Flatbed division question

I drive van for Roehl now. I called the Director for Roehl flatbed to see about switching over. Since I live in Fl they aren't switching fleets. I met a few flatbed drivers this past week and had me wanting to switch. He also said that they are opening a flatbed terminal in Birmingham in a month or so. It's worth giving them a call.

 

We do a good amount of tarping but you're not too old to flatbed unless you feel like you are.


Joe

 

I don't hardly ever have to tarp. But I hear some people do alot. Flatbed isn't that bad anyway. The only parts that I think are difficult at times is getting the tarps to fit in the boxes if they're not folded just right, and climbing up on top of some loads that are wrapped in plastic sheeting so you can tarp it. And I've seen some guys way older than 54 out flatbedding.

 

I'm 50 and won't pull anything but a open deck, unless of course it is a load home, for that I would even pull a refer.

 

sellout! lol


Joe

 

psh I rather deadhead home than pull anything but a open deck.

 

I am just a couple years younger than you & have no problem with the physical requirements of flatbedding. I don't mind the tarping or climbing on loads. Lots of sweating sometimes, especially in the summer and even occasionally in freezing weather. I'd estimate maybe 65% of my loads require tarps. I really could not see me doing anything other than flatbed.

Seems like some of the best weeks pay-wise have been the ones where I do about 300-400 miles in a day and load/unload each day with a tarp event at each end.

 

How do the work hours unfold when comparing flat bed to van?
Dose a flatbed driver typically see more "day light" operating or typically see more night to very early morning (just after midnight) operating schedules?

Flatbed drivers seem to be very dedicated to their sector and defend it nicely...

 

I do van, and majority of my time is daylight. I try very hard to make my schedule work that way, doesn't work all the time, have those evening pick ups sometimes, but I would say better than 80% I drive in the day. I try to start my day around 4-5 am. Flats are usually delivering to construction sites or the like places that are open during the day most day driving. Reefers are the night guys, grocery warehouses often have 2-3 am appts etc. just from my own experience, I'm sure a skateboarder will pop on and give better insight.