Advice from Flatbedders, please...

I recently started delivering with a flatbed. One of the plusses
that I like, compared to a box truck is that once I am unloaded
I can back out and have good visability. When I delivered in a 48
I felt it was a more dangerous job because of the blind backing.

 

When I did pull flatbed and had to tarp, I could not lift them up nor if I did work with them to get the like I needed them. I would unroll them on the ground, and use either a rope of spare strap to throw over the load, then from the other side pull them into place. Worked.

 

I am so happy to find this thread. I am getting ready to embark into flatbedding. I am sick of the non exercise of pulling a reefer that I want something more active and challenging. But after doing research I was starting to think I have bitten off more than I can chew. I am really nervous about the size and weight of the tarps. But after reading your posts you are letting me know I can do this too. Thanks ladies.

 

some times $ 5.00 tip to forklift driver goes long ways,being polite also has it rewards.

 

I am a new flatbedder, just finished my first month. I have never had a fork truck driver refuse to lift my tarps. But many of my steel loads are loaded by crane and usually the crane operator is not concerned with your tarps. I am a big guy so lifting tarps is no big deal to me.

Now getting used to backing a spread, that was a big deal. Specially on uneven dirt lots when your pivot point can change between the front and back axle. It is a lot more work, but more rewarding...unless you get that load you spend 2 hours securing and tarping and it still looks like poop and you're embarrassed driving it down the road. Good incentive to do better next time.

 

I think all flatbedder had the poopie looking tarp jobs one time or another. I know i had when i pulled a flat. To the o/p- when it comes to tarping, you can NEVER have too many bungies (rubber straps, tarp straps) Also backing with a spread takes alot getting used to. Dump, no dump, pavement, dirt, all has different effects with there turning. It comes with time and practice. Best advice for that is watch the rear of the trailer and only use the dump as needed.

 

I only ask the forklift driver to put my tarps up top if it seems too high for me to do it myself. But they mostly offer to do it for me anyway. I kinda like the exercise of lugging my tarps (2 8' drop lumber tarps) around though.. but whatever works for you.