SO HOW HARD IS it BEING A FLATBEDDER

i dont do flatbed but my very first job was unloadin sidebay trailers, image unload your trailer but without the roof and dealing with hard pouring rain, getting soak and hand start slipping on the load and equipment. now image a snowstorm and all bundle up but burning inside because you're trying hard to get the load done and jump back in that cozy truck. hand freezing off from touchin metal in neg. degrees weather. thats what i when through with just sidebay trailers but flatbed probably 100 times more harder with strapping and having to tarp the load.

 

It's only as tough as you make it out to be. You'll sweat, or freeze, and occasionally get sore, and curse the tarps up and down.... But you couldn't pay me enough to just sit in that seat and bump docks!

 

I run a parking lot, but before I got my stacker trailer I ran a 3 car wedge, so between all the goofy stuff I put on that wedge, and now how long it can take to load a 7 car trailer in rain, heat, or cold, I'd say it is a lot more physical than bumping a dock, but the pay is better, and you get to constantly challenge yourself depending on what your loading from day to day. And how often do you see a fat skateboard or parking lot driver? Percentage-wise its a LOT less than those of us who actually have to work outside the cab. Better pay, better health, more risk. Pick your poison. I'll never bump a dock, I love what I do too much.

 

I started with a step deck at xmas, lost 23lbs, down to 205 from 228, and my pay has gone up, Being i am from Canada winter can be a ##### at -40 but on the flip side chaining down machinery like i did last week in PHOENIX AT 110 IS NO BETTER!!! you definately need a creative mind sometimes as to how your going to strap/chain stuff down... I would not go back to hauling a box..EVER!!!!!!!!!!

 

Its extremely hard! Its kinda like navy SEAL training and pulling van or reefer is like playing with Labrador retriever puppies in a green meadow and wildflowers... if you have to ask, then you can't afford it.

In all seriousness though, I echo what KF7 said

 

I'll say the same thing I do every time this question is asked over and over. If flatbedding is hard work you've obviously never had to work very hard.

 

Seriously... mj1657 just hit dead on..

 

After 20 years in the Marine Corps (just retired in March) I got no problem running coast to coast in a cab over with NO A/C, unloading cars in the heat and having no cold to get relief from. I'm not getting shot at, blown up, or having to wear 40# of gear and crap. I'm happy!!

 

Or getting stepped on by cows. Getting black lung in a coal mine. Getting smushed by a hammer in a forge.