Exp. Flatbedders!

Just go to a class if you're that into it. It all depends on the load.

 

1)Currently Driving for Bluelinx.

2)Company Driver

3)Three Years

4)The PROS = Higher Starting CPM than any other driving position for "Newbies" was my initial motivation. Secondary motivation was the general rule of thumb for flatbed work, specifically "home every weekend". Of course, I had no idea how much physical labor was involved when I signed up LOL! ... But that turned into a positive in the fact that I lost weight and am in the best shape of my life because of it Also, most times you deliver to people or places that genuinely appreciate you and treat you with respect. I am usually addressed as "Sir" or "BOSS" by my customers. And finally, NO LUMPERS! Most times, a forklift unloads you or you simply drop your trailer and pick up an empty. Most of the time you are loaded/unloaded from the side, so no "dock bumping".

The CONS = WEATHER. By far, the biggest drawback to flatbedding is weather. You are OUTSIDE to be loaded and/or OUTSIDE to be unloaded most of the time. It is HOT as hell in the summer (think soaking wet sweat). It is COLD as ice in the winter (think "my fingers are all being squeezed in a vice and my feet are completely numb"). If it is raining, no amount of rain gear will keep you dry, you might as well jump into a swimming pool fully clothed. If it is windy, good luck tarping your load and/or folding your tarps after unloading. THAT is a whole different issue in and of itself. Tarping is like puking in the sense that you feel a whole lot better after it is done LOL!

5)See the PROS of # 4

6)If there is, I am unaware of it. I've often thought that someone with more experience than I should write a book/manual on different strapping/binding/tarping techniques for different types of loads. I know for a fact that all of the major (larger) flatbed companies have their own systems in place to train new drivers. I trained with McElroy, so I learned how to tarp/strap/chain-bind etc..through them. Bluelinx only hires drivers with two years experience, but my "Trainer/Orientation" guy with Bluelinx was also my former trainer with McElroy so he just told me to do things the same way LOL!

7)The best info I can provide is that if you have never "flatbedded" before, then think about the following: a)Be prepared for extreme weather and get appropriate clothing/equipment for the seasons. b) be prepared to work HARD. Hard physical labor. Be able to lift up to 75lbs on to the trailer for example (tarps). c)be prepared to engage in both "a" and "b" at ANY hour of the day or night (if OTR). d)Be prepared to be busy as hell in the spring/summer and then slow down in fall/winter.

I reckon that's enough for one post

 

not yet im still waiting for the ultra cool load to come my way but hasn't yet

 

Im haulin for Fogelson Trucking out of Rosalia

im sure am glad for Idaho Forest this winter they have kept us hoppin

 

i think it has been 5 times in the last year... i think orchard tractors are the hardest to secure from my exp... or fertilizer tractors with arms and tank still attached i thought they were gonna break off for sure but i got it done it is always fun

 

I have been pulling steps and flats for some time, mostly under my own authority. There are advantages to both chains and straps. One way to find out how to best secure a load is to ask the shipper. Sometimes they have a certain way they prefer their product to be secured. You need to take in to consideration how to best secure the load that won't damage the product. You need to know the working load limits of your equipment. Some truck stops sell fmcsa securement handbooks which explains how to secure loads. You can also order them online directly from JJ Keller at www.jjkeller.com . If you don't want to spend the money you can always go to the fmcsa website and do a search for securement and it should locate what you need. Once you find what you want you should be able to print it out. While it is mostly common sense, there are still things you need to know in order to properly secure the load while protecting the product.

Steel coils are usually secured with chains, but aluminum coils are usually secured with straps and paper edge protectors. Sometimes I will use a combination of chains and straps on a steel coil, depending on how it is loaded.

With flats or any open trailer you need to use your head. It is mostly common sense. Starting out it could be a little overwhelming. It is important to NOT get in a hurry when securing a load. Don't be afraid to ask other flatbedders on how to secure your load. Most of us are willing to lend a hand, if asked. It is one area of trucking where other drivers are still willing to help

Securement rules can change from time to time. Most carriers are good about passing along changes to drivers. I usually throw at least one more strap or chain that I need to secure a load. You can't have too much securement.

 

Most shipper or consignee's will not allow you to use their equipment to unload your truck. Much of that is due to safety. They don't want to take a chance that you could damage their equipment or product. You will need to wait until they are ready to unload you. Although you may know how to operate a forklift, would you know how to load a 45,000 coil? Do you know the difference between shotgun, eye to the sky or suicide? Would there be a difference in loading that same coil on a spread, fixed tandem or sliding tandem trailer? These are things that you need to be aware when you pull a flat, and certainly if you operate a crane or forklift that loads flats. And loading a stepdeck is different than a flat.

When you pull a flat, you will usually do less waiting to load or unload than other types of freight. There are exceptions, but I usually don't do much waiting unless I get to some steel mills. Some of those union plants don't get in a hurry. Most are pretty good at getting you in and out. It will sometimes take longer to tarp the load that you will wait or to get loaded.

 

You will also need to get an Alabama steel coil certification.

 

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