Possible move from Van to Flatbed. What are the differences?

i also find that i achieve a zen-like meditative state while arranging my bungees in the most artful fashion. eventually my heart rate slows and the world fades to a small pinpoint in the the distance of my inner vision.

at that point i know that i am one with my tarps.

 

Here's a piece of advice if you come over to flatbed: buy a strap winder before you come over.

I just finished doing 12 days with my trainer and then 4 days of Phase 3 hauling loads on my own. My trainer had a strap winder, and life was good -- I really enjoyed the workout throwing straps, chains and yes even tarps. (Well, maybe saying "enjoyed" the tarps is going too far but it wasn't horrible.) Going out on my own, I, of course, did not have a strap winder (they aren't provided as part of your flatbed equipment that the company issues you). Let me tell you... Oh. My. God. After you've rolled up your 15th strap by hand (worse when they are wet), you'd sell one of your kidneys on the spot in order to get a strap winder. Not only the work, but the sheer amount of time it takes vs. if you have a strap winder. I'm home on my first hometime now and it's one of the first things I am buying.

 

I was a van driver at my last company before working at Roehl as a flatbedder. You couldn't pay me enough to go back and be a door swinger again!! Nothing better than flats!!

 

Hey! We have to sweep those out once in a while too.
Why do you like flatbed...exercise, something besides driving, different loads or locations or $'s?

 

Usually no specific appt time, not dealing with jerk receiving dc's, usually happy to see you when you get there.

 

For me it's all about the exercise, and how every load securement is a bit different and thus a puzzle to be solved. On balance the money is probably equal or perhaps even a bit less (?) because of all the time spent doing securement and tarping and the reverse, especially on short runs (lower ℅ driving vs. securement/tarping).

 

Once you settle in it'll be more than van. From what I've read and heard you'll get the tarping and securement time down as in less time, maybe get some good runs or even oversize load that pays well. Just takes time besides just driving having the securement and all that to deal with. I give it up to our tarp stretchers but doesn't make me want to do it either. I can respect it though and pulling army equipment or bobcats is bad ###. Can't think of a interesting van load I've had, I got lawn mowers on now, 29 of them, does that count? Lol j/k

 

Because all the cool kids are doing it.

 

I'm sweaty, I smell bad, my whole body aches......but hot #### look at that sweet ##### tarp job.....cha ching!