flatbed driving: for guys only?

Thanks!

I'm going to Watkins & Shepard. They have a flatbed division, but you have to have experience. I'll be pulling a van/box trailer and I'll look into flatbed sometime down the line. There doesn't seem to be any other flatbed company that requires you to lift the 120 pound tarp. I had offers from PGT and TMC... and I chose wrong. I called PGT after I left TMC, but they didn't have any open slots in orientation right away, but W&S did. I think Watkins and Shepard will be a good place for me.

 

You have no experience at all? Last I heard, Melton only required 2 months.....

 

None. I've had my CDL for about two weeks.

 

Sure seems like you're determined to get behind the wheel. You won't have any trouble once you find the right fit.

 

And if I really like the company I'm going to, they have a flatbed division that I can apply to after I've got some experience under my belt.

Thank you for the kind words.

 

Its a wonder they dont have drivers injured in orientation trying that stupid idea of getting on the trailer from the side!! Maverick teaches you the proper way to get on the trailer and its not from the side!! You will have to climb "Mt Maverick" which is a simulated lumber load but they allow you to use two tarps as steps to make the climb easier. We have had guys weighing 300lbs make that climb.

 

Last female I knew that did flatbed ended up on bed rest for 3 broken rib's. She let the braker bar get the best of her. Didnt weigh more than 120lbs id say.

 

That is exactly what I thought... especially since the "essential job functions" test is overseen by a physical therapist who grades you on how safely you can lift the tarp and perform the other tasks.

 

I don't know how I've flatbedded for this long and not been able to do "essential job functions". I'm glad I don't drive for TMC since they'd be rather irate with me since I work smarter, not harder.

Putting tarps on your deck: Set rolled tarp on end (vertically) and, using your knee as a fulcrum, tip the tarp so you are carrying it at your waist. Hoist one end of the tarp on the deck (the hard part) and then push the end you are holding up and onto the deck.

I have always used a tire or catwalk to get on the deck. I don't think I've ever seen someone hoist themselves up without using a step of some kind, except on some unusual loads of course.

 

Oh, I know there are smarter, more creative ways I could have gotten the tarp on the truck... but you have to squat down, and lift it up and then hitch it onto your shoulder. There is no leeway in the test for how to lift the tarp. They even said that more than 95% of the time, the forklift driver lifts the tarp for you.

I'm still interested in pulling flatbed in the future though.