So, you wanna be a skateboarder?

So you want to be a flatbedder?

First thing, flatbedding isn't for everyone. Every day, every load is a challenge. It isn't a job... It is a lifestyle, brotherhood, a CAREER! You really need to ask & answer yourself some questions before you decide to become a flatbedder.

Can you handle working outside in the rain? Snow? 30 degrees below zero? 110 degrees? 100 percent humidity? For long periods at a time? Can you lift, pull, or drag weight from 60 to 100 pounds? Can you throw chain or straps over a 13 foot load? Do you enjoy para-sailing? If your answer is no or maybe, then I suggest staying away from flatbedding.

Are you scared to drive in the snow? Rain? Ice? Are you scared to trek off the interstate onto back roads for 100's of miles? Are you scared to drive after dark? Are you scared of heights? Are you scared to work or get dirty? If your answer is yes or maybe, then I suggest staying away from flatbedding.

Now that we are passed the preliminary questions. Now let's get into terminology that you must learn.
Its not a split axle, it is a spread axle! You don't lock down a load, you secure it! You don't cover a load, you tarp it! And you don't drive a flatbed, you pull one. I've looked all over my trailer.... I couldn't see a power train or a steering wheel, so I'm thinking that driving a flatbed is quite impossible!

Other terms you'll need to know are belly load, perimod, OD, over dimentional, oversized, pilot car, permits, conestoga, covered wagon, enxtendable, beveled timbers, lift axle, & air dump! No, that is not going to the toilet only to exhaust air out the back side. Although, it sounds about the same.
There are other words you need to learn. You'll learn those as you go! Ok, let's move on now!

Ditch your flip flops & buy some steel toed boots. Ditch your fat man shorts fir some denim jeans. Ditch your tank tops for some shirts with sleeves (short sleeves are good). Your flip flops, shorts, & tanks are fine on drive days. But don't expect to go into a shipper or consignee wearing that trash. They will turn you around & send you away quicker then CR England driver can ditch a truck.
Make sure you are prepared to get your clothes dirty, stained, and ripped up! Its all part of flatbedding. Now that your dressed, let's go flatbedding!

To be a good flatbedder & to be at the top of the flatbedding game, then you should start when your young... 20's or early 30's. I say this because it is very demanding work! You need to be physically fit & mentally stable to do it properly! Sure, you see flatbedders that are OLD! Flatbedders like blackw900, southernpride, Working Class Patriot to name a few. Those guys are at the top of their game & have been flatbedding since the horse and buggy days! Listen to their words.... They know what they are talking about.

Can you teach someone to be a flatbedder? The only correct answer is NO! You can't teach flatbedding! You can show a person how to secure & tarp... But you can't teach them! I say this because every flatbedder does things differently then the other. You either have what it takes, or you don't!

What does it take to become a good flatbedder? A good work ethic is one thing. Determination, Will, Strength, Courage, Patients, Pysical Fitness, & Common Sence!


OK, I'm tired of typing. I've covered the basics.... And now really need too get rolling down the highway. I honestly hope that I've given you something to think about before you venture off into flatbedder land. Any questions? Ask! I also would like other flatbedders to post their advise on becoming a flatbedder.... I know I didn't cover it all.

Well, have a great day & perhaps one of these days I'll meet you on the back row!

 

I've done many multiple drop loads on a flatbed. My personal best was the day I got banned back in Feb. 9 drops that day. Started in Illinois & finaled in Green Bay!

 

No, usually hit it twice! And #### hard! Those building just won't move.

 

And here I thought everyone was going to point out the parasailing & air dump jokes I tossed in!