Newbie Flatbed Questions

It sounds like you could stand some man's work for once in your life. Do it. You'll be glad you did.

 

You find ways to work smarter. Letting forklift guy place the tarps on the load. Rope on the D rings to help move the tarp. Rolling the tarp towards you storage box. Things like that.

The one thing you will see about flatbed vs van is most flatbed drivers will always help another flatbed driver. Company name on door does not matter.

 

ALWAYS ask if you aren't sure, or need a hand.
I have been turned down one time in 24yrs, by a Heckle driver. It's OK though, the forklift guy came out and put the tarp up top for me and made that idiot wait God knows how long when I said I was sorry to bother him and that the Heckle driver turned me down claiming to be "busy"

Martin

 

Tarping and flatbedding or heavy haul is not to bad, but then you will days like we did Sat. Wait 9 hours to load.
Then it rains and was a mud pit. Then tarping the ld.
My wife stands 5' nothing. I will carry the tarps and she helps roll out.
Like she says and others have stated. Work smart not harder

 

If you're worried about physical shape, go see your doctor for a checkup and tell him what you plan on doing. I'd recommend some physical activity and some weightlifting. I'm doing some barbell squats, and I can't even tell you how much this helps with our job. It helps balance, lifting, your core (abs) and your back all at once.

Also you can get lighter tarps. I have a four piece system made out of 13 oz material. The tarps are around 60-70 lbs each and are relatively easy to handle.

 

Where is home Triumph?? There might be better companies to go work for than Melton

 

What he said.

After awhile, you learn your equipment, the trailer and the tarps. The thing you don't want to do is roll a tarp out and then realize that you have to turn it atop the load. Some of our loads will take 6 or more tarps to cover. Big tarp job, high temps outside? It may take a day. I'll get done, leave the load there, and go find me a shower. You don't want to get dizzy 15-16 ft above ground.

 

Flatbed is not that difficult. I'm 46, 6' tall and 300 lbs, severally out of shape. I manage just fine.

Right now (Think weather) is probably the best time of year to start flat bedding. You'll get a good idea if this is a good fit for you.

The first few months will be the most difficult as it will be a learning curve. You will probably have moments where you get frustrated and wonder what you got yourself into. If you have some fortitude and with a little bit of stubbornness you can push through it. Once you discover and learn 80% of the shortcuts and secrets to this part of trucking,.. the rest will come with ease.

I highly recommend trying step deck if they offer those. You should end up with less tarp loads, but you will do some more technical and taller loads. As long as you drive with some sense they shouldnt be a problem.

Best of luck to you.

Hurst

 

I wouldn't worry about the cold. I'll strap chain and tarp in the cold way before the heat of summer. You can always put clothes on you can only take so many off.