How to Secure a Suicide Coil with 8 Chains

Joe explains the proper securement process for Suicide Coils with 8 Chains. To learn more about Western Express, visit us at bit.ly/3Q5j6EP

[@taputono]

This is the best tutorial on coils I’ve seen

[@open-minded-oldie]

Thank you Joseph, you help keep road users safer, including the driver.

[@rocketman4822]

I like this guy!! Great work!! Thank you!

[@arockwilson8361]

Appreciate the info & your time

[@MakingCentsInTrucking]

Great job on explaining and demonstrating.

[@Dan-oz4qb]

I wish all drivers were as conscientious and thorough as this guy. Nice work Sir.

[@mikespotts182]

Thanks for the help, its my first time doin suicide coils, & this really helped

[@erickwootton6618]

I begin my trucking career in three days. I appreciate the incite.

[@antoniowebb8361]

Love you for that valuable information bro

[@milla698]

Some of my best days in trucking were my flatbed days 🎉

[@brucewales5965]

Crystal clear.

[@elvergontemeto714]

This was very helpful brother Keep the good informational videos coming Thank you so much God bless you

[@prestoncarpenter1371]

Great video

[@MORES1971]

Great Job 😎👍

[@johncalvo1743]

Beautiful video. I used to work for Melton years ago but I have my own authority now and have been pulling dry van. I'm getting back into flatbed and this video really helped refresh my memory on how to secure coils. Are those 8-ft chains? Also, why do you use both types of binders? I'm guessing you just didn't have enough ratchet binders?

[@erichighsmith7299]

the chains seem more angled than I would do it. I would have the chains more pulling down. But hey i might be wrong, Im not claiming im the expert, that is why I am watching these videos. Very good video and very informative.

[@nedevfreight]

Your are right! That method is wrong to me, that’s why he need 8 chains. And I’m not that sure that they hold enough too.

[@nicolasdakota3446]

Useful video

[@danle746]

Professional training at its best 👌 👍

[@ryanshetterly5337]

My dad pulled flat bed for 48 years been with him 60 percent of the time he's haulled countless loads of coils. Two forward three back nail your blocks use 6X6. Tie off binder handles

[@chadcunningham7612]

Depending on the weight of the coils, that securement might work.

[@victorsanchez-zb6rn]

Thank you

[@Lone_Wolf79]

Good video

[@Fake_Name_MTG]

Bravo!

[@cesarquevedo753]

Gracias amigo

[@garywilburn7384]

Love it

[@TerraFirmaX]

You placed the ratchet binders in the loose position before wrapping the excess Cain around them. That will allow the ratchets to loosen.

[@d.r.t.4270]

Thanks

[@elvisii4220]

Where can i find that ladder? For flatbed it is priceless

[@user-mc7xj3if7d]

Now I know why Western Express has the most dangerous drivers on the road

[@My_trucker]

Why

[@tony96435]

They are loaded like this here in the USA sometimes because we have a lot of old ass steel processing plants that simply do not want to invest in cranes for whatever reason. They still use ancient tow motors to load and unload these coils. That's why it loaded suicide in this video.

[@zaidchalabi1599]

man i wish this guy was my trainer for a month. I would be the best.

[@gumbygrom8436]

Or the worst this guy has no clue no where in the dot manual does it say pulling 80 percent to the rear that’s asking for trouble probably why he’s not a driver

[@taxslave593]

Very well done 👍 I would love to see this done using ratchet binders

[@sgtrock2821]

You must be a rookie

[@taxslave593]

@@sgtrock2821 I was ! By the way sgt rock was my favorite comic book 👍

[@Itsreallymarcus]

@@taxslave593 if you’ve only been hauling coils less than a year, your still a rookie

[@tiszole18]

@@sgtrock2821 rookie or not my company uses ratchet binders .. I’d like to see that too

[@imjaspr]

Most companies are going over to all ratchets simply because they are safer plus they are much easier to re-tighten enroute as necessary

