Any Suggestions

I think you are over thinking it, I think you will be just fine, There will be publications as to what you will be learning, This stuff will help you. Watch what others are doing, Go to a truck stop and flag down a flat bedder and talk to him, if he doesn't want to talk the next one over will. I think looking around here would do a lot of good. There have been post of "Would you have loaded it this way?" Those help me and I pull a box, But if I ever need that it is there. Just learn everything you can, they should know you are coming in new to chaining!

 

lovtotruck made a good point. if you don't know. ask the shipper.

i just simply tell them i've never hauled this before. how's it done? and if i'm unsure about chains or straps also.

sometimes you think you can chain when you can't. sometimes you think you can strap and they want chains.

 

If you can strap you can chain. Keep your face away from snap binders and you will be just fine.

 

Ask questions. Lots of them. Park beside other flatdeckers and study what they do. Watch other trucks go by and see how they tarp, you'll see plenty of examples of what NOT to do as well.

Coveralls, steel toes, safety glasses. Always.

Welcome to the best segment in the industry.

 

Almost got me misty-eyed.

Anyways, the company will give you the company swag, tees and ballcaps, wear them. It will help others to identify you as you start out. You will see some people walking around in wifebeaters, flip flops, and sweatpants or even pajama bottoms, looking like something out of a child's nightmare. We work for a living and we get dirty...that we can be proud of. Just clean up before going into a restaurant, okay?

See you out on the bigroad.

 

this X2. i do this all the time. even when i get passed going down the road. learn something new all the time

 

In most cases, chaines are worth 6666 pounds (check the strength of the weakest link (no pun intended) which may be the binders). A 4" strap is worth 5400 pounds. Discard any with damage. You also need to have enough by length. Metal loads require securment every 4 feet, lumber i 8, and other stuff is 10'. Always x strap or build a bulkhead in the from to the load to prevent forward movement. Anything with breaks in it (like pallets or insulation) should have atleast 2 straps on first bundle, 2 on last, and one on all the middle ones. If heave or big bundles use more. Use edge protectors when necessary to protect straps or product. Use choke straps on long bar stock. use belly straps on multi tiered loads. You will get the hang of it, its not rocket science. these are TMC regulations I posted here, and they are a bit overkill, but you can over secure all you want. You can under secure only once. TMC drivers generaly know what they are doing and are normally happy to help if you have questions on securment. look for the guys with the orange safty triangle.

 

I don't recommend this to others but I just close my eyes and pray to god that he is watching over me and that I will get from A to B safely. It hasn't failed me so far but I make it to church on a regular basis so I figure I'm in his good graces.