flatbed or not?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by TruckerPete1990, Mar 31, 2015.

  1. TruckerPete1990

    TruckerPete1990 Road Train Member

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    So I'm buying a truck and where I'm leasing to does flat n van. My experience is with van and refer. I like the cold but trying to chain a load when it's -5 outside will not make me happy. I've lost some muscle mass over last 4 years. I'm not sure I could pick up the tarps without hurting my back. I'm about 240 at 6'1. If I do flat I'll be spending close to 3,000 on the equipment. Should I even try? They will give me 1 day of training.
     
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  3. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    You're already complaining and you haven't even done it yet so I'd say NO.
     
  4. TruckerPete1990

    TruckerPete1990 Road Train Member

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    Lol wasn't complaining was more of a statement.
     
  5. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    Yeah I know I wanted to type simple "No" but the reply was too short so I had to type in some extra useless text much like I'm doing know.
     
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  6. superflow

    superflow Road Train Member

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    If you have a bad back DON'T MESS WITH IT.... if You want to get back in shape DO IT.... if you get cold move faster, I think there's more $ in skate boards then there is with pulling wagons.... 240lbs & 6'1 "dang son" we would have to have a good ole Louisville slugger to straighten you out if complained too much
     
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  7. TruckerPete1990

    TruckerPete1990 Road Train Member

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    I've been slacking some but I've already lost 10lbs hehe. I wouldn't say BAD back but I do got problems with it. My spine is curved some n sticks out at top.. it acts up every now and then. But i know flatbed can help keep me in shape
     
  8. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    Short hauls are good for that. You burn more calories in cold weather too LOL.
     
  9. Starboyjim

    Starboyjim Road Train Member

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    Slogging thru lines of trucks at shippers/consignees is so tedious. Flatbed gives a whole new world of customers who actually want you there. I've been vanning, moving to flat right now. Besides, I'm easily bored. I'm fully aware that this change will bring unexpected consequences and a brisk learning curve, and I'm very much looking forward to these consequences of my choice. Maybe I'll even wake up!
     
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  10. Epmtrucks

    Epmtrucks Medium Load Member

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    Mar 31, 2013
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    You have to learn to dress like a cpnstruction worker, electric utility line worker, boots, coveralls, carharts, levis, redwing boots, flannel shirts. NOT sweat suits, sneakers, pjs pants, flip flops and sandles. This might not be for you. It can take 3 - 4 hours or even a full day to load a deck of any kind. There are cranes and all types of heavy equipment. If you where to walk up on the job, you should not be able to tell who the driver is from the workers. You will need to be able to handle yourself as you are one in the same. Catch my drift?
     
  11. Mr.X

    Mr.X Heavy Load Member

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    Spokane, WA
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    Most of the customers are friendly, although you have to wait till daylight 99% of the time to get loaded.
    Flatbed makes close to the same $'s as reefers unless you take the time to pile on a lot of partials.
    Tarping is pretty easy after you get used to it. A big horse with stacks will make your shower time a little longer (diesel oil) than a truck with a weed burner.
    Bouncing MT in the wind is not as stressful, backing up is also not so bad because nobody expects you to know how! ;)
    Flatbed has gotten me home for hollidays more often than reefer.
    Your load is not perishable so sometimes an extra day at the house is doable.
    And flatbed will give you strong forearms and a firm handshake, lol.
     
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