Advice from Flatbedders, please...

Flatbedding is called a working man's truck (because of all the 'extra' work that is required). Some places require you to be able to lift a 60lb tarp over your head as an entrance requirement. I received my flatbed experience with Arrow trucking out of Tulsa, and they are a training company (there are many others). I left Arrow after 6 months because they didn't run me hard enough (different story), but as far as training they were top notch. They pair you up with a trainer and you run only solo runs (not team) after their in-house training program. We did all kinds of freight and I learned the basics (keep it from moving: Front to Back, Side to Side, Up and Down), and how to use all the equipment. There is never enough training for flatbed, you will always have to 'figure it out' on some loads. If you ask other flatbed drivers how to secure the load at the shipper, get several opinions, but do what makes you feel safe, NO SHORTCUTS! Many times it has taken me 2+ hours just to strap and tarp (in 100+ degrees) and man it sure gets HOT! But, I like the work and can never see me doing anything else. Just do your research on companies and good luck to ya!

 

60lb tarps? For Schneider/Maverick it was 110lb tarps, off the ground, onto the shoulder and up the ladder to the top of the A frame. As for driving a spread axle, I would rather drive a spread. They back different, gotta be alot smoother, and with an unloaded skateboard you can blindside. But alot of those steel warehouses have TINY parking areas. It all depends on where you go.

 

the big thing you gotta remember about a spread axle is when you are loaded you CANNOT pull a u-turn like you can do with a tandem.

 

when backing a spead try to gently arch it. you cannot jack knife it like a tandem axle.

 

I've been pulling flatbed for Werner for about 3 1/2 years total, and my husband was the one who got me started in it.

I find it to be more rewarding than pulling a van. Every time you finish securing a load you have a sense of pride because YOU did that. Every once in a while I wish I could blame someone else for it, like when I couldn't get the tarped squared up and it looks like a 3rd grader put it on.

Best advice about going from tandem to spread, like the other guys said: no u turns. If you try to do a u turn with a loaded trailer you will most likely pop the air bags, or twist the axle.

Most flatbed loads you will pull will be a lot heavier than what you have pulled in a van.

Flatbed trailers have a higher center of gravity, so you need to slow down a little bit more in curves and turns.

Our lumber tarps weigh about 125lbs. It will bust your butt at first but you get used to it.

Get prepared for extreme temperatures and weather. It can be difficult to tarp in 100+ heat, or in the freezing temps of Minnesota in January, but just prepare yourself and take your time. Don't overexert yourself or get in a big hurry. That's the quickest way to find yourself sitting at home on workers comp.

 

I wish I could commiserate about dump valves but none of Werners' trailers are equiped with them. Oh, the lucky ones...sniff sniff.

For the driver who started this thread, you will find flatbedding to be more rewarding and interesting.

Speaking as one woman to another: You will get a lot more respect from other drivers, in general, when they see you in a flatbed, when they see you doing the work. The community of flatbed drivers are a more stable lot and safer drivers, also more likely to lend one another a helping hand.

But don't abuse the help as a woman cause you'll get yourself in trouble. I've known women "flatbedders" who have bad reputations because they just want to look cool pulling a flatbed trailer but not do the work. You get my drift.

Good luck on this new adventure.