Truckers Report Jobs

Find Trucking Jobs

Company Driver Company Driver Dry Van Dry Van Flatbed Flatbed Refrigerated Refrigerated Specialized Specialized Owner Operator Owner Operator
More Trucking Job Searches ⌄ Fewer Trucking Job Searches
⌃

Making the jump to Flatbed and have Questions

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by RECON08, May 25, 2010.

Page 1 of 6
  1. May 25, 2010 #1
    RECON08

    RECON08 Light Load Member

    225
    79
    Dec 27, 2008
    Hudsonville, MI
    0
    Im looking at going over to Flatbed because I want to try something new. I've done the van and reefer thing, but I have to be honest, Im tired of just not doing anything. With flatbed at least Im getting exersice and staying healthier. Now Im not over weight by any means, Im 6'1 and 190lbs on a bad day. So my questions to you flatbedders out there, what advice, or tricks of the trade do you have to offer to a newbie in flatbedding? If you were a trainer, what tips and things would you teach me or tell me? what are some of the hazzards I need to watch out for? I know flatbed is not easy work, specialy when your just starting out in it, and I like to be challenged, guess its that old army scout in me, but I don't wanna be one of those dummies that other flatbedders are looking at going, thats going to hurt, or, he's going to feel that in the morning, or theres that dumb ##### that has no clue what he's doing. Thanks and I hope I posted this in the right place.
     
    RECON08, May 25, 2010
    RECON08, May 25, 2010
    #1
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. May 25, 2010 #2
    Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

    2,131
    1,047
    Apr 27, 2009
    0
    Watch your step...when on the trailer.

    If in doubt...throw another strap or chain on it.

    There is really too much to list...and unfortunately, it can't be learned or taught on here.
     
    Ridgerunner665, May 25, 2010
    Ridgerunner665, May 25, 2010
    #2
    sewerman Thanks this.
  4. May 25, 2010 #3
    RECON08

    RECON08 Light Load Member

    225
    79
    Dec 27, 2008
    Hudsonville, MI
    0
    Thanks Ridgerunner665. I understand what your saying, but every little bit does help. Granted, lot of things will be a hands on learning situation, but just the 2 you listed alone, were good ones. again, thanks
     
    RECON08, May 25, 2010
    RECON08, May 25, 2010
    #3
  5. May 25, 2010 #4
    broncrider

    broncrider Road Train Member

    1,618
    3,187
    Mar 23, 2007
    somewhere drinkin beer probaly.....
    0
    scouts can bend every crossmember in a HMMWV in a paved parking lot........

    that said

    watch the other flatbedders around you, keep you securement tight, and your tarps as tight and padded as possible
    takes time to find a system that works for you, and no two us do everything the same, from folding our tarps (3 times to the center works best for me) or trowing your securement

    slow down on corners when the load is higher than the cab lights (you'll notice right away a flat twists alot more than a box)

    if yer pullin a spread, no sharp corners if you can help it, and go slower than normal to reduce strain on the wagon


    but dont stress it too much, most flatbedders are more than willing to help anouther out
     
    broncrider, May 25, 2010
    broncrider, May 25, 2010
    #4
    Working Class Patriot and KenworthComeUp Thank this.
  7. May 26, 2010 #5
    Jimbo60

    Jimbo60 Medium Load Member

    518
    434
    Nov 25, 2009
    High desert CA
    0
    1) Duct tape

    2) Bailing wire

    3) Bungee cords


    Lots of uses for all three on a skateboard.

    Aside from putting an extra chain or strap on when in doubt. Always make your load securement as neat as possible. The DOT likes that.

    Speaking of chains .......... ALWAYS keep yourself clear of the binder handles. There are thousands of stories about serious injuries from chain binders. I have a friend who nearly died because of one.


    ............ Jim
     
    Jimbo60, May 26, 2010
    Jimbo60, May 26, 2010
    #5
    KenworthComeUp Thanks this.
  8. May 26, 2010 #6
    RECON08

    RECON08 Light Load Member

    225
    79
    Dec 27, 2008
    Hudsonville, MI
    0
    thank you broncrider. as for those crossmembers, I thought it was them pain in the butt tankers doing that....lol
    thanks to you also jimbo60
     
    RECON08, May 26, 2010
    RECON08, May 26, 2010
    #6
  9. May 26, 2010 #7
    Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

    2,131
    1,047
    Apr 27, 2009
    0

    That also goes for dry rotted bungee's...throw them away and buy new ones, but even with new ones...be careful, they can and will take out an eyeball and/or a tooth or two when they break while you're pulling on them.
     
    Ridgerunner665, May 26, 2010
    Ridgerunner665, May 26, 2010
    #7
    Jimbo60 and KenworthComeUp Thank this.
  10. May 26, 2010 #8
    RECON08

    RECON08 Light Load Member

    225
    79
    Dec 27, 2008
    Hudsonville, MI
    0
    ok, just a quick question... Bailing wire? exactly what is that used for and why? thanks
     
    RECON08, May 26, 2010
    RECON08, May 26, 2010
    #8
  11. May 26, 2010 #9
    Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

    2,131
    1,047
    Apr 27, 2009
    0
    Anything...from holding your pants up if your belt breaks, to tying your side boxes shut....that list goes on and on and on and on.
     
    Ridgerunner665, May 26, 2010
    Ridgerunner665, May 26, 2010
    #9
  12. May 26, 2010 #10
    RECON08

    RECON08 Light Load Member

    225
    79
    Dec 27, 2008
    Hudsonville, MI
    0
    lol.....
    what about tools guys? i know i need tools, but dont wanna get things I really don't need. If you havent figured it out yet, I love knowledge and I do take pride in what i do. Thats why the thurst, I just wanna go out there and do it right. i know I'll make mistakes along the way, and Im cool with that, but If I can get a grip and a bit of a jump start on doing things right, I know it will just make my job that much easier and it will reflect on me with others around me. again, thanks guys for any and all info, no matter how small or big it may be, it all helps.
     
    RECON08, May 26, 2010
    RECON08, May 26, 2010
    #10
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

    • Page 1 of 6