Flatbedding: Advantages and Disadvantages??

Im interested in see the replys you get on this one.

 

Oddly flat bed pays like any other kind of driver. I don't recommend a newbie to start out in flatbed. I almost quit because of how long things were taking. For me, van loading is much easier, I sit in my sleeper in the a/c and play SNES, or Wii. Flatbed I was out sweating like you wouldn't believe for a couple hours. And at some places I was treated horribly just for being a driver. Thanks for the flashbacks, I was almost missing driving a flatbed.

 

I too am new and going to get on the road soon. Im 52 semi retired and very bored. After I sell my house and move the wife to the town where all our family is, I plan on getting my training and getting back to work. My problem is I was a printer for 27 yrs but do to a leg problem had to quit. I have since found out it is a dead nerve in my leg and now with the right meds I am very comfortable. I have no problem driving or sitting for long spells but if I am on my feet for more then a half hour- hour I start having pains. Now here is my question....after alot of research I have come to determine that Maverick would be a great choice for a company to work for......but How much time is spent on your feet tarping and securing a load on a flatbed ? Once I sit back down the pain goes away in about 5 min. That would be my only draw back from applying to them. Need some advice. The thing about all this leg problem is that there are so many people out there that can work and dont want to....and I want to work and cant. Would appreciate any info you all can give me. I willing to work through pain but from a half hour on it just keeps getting worse.

 

I've been pulling flatbed for over 4 years. Unless you work on a dedicated account don't expect the load to already be secured and tarped. Even when you do pick up a load already wrapped up you are still responsible to make sure it has been done correctly.

Most companies do not provide helpers. Occasionally while at a customer they have a yard person who may assist you, but don't count on it.

If you are willing to do the work, flatbedding is far more enjoyable on its worse day than van is on its best day. It keeps you in better health as you are not always on your butt.

In general, flatbed will pay you more because you are paid to tarp, but mileage pay is the same at many companies. If you are interested in pulling flatbed go with a company which is exclusive to flatbeds, such as Maverick out of Little Rock,AR (and no I don't drive for them).

Also in general, if your tarp pay is seperate from other trip reimbursement, you may find percentage to pay more.

On flatbed, I have been paid by both methods and I prefer percentage when I am in the postion to choose my loads. When working for a company that gives you the load I prefer mileage.

Goodluck!

 

Depending on the type of load (ie. shingles, sheetrock, machinery, etc.) will determine the amount of time it will take. As a new driver to flatbed it will take you longer than an experienced person.

Assume at LEAST 1 1/2 hours. But, as time goes on it will take you less and less time. Having said that, if Maverick is aware of your medical issue, and once you are assigned a dispatcher you apprise him of it, your medical concern should not be an issue. I myself, especially in hot weather like out in Phoenix in July, will work for 1/2-1 hour take a short break of say 10 minutes, then finish up.

Don't forget too, you have to break done the load at your destination. A whole lot of bending over.

The key here is this: If you are willing to do the work, are physically able to, and keep your dispatcher informed, you should not have a problem.

Flatbedding will keep you more active and interested. Each load, even if you have pulled the same product before is like a puzzle. You have to figure it out. If you have curious nature you wil be more satisfied with flatbedding, which can you lead you to a career involving oversize loads, which I have heard is VERY interesting.

If you find flatbedding is not to your liking I would recommend reefer (TCU). At least with reefer you have to get out more often, especially if you haul produce, than in vans.

My only real concern at this time is that because Maverick is exclusive to flatbed you may try it and find for whatever reason you are not suited to it. My best suggestion for you as a new driver is to work for a company with different divisions, like van and reefer and flatbed. This way you can start with flatbed and if you find it is unsuitable, you will not have to look for a new company to work for because you already work for a company that can provide another option. And if after 6 months you find flatbed to be everything you need then go work for Maverick. I have heard they are a very good company.

When it comes to flatbed let me say this too: I love it and will never do anything else. I tried vans and reefer and can't imagine staying in driving without a skateboard on my back.

Always happy to help any fledgling flatbedder.

 

Well, I do drive for Maverick and have since day one. I started out pulling flatbed and wouldnt want it any other way. I do not recommend you going to a local joe schmo company that has no formal securement training, thats just suicide. Ive seen the comments said prior to mine about van as opposed to flat. At first, yes the work is very demanding, but once you get faster and more used to it, its not that bad. Dont count on any help either. I paid a guy to help me one time and Ill never do that again because I wasnt the one who did the work so i was worried it wasnt done correctly. Anyway, only part of your time is spent unloading or loading. I know you are only asking these questions because you dont know the work involved, but if you dont want to break a sweat, well dont go into flatbedding. But i couldnt find a van company that would start me at 34 cpm and be home on the weekends. BOL

 

aren't flatbeds more dangerous to haul then vans/reefers?

that is the impression they gave us at school.