Elite Sales Transport Chains
Transport chain is the backbone of flatbed cargo securement, it takes the load while the binder locks it. Elite Sales transport chain is manufactured to NACM standards in Grade 70, Grade 80, and Grade 100, covering the working load limits DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 393 requires for over-the-road tie-down.
Elite Sales Transport Chain for Cargo Securement
Transport chain is sized by proof coil diameter and rated by working load limit. Each grade represents a step up in alloy content and tensile strength: Grade 70 (the flatbed standard), Grade 80 (commonly used in overhead and tie-down applications), and Grade 100 (the highest-strength option in the Elite Sales lineup). NACM, the National Association of Chain Manufacturers, sets the dimensional, mechanical, and marking requirements that distinguish each grade.
DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 393 establishes minimum aggregate working load limit requirements for cargo securement on commercial motor vehicles. The WLL of each chain assembly counts toward that aggregate. Using chain that meets or exceeds the NACM grade specification for the rated WLL is how carriers stay compliant.
Holloway Houston carries Elite Sales transport chain in the grades and sizes most commonly run on flatbeds: 5/16 inch through 1/2 inch in Grade 70, with Grade 80 and 100 available for applications where higher rated capacity is needed in a lighter chain.
Elite Sales Transport Chain - Grades and Working Load Limits
Grade 70 Transport Chain
Grade 70 is the standard for flatbed cargo securement. The gold zinc chromate finish is the field identifier. Working load limits vary by chain size, call Holloway Houston at 1-888-496-4700 or consult published NACM Grade 70 chain specifications for the diameter you need. Chain lengths and slip hook end fittings are available to configure complete tie-down assemblies.
Grade 80 Alloy Chain
Grade 80 alloy chain carries higher working load limits at the same chain diameter as Grade 70, that means more rated capacity per pound of chain on the trailer. Working load limits vary by diameter and grade, call Holloway Houston at 1-888-496-4700 or consult published NACM Grade 80 chain specifications for the sizes you need. Grade 80 sees use in heavy haul securement where aggregate WLL requirements are tight.
Grade 100 Alloy Chain
Grade 100 runs the same physical chain sizes as Grade 80 at working load limits approximately 25 percent higher. For operations where FMCSA aggregate WLL requirements demand the most capacity in the least chain weight, Grade 100 is the specification.
Transport Chain Applications
- Flatbed and step-deck hauling: Grade 70 chain with binders is the standard tie-down configuration for lumber, steel, pipe, equipment, and machinery on flatbed trailers.
- Heavy haul and overdimensional loads: High-capacity Grade 80 and 100 chain covers securement requirements on overweight loads where standard Grade 70 WLL is not enough to meet FMCSA aggregate requirements.
- Heavy equipment transport: Excavators, skid steers, and crawler equipment move on lowboys secured with chain and binders. Chain that meets NACM specification and FMCSA requirements is the norm.
- Agricultural and industrial transport: Tractors, combines, and industrial machinery transported on flatbeds require securement assemblies assembled from rated transport chain.
Brands We Carry
Holloway Houston is an authorized distributor for Elite Sales Inc. (Miami, FL). Elite Sales manufactures transport chain, chain binders, ratchet straps, and galvanized aircraft wire rope cable for the cargo securement market. Their chain line is produced to NACM standards in Grade 70, 80, and 100.
As Holloway Houston expands its cargo securement catalog, additional brands will be added. Our goal is to stock the widest selection of tie-down hardware available in Houston so fleets can source everything in one order.
Why Holloway Houston
Holloway Houston has operated in the rigging and cargo securement business for over 65 years from our Houston, TX location. We stock Elite Sales transport chain in the grades and sizes running on flatbeds across the Gulf Coast and nationwide.
In-stock chain ships same day from Houston. Fleet and bulk orders get pricing on request, call 1-888-496-4700 or email us. Our team can also help you build complete tie-down assemblies with chain, binders, and hooks sourced from the same order.
Holloway Houston also provides rigging inspection services, our qualified inspectors examine chain, slings, and associated hardware to keep your equipment in service and your crews working safely.
Complete Your Tie-Down System
- Elite Sales Chain Binders : Lever and ratchet binders matched to your chain size and WLL.
- Elite Sales Ratchet Straps : Polyester webbing tie-down straps for cargo that chain isn't suited for.
- Elite Sales Hooks : Slip hooks, grab hooks, and clevis hooks for tie-down assembly ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 393 does not mandate a specific chain grade, it requires that the aggregate working load limit of the tie-down system meets a minimum based on the cargo weight. Grade 70 is the flatbed industry standard for most loads. Heavier cargo may call for Grade 80 or Grade 100 chain to reach the required aggregate WLL with fewer chains.
Working load limit for NACM transport chain is set by chain size and grade. Higher grades carry more rated capacity at the same diameter, so Grade 80 and Grade 100 chain run fewer chain assemblies to meet the same FMCSA aggregate requirement. For specific WLL figures by size and grade, call Holloway Houston at 1-888-496-4700 or consult published NACM Grade 70/80/100 chain specifications.
Grade 70 is a carbon steel transport chain finished in gold zinc chromate, the flatbed standard for decades. Grade 80 is an alloy chain with higher tensile strength, giving more rated capacity at the same diameter. Grade 80 can also be used in overhead rigging applications where Grade 70 is not rated. Both are stocked by Holloway Houston in Elite Sales product lines.
Elite Sales transport chain is available as bulk chain by the foot and as pre-assembled tie-down assemblies with slip hooks or grab hooks on the ends. Holloway Houston can help you specify the right end fitting for your binder type and anchor configuration.
Bulk chain by the foot is available through Holloway Houston for fleet and custom-length orders. Pre-cut lengths with fittings are also stocked. Call 1-888-496-4700 for current availability and pricing on bulk orders.
DISCLAIMER
Transport chains are load-securing components governed by DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 393 for commercial motor vehicle cargo securement. The information on this page is for general product awareness and does not replace DOT regulations, carrier-specific tie-down procedures, or qualified load securement planning.