Van O/O to Flatbed

there's a lot to learn to flatbedding. the bigger problem is that not everyone can absorb such information so fast.

the best way to learn though is by actually being out there and doing it. the best way to start is to work regional. with companies that haul the same crap over and over.

out here in the west i've worked for 2 companies. they both haul mainly wood, sheetrock, structural steel and rebar. and cars. don't ask me how they survive. cuz the rates are just downright pathetic.

i now work for a company where i haul different stuff now. no more wood, sheetrock, steel, and cars. but the best part, is no more tarp. unless that type of load gets picked. i had to work 2 years before i could get this job though. and it was a looooong 2 years. but now i get to learn new things. and spread my wings to the east coast more.

 

Mercer takes on van drivers for flatbed, has a one day securement class and will rent you the trailer.

 

If I was you since you are already with CRST I would tell them that you are considering making the change and would like to sit in on the class ... It was like two days and its ok...any class you go through really just gives you the basics you don't get real world experience until you get out there on your own. Other drivers and common sense helps a lot

I know Landstar also offers securement training, and if you do a google there is a 3 day securement training course near Columbus,OH if I remember right it was around $500 but they may go more in depth for you

 

too much of flatbedding is using your head to tie stuff down. It's not something that can be taught in 1-5 days. Too many differences in loads.

You have basic lumber, steel, coil, pipe loads, but so much other stuff too.

And NO, I am not brushing off the seriousness of it. I ran a flatbed for a year before I went to reefer. If in doubt, throw more straps or chains. You can never over-secure.

One thing I will stress is getting a keen eye for sharp edges and how to protect for them. HDPE sheeting and heavy leather are best for protection.

 

Alot of other drivers are willing to help you, all you have to do is ask.

a little bit of common sense goes a long ways, between common sense and the help of other drivers and the Shippers you should be fine...

If you own your truck and want to get away from CRST, just go...make the change, take the one day class, and get to work.

you can never have too much securement...good luck.

 

I'm also considering making the switch from van to flatbed. I might take the one week course and 50 hour behind the wheel training with my current company. Seems like the better rates are in flatbed. My question is drop deck or flatbed? Which has better rates or available freight?

Regarding securement, seems like the adage follows the old, "You can go downhill too slow a thousand times, and too fast only once".... "You can secure too much a thousand times, and under secure only once"....

 

Keep us posted on your progress, ridgerunner. It will be interesting to follow your "conversion".