new to flatbed, what am i missing?

I would buy a pair of overalls both non insulated and insulated when throwing chains they'll keep you clean and help in the winter with the outside work. Also have a cpl pairs of good work gloves so when you loose or rip one your not left with none.

 

duct tape,tape measure,hammer,wrecking bar,corner protectors, patch kit for your tarps-take good care of your tarps and straps and they will last a long time.

 

hard hat safety vest

 

I would hope you're going to work for a major carrier who will provide the "necessary" securement and tarp items. But more than that, I hope you've had some experience in securement and tarping. But at the very least, have a good winch bar and at least 16 good 4" x 27' straps in addition to other things mentioned here by others. Also, 4 portable 2 inch straps/ratchets and carry some 4x4 or 4x3 boards (6-8 or so) for the few places that won't provide dunnage. Good luck

 

A good, comfortable pair of safety glasses. Some loading and unloading area's are requiring them to get through the gate and off the scale.

If they're good, you'll be able to see out of them. If they're comfortable, you won't mind wearing them so much.

 

Strap winder for sure. You should already have the PPE. A PVC pipe about 3/4" and about 10 foot long is always nice to push straps and chains through freight. Coveralls are great, but down here in FL they are a Rx for heat stroke most of the year.

 

When you're up north stop into wally world and find a pair of snowmobile type boots with the removable felt liners. They're pretty cheap and you won't be freezing you feet off standing around in cold snow and ice while tarping, chaining, etc.

Oh, and a goodly stock of bandaids and a good linament for bruises and strains.

 

Baby wipes are good for cleaning up after tarping. A bottle of hand cleaner will get you by until you can get to a shower also. WATER!!! I keep at least 3 gallons of water in my truck besides my drinking water. Not all places have running water. I use Nemesis safety glasses. Theyre pretty stylish. I wear the tinted ones as sunglasses and have clear ones for loading inside. A long piece of pipe that fits snug over your chainbinders. That winch bar just isnt long enough to pull chains tight. A great attitude and a willingness to take on any task will get you a long way also.

 

Steel toe boots are required at a lot of places (even though I disagree) in addition to hard hat, safety vest and safety glasses as previously mentioned. These boots are a must at any pipe yard in houston.