Why do some truckers dislike flatbed trucking

...and I would also add that the main reason I went flatbed right out of school was because it offered the higest starting pay per mile. (38cpm versus WAY LESS for reefer/dry van). Of course, I had had absolutely no clue about how much work it was going to be, but since I HATE to exercise but don't mind WORKING, I get my exercise at work and at nearly 44 years old, I am in the best shape of my life.

And, when you read all the other posts and hear all the other stories from van/reefer drivers about being disrespected/insulted be receivers....it has never happened to me. Nearly every place I have delivered to they call me SIR or by my name and thank me for delievering the product they have been waiting for.

 

The main reason i pull flat over van is the money, more money in flatbed freight then van freight, my driver wanted to do van so i hooked him on a dedicated run that pays around $1.50 all miles where right now i'am getting around $2 all mile for my flat plus as said before when i show up to deliver there happy to see me and i'am sleeping while all the van guys are running trying to make up time after being delayed at the shipper or reciever and never have to pay to get my load on or of.

 

"More interesting" So true , I hauled lowboys when I drove.I was often welcomed when I arrived to deliver.I was bringing their new piece of equipment.Got tours of factories.Invited back to farms to visit.Got to drive some cool military equipment.Got to put my truck in a plane and deliver a load in the Jungle.Often only drove in the day as loads were oversize.The best part, chain and load-binder mostly.Tarping is really hard when you don't know what you are doing , this I know first hand.

 

oldmacksrule, you couldn't have said it better, especially the part about the customer being glad to see you. And what looks better than a neat, well-secured flatbed load or a nice piece of equipment properly secured? You can bet that every flatbed driver, and many others, are looking to see how you secured your load.

 

Last job I had was hauling coils. Did it for 17 years.2003 and 2004 had cancer twice. Got over it and now I can't tell that I ever had it. I figure a whole lot of that is the work I had to do on that flatbed trailer that got me back in shape.

 

You mean you shower more than once every 2 weeks? Seems like a waste to me.

 

It's kinda like someone else around this forum says in his signature...Flat Beddin AIN'T for sissies!!!
Not ever...But we do have lots more fun than waiting for a dock to back into to get unloaded or loaded. I really like getting greeted with open arms and welcome shouts when I pull up with a load of whatever it is they are so happy to be getting. I can honestly say I've never delivered a flat bed load anywhere or anytime that the receiver's weren't happy to be getting. You do have to be willing to get dirty sometimes and tarping Can be tough on some loads but the extra pay and happy receivers make it well worth it for me.
my 2 cents and I'm sticking to it!

 

Soap burns doesn't it?

I never get greeted wiht open arms and they are never happy to see me! I'm beginning to think its just me? I seem to have that effect on people here lately...

 

I was thinking the same thing. When I pulled a flat i got treated just the same as now. Some places treat you good some don't. I always crack up when I hear them guys talk about how glad these places are to see them, it's just cause they know they'll be gone soon and they won't have to look at them anymore!

 

Did you have to go down that road?

I actually visualized that for a second when I read it!


Now...I'm scarred for LIFE!