New to Flatbedding

Stick it out and finish your training. If when its finished and you test out, then make the decision. I would give a try for at least a couple months on your own. You'll learn something new EVERYDAY in trucking so keep that in mind. You'll never know everything you need or want to, but just take things slow and finish what you started!!

Keep in mind too, trucking isn't for everyone. There are so many different aspects to this industry but it's not for everyone! If you feel its not for you, then no harm no foul, but don't give up to early! If you feel your not getting the proper training from your current trainer, request another one or see what the company is willing to do for you! As G/MAN said too, flatbedders are a different breed then van drivers! 99% of flatbedders are willing to answer questions or help you out if you take the time to ask!

Tough it out to make sure it's not what you want, you've already put time and money into it and get your monies worth at least!! GL

 

Like they said, if you feel uncomfortable after 4 weeks, just go into your companies office and tell them you would like a few more weeks of training (with a different trainer) as you would like to fully make sure you get all the info and training you need to be safe and the best driver you can be. I have never heard of a company letting someone go for asking for more help or wanting to be more safe....it's not that you can't drive and your trainer won't flag you to move ahead as a solo, so i doubt they would cut you loose.

just take your time, try to learn as much as you can, and be safe.

 

Thanks for the replies, will stick it out I think flatbedding is the most rewarding of the different kinds of trucking I need to slow down and take it one day at a time the driving and the running dosent bother me I actually love that part of it it is load securment that is bothering me the most, I will keep plugging.

 

I would expect your carrier to tell you this, but if you pick up or deliver coils in Alabama you must be certified. If you are caught the fines are very hefty. You must have the original certification in your possession. It can be done online and costs about $15.00. The test is only 5 questions. I think that not having it in your possession involves a fine of about $5,000 for the driver and $10,000 for the carrier. That is ONLY for coils delivering or picking up in the state of Alabama.

 

ditto what G Man said...take the extra time when securing and tarping your loads cause its well worth the peace of mind not constantly worried about something coming loose.

 

Hawkeye, are you from around manaca or western PA? Lots of places hiring tri-axle water truck drivers if you get fed up with PGT. It's an easy living.

 

Great thread so far. I started flatbedding in Sept of last year. Ive pulled both reefer and flatbed. Could never go back to reefer, too boring. The challenge and pride of the loads are very rewarding. The advice given so far is what I go by. Company I work for says "secure to the legal minimum, then add more for safety".

Still not happy about looking back n seing the load rocking back n forth. lol Its moving with the trailer, but its still just not comforting.

 

Maverick mailed me mine.

 

Hey everybody back after another week, things went a little better this week hauled a bunch of pipe to Welsboro Pa. took another one to Corbin KY, hauled coils to Jeffersonville IN 2 loads of Aluminum Ingots from Hausevillle Ky. I am getting to see how my trainer politics for good loads it is suppose to be forced dispatched but all these guys manuver and kiss ### play two ends from the middle to get the best ones its like peyton place LOL! We had an opportunity to take pipe to Houston TX. with a back haul to Pittsburgh paid $4000 to the truck or from Pittsburgh PA to Welsboro $1500 to the truck, he is hoping to get 3 loads to Welsoro stay in the area make more money, I wanted to go to TX. I neeed to be hauling more coils though. pipe is pretty strait foward.

Logan76 I live near Reading PA. give me more info on hauling water to drill sites might be interested.

 

commen sense will get you along way,