How hard is it really?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by grusco, Mar 24, 2012.

  1. grusco

    grusco Light Load Member

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    Feb 25, 2012
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    I have been researching companies to join following my cdl school (I'll finish in May). A couple of flatbed companies pop to the top of my list. No big deal you say? Well, I'm 63 years old (look like maybe 50) and in good health other than carrying about 40 extra pounds. I walk about 2 miles a day and am able to work out on a home gym I have. I mentioned flatbedding on another forum here and I got several very negative responses. It's very hard work, it's very, very dirty, tarps are horrid when the weathers bad, and on and on.

    Yet, I am somewhat intrigued by the challenge. I like the idea of not just sitting behind the wheel but getting out and doing something physical. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a real laborer type guy. I don't do construction, I don't do farming (although I did years and years ago). I just want to mix it up.

    Am I crazy to consider this at my age?
     
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  3. AZS

    AZS Honk if anything falls off

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    you can do it. but you will get dirty lol. You might be surprised but it actually requires more brain power than muscle.
     
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  4. da1

    da1 Road Train Member

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    i agree with AZS it can be done and it does req brain power and common sense...a little muscle doesnt hurt either
     
  5. Mommas_money_maker

    Mommas_money_maker Road Train Member

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    I know of several ol'timers still doing it. They take it easy and have their own way of getting something done to make it easier on themselves. It can be done and you should at least try it it you think it might be something you want to do. Van drivers are mostly sissies so dont listen to them anyway. :biggrin_2559:
     
  6. Old Tom

    Old Tom Light Load Member

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    I'm 62 and still flatdecking, though I now use a sliding tarp kit. It will be dirty and it will be tiring and hard on your back and arms the first couple of months.

    If you go to one of the starter companies: Maverick/TSC etc you'll get securement and tarp training which will at least get you started. Every load is different so a knowledge of the law as it pertains to securement plus some common sense should keep you legal. Just remember that a load has never fallen off a trailer because there were too many straps or chains used to tie it down.

    You'll probably lose that extra 40 lbs within 6 months if you stay away from the buffet :) :)

    Good luck, and keep plenty of ibuprofen around for the aches and pains :) :) :)
     
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  7. chevymancooper

    chevymancooper Bobtail Member

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    Mar 24, 2012
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    just tryin to up my post count so i can pm i've been flat beddin since i was 10 aint no better truckin to be found after a long haul you get to jump out and move around losen the joints up if you can walk 2 miles a day u can flat bed and love it
     
  8. Gambi80

    Gambi80 Medium Load Member

    There's another O/O I work with who's 73 and will typically get his #### secured before me and I'm 31.
     
  9. Cluck Cluck

    Cluck Cluck LTL Wizard

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    Anyone can pull a deck, but not all of them can pull it right
     
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  10. Kansas

    Kansas Road Train Member

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    Yep, Im 42 and I get schooled all the time by older hands LOL. Hate it when that happens. :biggrin_25514:
     
  11. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Flatbedding depends alot on the person.I did it for 3 months and hated it.The tarp weighed more then me.You either have it or you don't.I've seen small woman do it.You at 63 is not old,if this is what you wanna do I say go for it,you'll shed those 40 lbs in no time.
     
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