect chain slings at least once a year and file a written report; fleets should align tie down chains for heavy equipment with the same cycle.

l Roadside: Officers usually look for three points—chain grade/WLL stamp, secure binders, proper tension. Missing any of these means an out-of-service citation.

l 3-minute pre-trip self-check:

1. Visual: cracks, bent hooks, heavy rust.

2. Caliper: diameter wear > 10 % → remove.

3. Binder action: ratchet clicks smoothly, lever binder stays closed.

Compliance Pain Points & Fast Fixes

Takeaway

Remember three keys: 50 % WLL rule, intact chain ID tags, annual documented inspection. Nail those and your tie down chains for heavy equipment breeze through any U.S. interstate checkpoint—while cargo, schedule, and crew stay safe. Click me for more details←