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05.31.2008
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| Flatbed vs. Reefer I'm looking at two different companies to join and start a trucking career with. One is a reefer, the other is a flatbed. I found a thread here about this, but it didn't really cover the questions I have so here goes: 1. Which is worse, babysitter the reefer and load or tarping 2. I don't mind the work as far as tarping goes, but how difficult is it really securing loads? 3. It seems as though both companies are solid, and safety oriented, so which offers more potential to see and experience new things? Seems to me, hauling anything and everything on a flat would take you to some really cool places, but I suppose van/reefer may offer the same. I don't know. Mostly, I'm concered about the trailer tipping during high cross winds.. What do you think???   |
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06.01.2008
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| flat bed is a lot more physical and the pay can be alot better with some experience. over dimensional and heavy haul can be a long range goal. tipping can happen but % wise its not a big deal. more guys driving in the ditch asleep than actually blowing over in a wind storm. refers are at the warehouses all the time. and the warehouses suck... lol as always each to his own though and it should really depend on what you want. tarps suck below zero, in snow and rain...
__________________ Though your argument is very clever, I don't think it will lead to the results you desire. gandhi |
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06.01.2008
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| thanks for the reply, I do appreciate it....the more I read, the more I think flats may be the way for me. |
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06.01.2008
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| I like steps, they are pretty stable, and you strap or chain down the load. I have had cargo shift in boxes, there isn't a good way to secure the load except by placement. Tarps are bad news in the winter, especially where it has snowed and road salt and sand and grime are embedded. The Roll-tite and Conestoga systems, and even the sides and hooped top (covered wagon) are different ways to cover a load without strapping the tarp right to the load, less contact with the tarp but still dirty. |
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06.01.2008
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| As a rule of thumb the receivers of flatbed freight are happy enough to see you arrive and will unload you as quickly as they can. In a refer, you are a storage unit as often as not. Babysitting a refer is not a bit deal, until something goes wrong. Tarping is not a big deal till the weather sets in. All things considered, I stuck with a refer/van after a couple of stints on flats and variations on the theme. It is something that I am personally more comfortable with but, that don't make me right for anyone else. On another note, flatbed drivers will generally treat each other better than van/refer drivers. At least this has been my experience.
__________________ Once I was young, And went alone, And wandering lost my way. When a friend I found I felt me rich; Man is cheered by man. The Poetic Edda circa 950 AD |
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06.01.2008
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| I couldn't stand pulling a box, so I really wouldn't want to pull one with a power unit strapped to the front of it that ran all night right behind me head. Tarping can be a pain, especially if it's windy. I had to fold my tarps in the mud the other day, that was good time. Overall it isn't bad, especially since you usually have a forklift driver put the lumber tarps on top of the load for you. I like the fact that flats go to job sites, and I like being able to see my load. I really just like the challenge of designing the securement system to fit the load. My vote is flats all the way. |
| The Following User Says Thank You to evolutioncalling For This Useful Post: | ||
chicadriver (06.11.2008) | ||
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06.07.2008
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| Besides, I hear Reefer drivers like to kick puppies... Just saying... |
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06.07.2008
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| LOL kick puppies? I'm not sure what that means....literal or figurative???  I kicked a monkey once and he punched me in the balls...........just saying.  |
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06.07.2008
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| I would not drive anything but flatbed! The trailer is shorter so the turning and parking is much easier. You normally dont deliver into a city which is a huge plus!!! You normally dont back to a dock. Tarping takes about 1-2 hours depending on how fast u go and weather etc. I hate it but I love it. Its a good workout and if not for tarping i would probably be a fat slob. However, u dont tarp every load. On average I would say that 70% of the loads are tarped. Believe me, unless you are a totally fat person with no desire to get sweaty, you will love flatbedding. Good luck. Also, I hope Arrow Trucking is one of your choices because I started with them and I am still there 8 months later. Your a number but the miles and pay is the best out there for newbies. I checked every company and went with them. Good luck. |
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06.07.2008
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