Old guys and Flatbeds

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Misplaced, Nov 22, 2021.

  1. Misplaced

    Misplaced Bobtail Member

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    Jul 29, 2017
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    I'm a 65 year old retired truck driver thinking about coming back out after being local for 20 years (it's been 10 years off of flatbed) Anybody have any suggestions to get started up again?
     
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  3. 50WT

    50WT Heavy Load Member

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    I'm 65 and I've never pulled anything other than flat ,stepdeck, rgn.
    For the last 30 plus years, did some tank and refer before that.
    I haul a lot of equipment that mostly I load and secure. I don't
    tarp anything, haul lots of trees, but these loads are either pre loaded
    or live loaded but they do it all .
    I'm not as quick as I used to be but can still get it done.
    I could probably tarp low loads or coils but don't want to.
    You'll be fine , just find a job that's not so demanding of tarping.
    I've been driving trucks since 1974 , still enjoy it , about to get the hang of it.
     
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  4. shooter19802003

    shooter19802003 Road Train Member

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    Good luck.....it's a totally different world and I don't mean that for the better.
     
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  5. Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    Just south of the north 40
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    Just a rookie here, I am 60, most people think I am much younger. Maybe it’s the 25 years of a daily workout?
     
  6. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    I’m 60 and been doing skateboarding most of my trucking life(41 years plus). I know individuals that are 70 and 73 that are still skateboarding. Like @Espressolane said, skateboarding don’t make you look your age ;) . It keeps you in shape, no gym membership required :D
     
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  7. VaMan

    VaMan Bobtail Member

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    Nov 24, 2021
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    I'm 52 and just getting through school to obtain Cdl. I really want to do flatbed for the activity level and partially pay but I am a below the knee amputee. Some companies I've spoke with said I might not be able but I'm very agile on my prosthesis and get along real well. One company said I would have to be able to pull myself up on top of load that could be up to shoulder height and that I would have to do it without any step or short ladder. My leg would not matter I'm not sure my upper body would be strong enough. Is this really common test for flatbed?
     
  8. Ruthless

    Ruthless Road Train Member

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    The City.
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    I mean, it’s not really a test in my opinion, a lot of times you gotta pull yourself up on top of a load ie plywood, them units are 34 inches tall, and they stack them two tall. I’m not gonna say that you can’t do the job, but if you’re going somewhere that you will have to tarp quite a bit it’s pretty likely to be an issue at some point if that isn’t something easily achievable.
     
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  9. beastr123

    beastr123 Road Train Member

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    Moose Jaw SK CAN
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    I am 5ft10inches and when I was flatbedding I was 260# or 275# and I learned to carry a folding or shorter extension ladder and use it for safety.
    I never had any major trouble with getting onto loads stacked to 13.5 ft for tarping.
    I moved back to bulk hauling at the age of 58 and considered it my retirement job.
     
  10. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    Land of local
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    Give it a shot. If you're in good shape it probably won't be much of an issue. I have a friend that lost his left leg from the knee down and his left arm from the elbow from a motorcycle accident. You can find ways to adapt. My friend can pretty much do anything just a little bit slower and careful planning.
     
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  11. jdchet

    jdchet Medium Load Member

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    Sep 3, 2012
    NE Ohio
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    65 1/2 years old and still flatbeddin". I was out of it for about 8 years, but I was able to jump back in without missing a beat!
    Now..........if you've never hauled flat before and are looking to jump in at a later age, it could be real tough! You learn a lot of tricks of the trade that help you in your "golden years"! Having to learn flatbed when your physical attributes have deteriorated with age could be real tough! It's not impossible though. We have a hand working with us, part time, still getting after it at 82 years young!
    As far as tarping..............we very,very, rarely have to tarp! In 4 years I've only tarped 4 loads. Everything else is pre-tarped if it needs to be tarped. If you go with a company that sends you to shippers that expect you to tarp without proper fall protection, run, don't walk, away!
    As far as winter.............it sucks more and more every year!

    JD
     
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