New to Flatbedding

Some people can back up, some can't. I can say that I consider myself almost a professional at backing.......somedays. And somedays I can't back worth a rats #####. I learned my skills by Pulling 53' rail containers in confined yards here in Chicago.

As for the parking in other places as a flatbedder, I have notice that a lot of people just don't want to deal with the effort or it has been a long day and they don't have the patience for it. I park in non-parking areas mainly because I get into the stops about 12-1am and all the spots are already taken by the solar powered trucks. But I never park in anyone else's way and am always courteous as to not block somebody in so they can not leave in the morning.

 

I agree with ya! Pull a 280 + wheelbase + a spread axle with no dump and tell me how aften you'd like to tuck in between those company guys at a tight t/s. If I couldn't park on the side somewhere out of the way I would be the ####### taking up 2 spaces! I usually would park around 7/8 at night and then be back up round 1/2 am rolling out!

Van drivers like to line up even in line. They pay attention to the fact that spreads don't have any overhang (unless you got a 53ft now).

On days when I'm dead tired pulling in, your #### right I would take the lazy spaces, for 2 reasons. 1. Tired and don't want to mess up something because of that, or 2. I don't like stressing that front axle.

If you have a hood truck, you learn how to keep those fenders on it when your sleeping!!!!!

 

I agree with ya! Pull a 280 + wheelbase + a spread axle with no dump and tell me how aften you'd like to tuck in between those company guys at a tight t/s. If I couldn't park on the side somewhere out of the way I would be the ####### taking up 2 spaces! I usually would park around 7/8 at night and then be back up round 1/2 am rolling out!

Van drivers like to line up even in line. They dont pay attention to the fact that spreads don't have any overhang (unless you got a 53ft now).

On days when I'm dead tired pulling in, your #### right I would take the lazy spaces, for 2 reasons. 1. Tired and don't want to mess up something because of that, or 2. I don't like stressing that front axle.

If you have a hood truck, you learn how to keep those fenders on it when your sleeping!!!!!

 

Every1 here has spread good advice. I started as a flatbedder now I'm 1 of those annoying reefer guys. Wish I'd never switched but then again it adds to further knowledge. Ppl always talk down on coils I loved them! Pay attention take your time and repeat! Jack knife that 45k coil 1 time and look at the light peek between your trl tires and the pavement. Guaran-####-tee you won't do it again. 1 thing I didn't see mentioned as you turn check the lay of the land. Any dip or roll can do the same as jack knifing. Good luck.

 

Is that why you reefer guys always park next to us flatbed trucks....you miss all the fun so you decide to keep us awake all night???

 

Actually I hardly spend time at TS unless its during the day or waiting til appt. I don't discriminate who I park with lol. And yes I do miss tossin chains but ill never miss -20 degrees 30 mph winds and tarping.

 

i hate it when a #### reefer parks next to me.

 

Reefer makes me sleep like a baby.

 

Reefers never bothered me that much, what bothered me was the idiot drivers that parked and bumped their idle up to 2100 rpm and their fan was kicking on an off all night long.

 

i just leave the engine fan on and let her idle.