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alright, time for me to jump the fence

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by luthoro, Mar 18, 2012.

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  1. Mar 18, 2012 #1
    luthoro

    luthoro Light Load Member

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    Dont give me a lot of hell guys, but I only have about 4 months seat time as a dry van driver on a dedicated account...

    but I'm money hungry and so I've made the switch to lower 48 flatbed. The company put me through extra extended load securement training since I had no flatbed experience but I'm done with their class now and picking up my truck and presumably my first load tomorrow.

    I'm a little nervous, not gonna lie. Any tips from you experience flatbedders?
     
    luthoro, Mar 18, 2012
    luthoro, Mar 18, 2012
    #1
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  3. Mar 18, 2012 #2
    MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    double check everything before you roll.

    Take it easy the first 50 miles. Then double check everything again.

    If your straps are damaged, just replace them.

    Same with chains.

    If you think it needs another chain, but aren't sure. Put it on.

    Just because it doesn't look sharp, doesn't mean it isn't if it's going to be rubbed on for 1000 miles.
     
    MNdriver, Mar 18, 2012
    MNdriver, Mar 18, 2012
    #2
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  4. Mar 18, 2012 #3
    MJ1657

    MJ1657 Road Train Member

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    Ask other flat bedders questions. Seems like flat bedders will go out of their way to help each other. Also don't be afraid to ask shippers how others have secured loads.

    Don't be afraid to oversecure a load. A couple extra minutes throwing some extra chains or straps is easily made up by not having to stop and check your load as often.
     
    MJ1657, Mar 18, 2012
    MJ1657, Mar 18, 2012
    #3
    luthoro, SHC and Mommas_money_maker Thank this.
  5. Mar 18, 2012 #4
    ChiefNC

    ChiefNC Bobtail Member

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    Put on the minimum securements... then one or two more. lol
     
    ChiefNC, Mar 18, 2012
    ChiefNC, Mar 18, 2012
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  7. Mar 18, 2012 #5
    MJ1657

    MJ1657 Road Train Member

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    If your'e doing any tarping carpet squares and 3/4" roofing nails are very handy.
     
    MJ1657, Mar 18, 2012
    MJ1657, Mar 18, 2012
    #5
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  8. Mar 18, 2012 #6
    MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    you can make a lot of tie downs with rope in your d-rings and a couple of bungees on only one end to tighten it up.
     
    MNdriver, Mar 18, 2012
    MNdriver, Mar 18, 2012
    #6
  9. Mar 18, 2012 #7
    luthoro

    luthoro Light Load Member

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    to be honest im not sure if i've got enough physical strength to do this without killing myself is the problem...they had us lift a rolled up tarp onto a trailer deck from the ground 3x in a row and it took every iota of strength i had to do that...course it had been raining all morning but still.
     
    luthoro, Mar 18, 2012
    luthoro, Mar 18, 2012
    #7
  10. Mar 18, 2012 #8
    MJ1657

    MJ1657 Road Train Member

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    Most of the time you can get your tarp put on your load by a forklift.

    Show up on time, be courteous and show your shipper that your'e there to stay out of their way and do a good job. If you do those things most of the time they will help you if you need it.
     
    MJ1657, Mar 18, 2012
    MJ1657, Mar 18, 2012
    #8
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  11. Mar 18, 2012 #9
    MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    Give it time, you will...

    Don't expect to be able to lug this stuff around long. A tarp is over 100 lbs dry. Add the water to it and it's gonna be well over 200.

    Chains aren't light either. I remember adding them up to like 35 lbs each at 12 to the truck. Close to 400lbs to the vehicle.

    All said and done, you have close to 2000 lbs in tie-down equipment going there.

    SO how much do you think you can lift at one time?

    I would even go with a fork to set the tarps on top of the load again. And am not exactly uncapable of lifting these things.
     
    MNdriver, Mar 18, 2012
    MNdriver, Mar 18, 2012
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  12. Mar 18, 2012 #10
    skellr

    skellr Road Train Member

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    Secure the load to withstand the unexpected. Would you be ok if you had to stand on the brakes?

    Someone somewhere is pulling a camp trailer with a car @ 20mph just around some corner. :violent3:


    I think you'll be ok and It will get easier .
     
    skellr, Mar 18, 2012
    skellr, Mar 18, 2012
    #10
    luthoro Thanks this.
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