[@sjb7339]

Is it too much to get a coil well trailer and load between the chassis rails it's a lot safer than this eye to tha side and it looks like that trailer has aluminium side rails so what re the pins in that rated at

[@reggaeriderr]

How do you know how tight, or when 2 stop putting tension on ur chains. Basically when 2 stop racheting on the chain or strap

[@9PAIRS]

Thanks for showing the lady. I. Wondering

[@johnkowloon8187]

If you keep your eyes open in the place your loading they may have some of the thicker steel protective rings from the coil mfg if you cut one in half can be used for edge protection for the larger 38k+ coils

[@vicpetrishak1077]

Government regulations should mandate coils lay flat , but it is more convenient to load and unload for big companys . Laying coil lowers the center of gravity .

[@Itsreallymarcus]

Uhhh…fuck no

[@sapperveteran245]

This video is a coil laying down, which lowers the center of gravity. If you are referring to eye to the sky, almost no place has forklifts capable of taking them off. Coils in the videos form are anywhere from 20-55 thousand pounds. A 50,000 pound forklift is not feasible for most places, they are the size of a house.

[@davidmuchoki1489]

Laying them flat would make it hard to unload and very dangerous as they need to be hooked for safe unloading.

[@StickNclutch]

@@davidmuchoki1489 I think using skids along with dunage to lay it down would be ideal..its just my opinion I se dry van and don't know Nothing about flatbedding but I have the up most respect for those guys

[@registrationhater]

Yes, laying flat would lower CG, but make it way more difficult to secure

[@efrainpelaez1246]

Hello. Could you please tell me what grade and size chain do you use ?and else, for dot regulations 6 or 8 chains for 30 000 pounds? Thank you

[@user-qv8df9vj2o]

4

[@phanhai8130]

In VN u can't to use any Chains or 1 Chains for Steel Coil about 30 tons down.

[@zhaqe9420]

Рахмет тебе мужик!

[@beblessed3770]

Watching these videos cause I been thinking going to flatbed from dry van. Doing the hard is not a problem for me but I want to know about securing the loads

[@joeywilkerson1861]

Time consuming. I haul 3 regularly and tarp from michigan. Check often and youll be alright. And i use ratchet binders, 2 chains per coil. Nice video.

[@My_trucker]

Hey, if the company does not make you tarp, do you have to tarp coils and when I say and Ask do you have to tarp coils? Is there anything you gain safety wise or can I just not tarp at all?

[@sapperveteran245]

Half those chains aren't holding it down against forward movement. Will it work for most cases? Sure, but you are securing for an emergency stop. You shouldn't exceed a 45° angle on the pull. If you used some of those spools, you could complete this easily, plus they are usually stronger. It would make it easier to tarp too. Exceeding 45° also weakens the stake pocket as they are designed for a vertical pull. Checking the ratings on the data plate will clear that up.

[@sgtrock2821]

20 years I pulled those out of Cal Steel Nucor Plymouth Farwest Posco and never run chains like that. I don't tell anyone how to do their job but I know I never had my chains goin over the 45 degrees. I've pulled 50k lb coils just like that one many times. They paid a little over half of what wood in Oregon paid smh. He works for Western Express though. They may have a mandatory way to tie shyt down.

[@pedromatias9437]

100% agree. This looks like garbage. I haul steel almost on the daily. I am in absolute shock. Lol

[@michaeldunagan8268]

@Sapper Veteran I am confused: 1. I assume the relative angle you are talking about in both the deck and the hold-down chain. 2. "Exceeding 45° angle" means 46°or greater angle: less "acute": more "obtuse" 3. You say the anchor points are designed for vehicle pull. As I see it: chain #1 is 90° to the deck, which is 1) more than 45° but yet 2) is the vertical pull you are preaching. What gives..??

