Flatbed - hard work?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by capital j, Aug 3, 2011.

  1. capital j

    capital j Bobtail Member

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    Aug 3, 2011
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    I read about how difficult flatbed work is but I want to know if it's really as tough as everyone says. I don't doubt for a second the amount of hardwork, skill and difficulty that goes into driving, tarping and safe load securement but is it any worse than a typical construction type job?

    I'm a real skinny dude, 6' tall and 140lbs soaking wet but I've busted my ### at construction jobs carrying 100+ lb objects up ladders all day, digging trenches, all sorts of heavy lifting, working in the weather, and I always felt great (although tired) at the end of the day.

    I've never shied away from anything on a jobsite but I read some of these descriptions about flatbedding and I can't help but question myself.

    So, flatbedding/construction... about the same sweat-factor or what?
     
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  3. Tcc_timbo

    Tcc_timbo Light Load Member

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    Jul 28, 2011
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    REDD, has a really good post in the ask an exp driver section. And I'm sure Blackw900 has some good advice his title is "step child of flat beds"... Or something like that.


    Btw it's called "So, you want to be a skateboarder".
     
  4. sbeatty1983

    sbeatty1983 Light Load Member

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    Tupelo, MS
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    You should be able to handle it
     
  5. FLORIDAHEAVYHAUL

    FLORIDAHEAVYHAUL Light Load Member

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    Since you don't mind working "in the weather" and getting dirty, you are skateboard material.
     
  6. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    Don't forget to tell him about Tarping in high winds........:biggrin_25521:
     
  7. zebcohobo

    zebcohobo Vincent Van Gopher

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    That would be GODFATHER of flatbed or something. Definately not stepchild. Definately. Definately not.
     
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  8. Bumpy

    Bumpy Road Train Member

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    If you have ever "worked" a day in your life,-and it sounds you have,you will have NO problem...In fact,it will be for you,in many ways,a working vacation,at least at first.

    Since I am over 50 yrs old,I can tell a story,right? I will keep it short,and hopefully it will not bore you,-if in fact,you read it..:biggrin_2556:

    O.K.,I worked for about 8 years in a sawmill,and we busted our ###,that is just the way it was,for 8-12 hours a day,5 days a week,sometimes Saturday.(the economy was good)

    Many,many flatbeds would come in to get loaded,(of course)and many would pick up better grade lumber,which called for the dreaded 8ft drop tarps.(lumber tarps)

    About half the truckers,how they would piss and moan about doing this,and although it wasn't expected of us,we would help them,if we had time.I remember thinking to myself,why are they complaining so much..."They",have to work for just 1 hour today,and then have it made..
    That was my world then.....

    Fast forward to now: My first year or two of flatbedding,I kept the above posted in the front of my mind,and it did NOT bother me,the tarping in the wind,in the cold,pulling off ice laden tarps so stiff they cannot be folded properly...However,now I,have turned into one of those grumpy,POed flatbedders when the thought of having to tarp comes up,(especially) the lumber tarps....:biggrin_2556:

    Moral to this story..Hell,I don't know,maybe I should go BACK and work in that same sawmill for a couple weeks,and if I am still alive after,I will realize how good I have it....

    If you know what work is friend....You will be just fine..:biggrin_25525:
     
    bergy Thanks this.
  9. zebcohobo

    zebcohobo Vincent Van Gopher

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    That was a good story Bumpy. I've done some millwright work in sawmills replacing machinery and yeah, those guys bust as. I've helped many a flatbedder roll his tarps but most didn't want help tarping beyond setting it on top of the load with the forklift. Tarping a load carries a sense of pride with most flatbedders. But I've seen some that just didn't care either. You can tell the good one's by how neat their tarp jobs are. Some of them look gift wrapped.
     
    Bumpy Thanks this.
  10. capital j

    capital j Bobtail Member

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    Aug 3, 2011
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    Thanks for the story Bumpy (awesome sig pic btw) and I appreciate the replies from everyone.
     
    Bumpy Thanks this.
  11. AZS

    AZS Honk if anything falls off

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    It's work oh yeah but if you've worked in the past you will be fine. Just remember you have to go drive after doing the work but thats the easy part. lol
     
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