"Do not ever drive flatbed"

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by norb5150, Jul 5, 2013.

  1. MJ1657

    MJ1657 Road Train Member

    7,521
    50,150
    Jan 28, 2012
    Isanti, MN
    0
    I use a two foot step ladder and I have one of them little giant type ladders.

    Ladders are much less dangerous then trying to climb around like a monkey on a load.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. How much experience do you have. Besides school?
     
  4. jxu417

    jxu417 Road Train Member

    2,145
    958
    Oct 16, 2011
    Midwestern OH
    0
    Every flatbedder takes looks at his load as we go down the road. It would be irresponsible to not keep an eye on it as we go- and to not stop occasionally for load checks.
     
    Criminey Jade and Weeble Kneeble Thank this.
  5. Skateboarders do help each other. The older drivers should and have schooled to up and coming new flatbedders. I've helped flag while another driver was unloading with a forklift on a busy street. I will help where and when I can. Even on the side of a busy highway.
     
    Weeble Kneeble and jxu417 Thank this.
  6. A ladder will help a lot. Depending on your load. If you have to throw tarps then strap. I suggest invest in some blankets to cover load and protect your tarps from the sharp edges.

    While strapping and using dunage strap close to your dunage to keep it tight to bed. And by all means. Check your straps and chains often. I don't care what others on here say. About only one time tightening. Your bed will flex, chains and straps stretch. So check your straps make it a habit.

    And your load of sticks. It never hurts to throw more straps than needed till you get more comfortable with your loads. 2" ratchet straps are another item to have. You can use your 2" ratchets to go over your tarp when its windy. Bungies can and will break. 2" come in handy in a pinch.

    While your out driving take picture of other flatbed loads and how they tarp and strap loads. And if you need to ask a flatbedder a question, it never hurts to ask. Worst case he could say no. But on other hand he could answer you question , and give you pointers.
     
    Weeble Kneeble and Criminey Jade Thank this.
  7. The Bird

    The Bird Medium Load Member

    386
    268
    Apr 10, 2012
    White Rock, NM
    0
    Secure first, then tarp if you're hauling lumber. About the only thing I put straps on the outside of is insulation board. I usually put an extra strap over the first lift since lumber can shift forward if you grenade the brakes.

    The trick to throwing straps flat is practice. Everyone does it differently, but gets the same results. I throw mine like a baseball.

    Never used a ladder, unless required by the shipper. I've never had a problem scaling loads, my students say I'm a monkey :). Of course, here I sit with a broken ankle I got while getting down off the catwalk... I even climbed a strap up an insulation board load once, my trail tarp was peeling back.

    You'll find yourself in your mirrors alot more than a van driver. I'm constantly checking my load. At night, look when you're passing street lights. I also try to look when on a curve in the road since you get a better look as to what's going on back there.

    I always try to help other drivers with their tarps, especially if they are ahead of me in line to unload. It's just good Karma.
     
  8. Weeble Kneeble

    Weeble Kneeble Heavy Load Member

    947
    837
    Jun 10, 2012
    Rip City
    0
    I just made the switch to open deck a little over a week ago, and while it is more physically and mentally challenging than dragging a box around, it is much more rewarding when you deliver your load in one piece.

    I'll be dropping off a couple of coils in your neck of the woods Bird man. Tarping these things with lumber tarps in Fontana kicked my butt lol. But it felt good after, not gonna lie.
     
  9. The Bird

    The Bird Medium Load Member

    386
    268
    Apr 10, 2012
    White Rock, NM
    0
    Where did you pick up? Probably been there since my main route is between Seattle, LA and Denver.

    The trick to lumber tarps on suicide coils is to put the front edge of the tarp at the top (if not a little behind) of the coil and do those front/inside bungies first. Then go to the rear and pull it tight. Fold up your sides and fold the excess rear tarp in 2' sections (folding underneath) and then put your other tarp on top of the folded section. Push the folded sections and tarp tight up against the back of the coil. Do your side bungies and then strap down your other tarp at the back. When doing your front flap, run the bottom bungie under the front chain so it can't ride up. Finally, run a bungie (usually 2 hooked together) around the front of the coil to keep the tarp up against the bottom of the coil. Also do this for the rear.

    Be aware that often as your running buniges on one side of the load, you're pulling the tarp off center. To prevent this, put 1 or 2 bungies on one side and then bungie up the other side. This will keep your tarp centered.

    Make sure you stop and check your chains once you get out of LA. The nasty roads in LA can really loosen them up.
     
    Weeble Kneeble and Criminey Jade Thank this.
  10. Weeble Kneeble

    Weeble Kneeble Heavy Load Member

    947
    837
    Jun 10, 2012
    Rip City
    0
    I appreciate the info Bird. I picked up at California Steel and delivered at Reliance Metals, undamaged. Time for the next challenge.
     
    The Bird Thanks this.
  11. killerkeith

    killerkeith Bobtail Member

    5
    2
    Jan 24, 2013
    Cambridge ON
    0
    Thought I'd chime in. I'm only 3 months in and I really love flatbedding. I've had some challenging loads but I'm not shy about asking for help in how to secure that particular load. My company also pulls vans so it's really werid pulling 48' for 3 weeks then having to take a 53' van for a week. It's hard work, but that's what I signed up for. As a result I'm down about 10lbs!
     
    Weeble Kneeble and The Bird Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.