[@sapperveteran245]

@@michaeldunagan8268 @Michael Dunagan 393.120 FMCSA Regs part C+D clearly state, at least one chain must be pulling no more that 45⁰ when viewed from side of trailer. Essentially no more than 45⁰ from the center of the load to the trailer. The point is to hold the coil down into the cradle, as it is what preventing roll. Once you exceed 45⁰ you are not really pulling down, you are pulling forward and backward. /| or |\ being good. (please excuse the limited ability to illustrate). Spools are generally welded all the way around, and can be pulled in any direction. Stake pockets are designed for vertical pulls (90⁰) as the flat sides bend and cave when pulled sideways or not wraped all the eay around. Seen many fail when I was picking them off the shoulders when I drove a heavy wrecker. Many I picked up looked similar to the video but lacking vertical pulls. **Everything should be verified by the data plate for load securement points. They are usually on the frame behind the landing gear or on front face of the trailer. Most will tell you exactly what each anchor is rated for by lbs. Some data plates will also specify anchors that are not designed for certain types of pulls.

[@michaeldunagan8268]

Government should start a separate category for Flatbeds like those that exist for tanker and Doubles-Triples.

[@michaelbrisendine8017]

my manz got that baltimore twang

[@ricardoaustin4589]

Are those G70 grade chains and also, what about the size 5/16 or 3/8 that your using?

[@sapperveteran245]

Those are most likely standard transport chains (G70 5/16th). Western Express wouldn't buy 3/8th, it's too expensive. Only regular steel haulers are usually rocking G70 3/8th+. Saves time and effort when hauling multiple coils a day. Not to mention, it depends on trailer specs. Spools, pop-ups, and J-Hooks are usually rated for 3/8th chains at 6600lbs or better. Stake pockets are almost always only rated for 5400lbs.

[@sgtrock2821]

@@sapperveteran245 I hope he read your reply

[@ricardoaustin4589]

Thanks @ sapper Veteran

[@johncalvo1743]

@@sapperveteran245 How does the 3/8 save time and effort?

[@eliceodiaz1463]

Aren't snap binders more dangerous to use?

[@torki0147]

Thanks man How many you can load coil in the same time?

[@Itsreallymarcus]

A lot of that video was cropped and sped up plus he had a helper, that took him well over an hour which is insane.

[@Itsreallymarcus]

Insane meaning wayyyy to fucking long and wayyyy to much bullshit

[@sandasturner9529]

Usually just one, but I've seen two on a low step deck 60 ton trailer before

[@cgmakery9650]

one inch of threads must be showing on the ratchet binders also or a fella will need to reset just in case you need to pull things a little tighter on the road you have the room on the crank. grat video

[@AMPMChatt-Jax]

Hit me up if you need help in Chattanooga TN.

[@HD.Beamer]

Edge protector or use an old tire? 🤔

[@rickyhart9324]

Joe pro

[@supernut4021]

Are u using G70 chain

[@reginaldoalmeida4727]

👏👏👏👏👏👍

[@anthonytaylor5347]

Dude gotta be from Baltimore with the “Tuuewwww” stuff lol

[@AbateAway]

13:09 was nervous for you yo glad the bungee didn't snap

[@AbateAway]

Q: Are drivers paid extra for throwing chains 🤔

[@mattdeluna9544]

Why do u only use steak pockets for chains? Is that a requirement for dot

[@ashiabrown6236]

Per Western policy states spools hv no WLL which is y he’s only using stake pockets. But I’ve seen many drivers secure to both spools and pockets

[@mattdeluna9544]

@@ashiabrown6236 ahhh thanks for clarification... Some trailers are not recommended to use spools and some have very good wll. I know the square spools and made to use as secure points

[@faafo9478]

Should never haul coils with a ratchet binder in the loose position.its possible it comes loose during transport

[@shaynamullins1759]

As a trucker driver's wife, I regret watching this 😅

[@nathanhearn8914]

Anybody that thinks 8 chains is “overkill” needs to imagine that 40,000lb coil falling off the trailer landing on top of a civic. Don’t play when it comes to load securement. I’ve seen a forklift fall of a trailer on the highway because it wasn’t secured correctly

[@everdream741]

Imagine setting this at 20 degrees winter time .

