Starting out flat bedding?

Some people love it and wouldn`t have it any other way. All I`ve ever done though. Local stuff. When I finally got out of the guard and upgraded to a class A I knew where I belonged.

 

I'm starting there as soon as I can get a refresher course. I am looking forward to it.

 

Pre-tarped loads, usually building materials, lumber, roofing, etc. You will have to untarp and roll or fold the tarps up, and probably tarp subsequent loads.
One of the problems with 'pre tarped' loads is you don't know who tarped it, how good a job they did, and what shape the tarps are in once you pull them off the load.
If the load isn't tarped right, you'll end up fighting them the whole trip and maybe retarping the load anyway. The few times I picked up 'pre tarped' loads it was a mixed blessing.
You'll also get filthy dealing with tarps, and sometimes it's kind of hard physically to tarp loads.

I like flatbedding, but on my terms, not using mystery tarps, and getting fair pay for tarping, detention, etc. You'll also probably have more out of pocket money to buy bungees, ropes, etc.
For a beginner? Why not? You can always go to vans.

 

I think that unless you already have driving experience that it would be better to learn the driving first and then move to flats. Most start out with vans. With a van all you need to know is how to open and close the back doors and back into a loading dock. Once you have the driving down to the point where you are comfortable then you can start to learn other things. Some do start out pulling flats, but it gives you more things to learn at the same time.

 

They pull alot of sheetrock and lumber
With liability such an issue,plants now have tarping services
with crews that do all of the above ground work.

Companies like McElroy have drop and hook preloaded that require
the driver to do the last 10% which is tighten straps and add a few snubbers before rolling out.
Driver is then required to roll up tarps at unload.

 

Most shippers don't have their own people who tarp and secure your load. Most flatbedders will secure and tarp their own loads. In fact, I prefer doing my own so that I know it has been properly secured. Each load is a bit different. You need to learn where to place your load, how many chains or straps are needed and how to tarp to protect your cargo without destroying your tarps.

 

Thanks for the info. Nobody talks much about them on here. I was just expecting to find out more about them when I get there.

 

I think it is almost impossible for someone with no expierence driving to start out in flatbeds. I've seen too many try and fail.

Just starting out is a hand full.

 

I disagree. I know a lot that did. In fact I know of a trainer at maverick and mcelroy that started as newbies.