newbie for flatbed no training

Like the others said you will generally be loading with others to ask. The shippers 99% of the time will give you an idea. You will never get a ticket for too much securement. If you have read up on securement rules you have a good idea. Double check and don't forget to within the first 25-50 miles no matter how tight you started stuff moves and loosens. Ask yourself when you are done securing "would I want my family riding next to this load"?

 

Just remember the back tarp goes on first, so the front tarp overlaps the back one. Air flowing down the load will not be able to get under the back tarp that way. When you button up the front, pull the sides in first, across the front of the load, then bring the flap (drop) down over the whole area. Otherwise, the air will get inside the front of the tarp, and blow it out like a parachute. The back end is the exact opposite. Bring the drop down first, and secure it, then pull the sides around over the flap.

 

remember on heavy loads try to keep it center on the trailer most trailers the signal light on the side of the trailers marks center 5th wheel all the way back this should help with weight distribution

remember most states are 12k on the steers 34k on the drives and if u run a spread axle trailer 40k on the trailer

you can never use to many straps/binders/bungies

tarp like stated above

on sharp edges make sure u have strap and tarp protection so the object will not cut ur straps

on tall loads take it easy around corners ESPECIALLY with pipe or lumber

remember a flapping tarp will destroy itself so make sure ur tarp is tight

most OTR flats are 102" wide anything over the rub rail is considered OVERSIZED meaning u need permits even if its over .5 of an inch

when tighting ur binder if they are snap always do it from the ground unless it is impossible and pull toward you making sure if the bar slips out of ur hands or u slip the bar flys AWAY from you

never jump from a trailer this is a workers comp case waiting to happen

always have firm footing when ANYWHERE near or on a flatbed

carry a small ladder with u leave the monkeying to the monkeys

 

Wow. The lack of confidence is scaring me. OP, you may be better off to try a good traing flatbed company like Melton. They go overboard with securment but theres no such thing as to much in load securement and making it DOT legal and safe. No one load will ever secure exactly the same. Theres no room for error in skatebordin'. The weather will be very trying as it is by no means easy work. I could go on and on about different types of loads and securment and proper tarping but I'm sure these guys will help because I would be here all night. Good luck and stay safe.

Oh and be careful when bunjees are wet. They hurt but not near as bad as your own fist againest your jaw or throat like you just got hit in a knock down drag out kinda fight!

 

Agree completely, i run through gloves like tp.

 

@skunk_truck_2590. Your quote, ("Capitalisim- The greater of all evil."), is quite entertaining to me. You apparantly drive a truck, in a capitalist country, you profit in a capitalist country and talk in a capitalist country. The forum that you frequent is a capitalist creation and you benefit daily at truck stops which are all capitalist run. However, you deem it necessary to let the whole world know that you think capitalism is evil.


Adam Smith FTW

 

And whats wrong with evil? He did say it was greater, didnt he? WpanAtiesD