[@mouasetoure4899]

You’re very professional and your videos help a lot but it looks like your cameraman is too lazy. Cameraman needs to move and to show us very well. Thank you so much for your help.

[@tony6796]

The reason behind not laying it down is because it can become unsecure from the vibrations and then uncoil, causing damage to the load and people around.

[@jayyoder9782]

It's kinda interesting in the comments how this is so professional and he's doesn't hook to the chains to the correct place on the trailer...the stake pockets are for stakes and the round things between the stake pockets are for chains.

[@467inc]

how much does that one coil weigh

[@cardinals845]

49,000

[@467inc]

@@cardinals845 damnit. That lil shit heavy. Smh. And dangerous right?

[@cardinals845]

@@467inc yeah if the chains snapped it can roll forward in the cab

[@supernut4021]

No Super Trucker. I was saying ask them if I can do shotgun

[@robertvazque0703]

Wrong Chains should 3/8 by 1/2

[@zachz699]

Why do they even load these this way anyway

[@DoonerLivingstone]

Alright, now tarp that motherfucker! 😆 Nice video.

[@anthonyatkins5826]

They should have reinforced skids to put these on so they lay on side instead

[@412hwc]

ill b honest, i used to put one 54k pound coil suicide on my decc, and only wud use 5 3/8 chains...theres no need for 8....but theres also no such thing as over securement.

[@My_trucker]

Hey question, I’m sorry for this question after a year that you posted your response but if you had coils this heavy and dangerous, couldn’t you just set it up shotgun style instead of suicide

[@412hwc]

@@My_trucker a suicide coil is actually safer than a shotgun coil. first off because your chains arent rubbing against each other, than the indirect tie down compared to direct tie down give you a better working loaf limit...also depending on size but a shot gun coil would make your trucc roll more than a suicide would if u happen to take a turn too fast. ive hauled the big ones shot gun before but its just more of a pain im the ass. if they ask me how i want it set up, i alwayd say suicide.

[@munsters2]

Wouldn't it be easier to use larger chains and not have to use as many?

[@michaeldunagan8268]

I believe the reason may be the I read that flatbed 'pockets' are only rated for 4,500# WLL. Hence, no use ising more than a 3/8ths chain because DOT will look for the lowest WLL. A 7,000# WLL will be downgraded to the 4,500# pocket this wasted.

[@marceloevera2009]

@@michaeldunagan8268 still . even considering the pockets 4400 , he wouldnt need that many chains

[@johncalvo1743]

@@michaeldunagan8268 NO. Because each chain is using TWO pockets---one on the left and one on the right. So with a WLL of 5400 lbs. (usually) for each pocket, each chain can count on 10,800 lbs. of securement from BOTH pockets.

[@HymanJack-tt1ux]

It's

[@munsters2]

00:18 "DOT requires 80% of chains pulling rearward" He has 3 chains pulling forward, 1 down and 4 pulling rearward. That is NOT 80%. It's either 4.5 of 8 = 56% or 4 of 7 = 57%. If you count the center/downward chain as rearward, it is 5 of 8 = 62%.

[@PinayTruckerGIRLUSA]

I would love to see video how you would do it instead or recommend a video. Thanks

[@forever_derpy5970]

These videos are blatantly wrong. Every western express securement video I’ve seen has had obviously incorrect information in it. Not to even include how inconsistent the explanations are.

[@ice_wallow_come10]

DOT doesn't say anything about requiring 80% of the pull to the rear it just says you must have one pulling forward and one pulling rear and if possible at no more than a 45 degree angle to the deck. That's per the DOT securement book.

[@sapperveteran245]

@@ice_wallow_come10 Knows what he's saying. Clearly.

