starting in a flatbed

For starters... Some HARD WORK ethics! LOL. Good luck Man! You'll love it.

 

Chains (8 at least), 4" straps (12-15), 2" Straps (at least 2), 8 binders (either ratchet or over-center-cam binders), J-hooks (if not using the rub-rail), winch bar aka "cheater" bar, 12-16 rubberized metal edge protectors, about 6-10 rubber beltings, 8 8' beveled lumber, 4 4' beveled lumber, two steel tarps, 2 lumber tarps, good idea to have 2-3 canvas tarps too to protect your vinyl tarps, about 70-100 bungees, vee-boards are nice for protecting your straps against sharp edges, like 12-16 coil racks, pipe stakes, 2-3 friction mats, several 1' vertical blocks,and one can of PB Blaster. I am probably forgetting some things but will add if I think of more.

 

I'm assuming the company will be providing some tarps, chains, straps, and any other necessary equipment you will need for securing a load properly to the companies standards. However, I'd recommend going out a buying some extra pairs of chains, straps, and tarps to keep (if you have some room). Hopefully you will have some binders. Spacers and racks if required.

If you have storage for 2 by 4s, bring them.

I'd highly recommend going out and buying a strong pair of gloves that you personally like. You will be hauling some freight that will require far more effort to secure than a typical van job and I've seen some nasty cuts from people that forgot to protect themselves.

Aside from more of the obvious things above, a good positive attitude and hardworking nature will send you far with a flatbed company.

 

Work gloves; I usually get them by the package at places like Lowes, Home Depot.
Steel toed work boots.

 

Items also to grab. Rain coat or wet weather coverage for yourself. At least one cap to keep from sunburning your head. A push broom with unscrew handle for seperation to store easy. Gloves you should have leather as well as a pair of coated or dipped pair of gloves. They help in the rain when your leather pair become soaked if used. A roll of rope, it will help.
http://www.toolprice.com/media/img/usfreight/W70-H70-Bffffff/9276g50ftruckerrope.jpg

Figure out your own rhythm, most drivers have a core bunch of items. Adding and subtracting items as you do or don't use them.

A must is long pants and a long slave shirt, safety vest,safety glasses and hard hat.

I don't know how many times at a mill. Steel or lumber, the shipper turns drivers away due to wardrobe. ( flip flops& shorts)

 

Hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, hearing protection, and a high-visibility vest. (Someone else already mentioned steel-toed boots, composite-toed are good also.) Many shippers and receivers will not let you on their dock or loading area without wearing at least some of these, in some cases all of them. Also I have been to some places that require you to have a chin strap for your hard hat.

 

Kevlar sleeves are required at some steel mills too, might want to grab a good pair of those also.