physical requirements for flats

Well, Sir, You don't have to be in combat shape to flatbed. The most physical aspect of flatbedding is tarping the load in inclement weather. Basically, if you have use of all your limbs, and can climb a little, have average upper body strength, and a better than average capacity for common sense, you will have no trouble flatbedding. I'd stay the hell away from anybody who would base a hiring decision on how fast you can secure and tarp. In actuality, it takes a little time to do it right.

 

my tarps weigh 70 pounds. i don't think i could lift and maneuver 120 lbs.

 

Good balance is also good. A flatbed driver ain't no good falling off the load or deck.

 

When you show up for orientation or RDTC whatever one you are doing, and it comes time for the test, they will take your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight/height to establish a base line. After each exercise the will check your heart rate again. They have a pre established rate that you can not exceed for your height/weight/age. As far as the exercises you will preform for flatbed, you will pick up a steel tarp approx. 60 pounds and carry it 48' turn around and carry it back. You will climb to the top of a 16' ladder, you will pull on some kind of weight device simulating landing gear on a trailer. you have to be able to pull a certain amount of weight and hold it for like 5 seconds, I cant remember, but its not hard there are some other things like squatting under a trailer and lifting a 50 lb bag above your head but its all easy if your some what in shape

 

For what it's worth, I've come across lumber tarps that are well-north of 100 lbs. Fortunately they don't make you carry one of those on the test where they monitor heart rate.