[@michaeldunagan8268]

@munsters Actually, the FMCSA "Drivers Securement Handbook" ["the HB" ]I download does not mention a "nominal" amount of chains.l such as 80% of chains. I The HB says "Forward Force: 80% of cargo weight when braking while driving straight ahead." So not 8 out of 10 or 4 out of 5 chains necessarily, but 80% of 45,000-pounds, which I am assuming this could weighs. Math: 45,000# × 80% = 36,000#. A 3/8"-70-Grade good order chain from broweser-searched results has a WLL of 6,600#. Six of these chains are not enough: 6,600# × 6 = 33,000#: 3,000# short. Westco Industries claims it's 1/2"-Grade 70 chain had a WLL of 11,300#; still 2,100# short with just three of them. RuggedTow claims their 5/8"-Grade 70 chain had a WLL of 15,800#. Two is still only 32,600#!!! Damn this is hard 😤..!!! I would just probably 1/2"-Grade 70 3-each and 1-eaxh Grainger/Campbell claimed WLL 4,700# 5/16-Grade 70 will exceed the 36,000# target I have been attempting to reach with just three chains-> ->all such angling and attaching towards the rear of the trailer behind the coil when looking at the trailer from the side. More than four angled-chains on one side of the coil appears to me to get unweildly. But I am not a flatbedder: cannot land a "steel only" gig; all companies want a guy to walk the tight-ripe 13-feet in the air on top of plywood loads. Afflicted with acrophobia, I just cannot get up there...😢 ++++++++++++ EDIT: OKAY! After posting this comment, I researched and found out that the stake pockets on a flatbed trailer have a WLL of just 4000-6000 pounds! Damn man....so friggin' hard. .. So to use a 1/2"-Grade 70, one, I am calculating, is required to loop over two stake pockets! I am going haywire to to abide the law over this. ... 🤪😆😜🤪😝😆😛😄🤪

[@edgardococa6406]

Its better more secure than less secure

[@joshchafinjr.5520]

You can tell this guys from Baltimore by that accent

[@chilltown11]

Keep the chain flat and straight inside the coil or it will turn pain in the ass!!!!

[@justinjimenez359]

I haul coils local no need for more than 5 chains 6 max if you’re worried about one getting loose 3 back 2 front depending on how heavy the coils are above or below 20k coils 3 chains each coil 2 back 1 front; this is a bit excessive 8 chains is ridiculous lol

[@stevenikitas8170]

They should load these coils on their side... with the "eye" facing the sky. It makes no sense to load them so that they can roll off the trailer.

[@darbydouglass7635]

Chains are to far back

[@debbiemiller3830]

If I'm not mistaken, why in the world did your 6 year veteran girl flatbed operator have tennis shoes on when making this video. I'm just saying.

[@robertesposito9871]

I’m surprised those snap binders are still legal, I’ve seen plenty of guys get lumped up using them especially in the rain

[@TheRoadhammer379]

Hmmm, in 25 yrs I have yet to see anyone get lumped by one. You probably heard truckstop stories.

[@josephagnello9335]

@@TheRoadhammer379 Drivers/ helpers usually get whacked due to improper set-up of binder and chain or driver not using CHEATER bar correctly " failing to " lock" down the binder handle. Additionally, not paying attention to process or worse, not using a bar/ or steel pipe , just using their hands. Personally, I would rather use the snap binders of the best quality and latest engineering.

[@sgtrock2821]

I got knots n smash finger nails

[@sgtrock2821]

@@josephagnello9335 that's all I ever used

[@TerraFirmaX]

@@TheRoadhammer379 lol. True. 18 years and I’ve only heard stories but never witnessed anything

[@ratsun1734]

Too bad you couldn’t turn it 90 degrees or am I missing something here

[@williamweiss1987]

Never seen a legal load need 8 chains .. u make it look so difficult and time consuming

[@marceloevera2009]

exactly

[@bm797]

Better to be safe than sorry

[@ashiabrown6236]

That’s Western’s rule for steel coil over 30,000 lbs must use 8 chains. I know bc I worked there in flatbed and hauled a few of them

[@robertesposito9871]

Good job but a bit of over kill, I like that little ladder deal you got there

[@zachz699]

Overkill would be this coil coming through your cab and killing you or someone else because you were too lazy to throw some chains and stuff. Lazy people need to not flatbed man

[@ravemaster7405]

No such thing as over kill.

