Flatbed scare! Young driver

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by druss17, Feb 14, 2013.

  1. druss17

    druss17 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 14, 2013
    Deerfield Beach, Florida
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    I have a few questions about flatbeds....The company I work for right now is mostly made up of straight trucks (26') and smaller. I am their only tractor trailer driver and a few times a year I have to haul some flat loads and it makes me nervous. The company relys on me for knowledge because they just assume that if you have a CDL you know everything there is about any kind of "trucking". I have been driving dry vans since I was 18 (I'm 26 now) but just recently had the opportuinty to haul a flat bed. I got a real taste of flatbedding when I came into work and the truck was fully loaded, strapped down and "ready to go". Firtst thing I did was move the load around and add some strapps because it just looked too dangerous. The trailer was facing the wrong direction and was kinda in a tight spot, so what did I do, just as I would have done in a van, crank the wheel and spin the rears on a dime. That was the first and last time I will ever do that again!! I about #### myself when I seen my load at a 45 degree angle and the kingpin about snap off! I had only drove about 30 feet and I was already in trouble. Since that day I get a little nervous when I know a flat load is coming up.....Ok to the questions.....We have a day cab and a sleeper, what is easier, and by easier I mean safer for me to drive? Should I use the day cab for local runs and the sleeper for long hauls as I normally would? Are there some basic rules of thum for load placement? Should you load from the center of the trailer out to the ends if your not gonna have a full load or if you have multiple pick up's? Any advice or tips and trips would be greatly appreciated. I dont want to have another holy #### moment again! Thanks
     
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  3. sdaniel

    sdaniel Road Train Member

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    The day cab is easier to get around in town , and have the back window to look out to see better.
     
  4. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    thats what happens when you try to turn on a dime with a flatbed. the front wanted to laydown on your tires huh! every load is different so you have a million ways to load it right. it takes time and experience, you will get the hang of it. we all learn from our mistakes.as you have already learned not to turn so tight--first lesson learned 999,999 more to go!
     
  5. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    At the OP:
    -Do you have chains?
    -Does either off the trucks or the trailer have a headacherack?
    -Do you have dunnage(enough and the right kind)
    -Rubber mats?
    -What kind off flatbed loads do you haul?

    There are many different kind off flatbed loads so before we can help...........we need more info from you.:biggrin_25524:
     
  6. critters

    critters <b>Late For Dinner</b>

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    traverse city,MI
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    lumber loads can be some of worst one's to do,they tend to slide a bit and walk out of bundels.not to scare you more,but just keep that in mind,first thing your gunna need to figure out is weight,lumber is heavy ,lots of varations here.it will help us to know what kinda delivery you do, like just building site or from a distribution yard. day cabs are the best bebopping aound town no dought.
     
  7. wideglide13

    wideglide13 Light Load Member

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    Jan 30, 2013
    Anywhere USA or Canada
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    You got it half licked you have common sense Yes if the load is less than full middle out . 2 tie downs first 10 feet and 2 the last 10 feet then as a rule every 10 feet but it also depends what you hall i put tie downs every 5 feet it don't take much time to put extra .. A lot of drivers say crap and i say 2 things first when you see a load fall of it WAS NOT because they had to many tie downs on it second the DOT will never say you have too many tie downs but will say and possibly fine you for to little . you need to get the green book and learn what the DOT expect of you .. and almost forgot if you strap you should put protectors so the material don't cut the straps . even stuff that don't look sharp can cut a strap
     
    NavigatorWife and RAGE 18 Thank this.
  8. RAGE 18

    RAGE 18 Road Train Member

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    A loaded trailer no matter what kind must be manuevered slow. On multiple p.ups make sure u have the stuff lined up with the ratchets so u can tie down. An X type rope tie is needed on stacked loads front and back unless ur trailer has a wall on the front then only in the back. When u have multiple pick ups always ask dispatch what it is so u mentally prepa re how and what u need to do. I love flat beddin I miss it.
     
  9. Logan76

    Logan76 Crusty In Training

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    What is a rope tie?
     
  10. RAGE 18

    RAGE 18 Road Train Member

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    Using the heavy duty rope and loop knot and bring ur body weigh on it n tie down to trlr frame. "Rope tie"
     
  11. 379exhd

    379exhd Road Train Member

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    rolling through hell
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    Tell your company to buy you a J.J. Keller load securement book its saved my behind a few times. Also ask other drivers that are getting loaded if theyre around when it comes to securement. They can help you. Building supplies are pretty easy in my opinion. Lumber does tend to walk on a bit as another poster said, and always make sure everything is tight butted up against the rest of whatevers on your trailer. It helps cut down on the movement. Also 2 sraps on the front 1 every 10ft after that and 2 on the back. And get them as tight as possible. I carry 2 winch pars and shove one in the combo end to give me more leverage its dangerous but id rather have a busted up face thqn lose a load that wasnt tight. And always check your load when you stop. And if a strap starts flapping pull over asap and tighten it down i couldnt keep a load of ties tight and pulled off on the shoulder to tighten my straps and id only goje 10 miles. But got hit but i had to do what i had to to keep the public safe. Sure they arent kind wnough to get over and about hit me but i lose a load and im doing 25 to life so think qbout that as well good luck driver. Be safe out there hppe i was of some assistance
     
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