[@Itsreallymarcus]

@@zachz699 no that’s the exact opposite of over kill bud. Either way, this is a bit much and wayyyy to much wasted time doing unnecessary work

[@robertcussen8039]

I haul rental equipment, toss chains and ratchet binders all day long, this was just so painful to watch. Done right but dam I would've been at the truckstop getting cleaned up already.

[@HymanJack-tt1ux]

9lk

[@TaylorHaubrich]

Im not putting 8 chains on a coil 😆

[@My_trucker]

Hey, question to avoid the dangers of setting it up in a suicide manner couldn’t you just have the forklift operator do it shotgun

[@user-jy9bf7nq3k]

レバーホイストで固定しないんだね。

[@wubzero4709]

yell clear as you throw your chain through. Cue woman walking towards center as he yells clear

[@r.d.r7658]

x the center/1 back / 1 forward /1 across the top /im gone.............rookie

[@larrykosterewa4848]

My gosh, if i ever chained a 30,000 lb coil down like that, i am sure i would get fired!!!

[@johncalvo1743]

Why? Are you referring to the sharp angles of the last chains?

[@larrykosterewa4848]

@@johncalvo1743 The chains are to far apart. They loose strength that way. The closer they are, the more strength they have. Just ask your local DOT officer.

[@user-qv8df9vj2o]

8 chains 😂

[@xShifty41]

Considering the garbage I see from Western Express going down the road, them teaching how to secure a coil is rich. Snap binders… 🤣 What morons. They’re complicating such a simple process.

[@BudG843]

Y’all need stronger chains. My chains so strong that I’ll never have to put 8 on 1 coil!

[@treytaylor8564]

There is no such that as “to many chains”. More the chains/strap the better. DOT would rather see over securement, than not enough.

[@Itsreallymarcus]

Stronger chains don’t make a difference you clown lol. The securement of the spools and stale pockets don’t change no matter how big the chain. Either way this is way to much done for this coil

[@BudG843]

@@Itsreallymarcus amateur ass sucker. I’m really out here banking securing my way for years 🛹

[@danielfrank4997]

Edge protection is to protect the securement

[@user-mc7xj3if7d]

This guy doesn’t have a clue

[@467inc]

why its called suicide?

[@Nxsai]

cause if it gets loose the coil rolls forward towards the truck and then crushes the cab with you in it.

[@sgtrock2821]

@@Nxsai there's a yt video where one rolled into the truck. It shows the coil 3/4 of the way into the tractor

[@Nxsai]

@@sgtrock2821 yikes

[@johncalvo1743]

Because if you hard-break and that sucker breaks loose, you'd better have some aspirin with you!

[@My_trucker]

@@johncalvo1743 couldn’t the driver asked the person loading the coils to set them up shotgun style versus suicide

[@johnnydodge]

Iam 80 percent sure it won't work

[@martincurrie4209]

Lol. Ridiculous

[@r0ckworthy]

Is the driver typically being paid for all this time screwing around with strapping things down? I hope he doesn't have to just eat all the time he spends lashing cargo down properly...

[@My_trucker]

The longer it takes the longer our day lasts before we get done. I pick up at 5 am in mobile n drop in Birmingham. Pick up a load and drop back off in Pensacola where I live. The longer it takes me to chain the longer it takes to be done for the day.

[@chrispauldupre]

no disrespect @vicpetrishak1077 i understand what your trying to say, but it would be near if not impossible to take off. Also waaay harder grip down.