Were all you flatbedders nervous when you started driving?

Melton will teach you the basics during orientation, you will then learn much more with your trainer. Then you will learn the MOST when you are out on your own. If it makes you nervous, put more securement on it!

 

YUP! Started hauling hay from CO to NM dairies. Had to load our own and unload too. It had to be perfect as the only 4 lane was between Sante FE and Albuquerque. Fune in the summer with no air, winter not so bad as I had coveralls. No sleeper so you slept over the steering wheel. 1 truckstop in Sante Fe, 1 in Alamosa and 1 in Alb.

 

If you are going to training then you know deep down that you can do it , I personally think open decks are easier to back as your line of site is usually better when empty at least , just learn how to protect your straps on sharp edges so they don't get cut and work on doing it rite,you will get quicker at it over time , just try to develop a routine do it the same way every time and before u know it will just be natural , things like not leaving your straps on the ground for a fork lift to drive on , its easier than you think just do t ever get too arigant or proud to learn. You will do fine , take your time , patience and steady work , the tortus and the hare , steady

 

THiS is why I love this site....there's no substitute for real life experience. It's worth it's weight in gold and you pros share it equally and without strings attached.

 

to answer your question in short yes. the thing about it is when you switch from a van to a skateboard to a tanker to a stick trailer it's all a new experience no matter how long you have been driving but a couple things remain the same be careful pay attention check recheck keep some toilet paper available at all times lol you will need it and have fun good luck with your future endeavors

 

Melton will make SURE you're ready. Securement training is an intense, hard core course. I agree with one of the fellows above - an extra chain or strap always made me feel better. What's another ten minutes worth of work when you're talking about dumping a 22 ton coil on somebody's family?

 

Paint your bud bar and winder red, and leave them hanging over the edge all the time... when it happens you will know why.

 

Congrats to u man. I'm glad to hear u finally got plugged on with somebody. I think u gonna be alright with Melton. In fact, I see those guys in my neck of the woods all the time so hometime shouldn't be an issue. Again good luck, and keep us posted.

 

My first load solo after trainer was a 43k 6 foot tall suicide. Holy god, I was sweating bullets every turn and clenched the cheeks every hard brake or big bump. Now 1.5 years later still cautious but it's second nature on how it should sit on trailer and where and how to strap. I hate them elevator loads with a passion. My favorite are the aluminum coils, usually only 2 and throw 6 straps and turn my center tarp sideways and done.

 

Every flatbedder was nervous starting out, and the good ones still get nervous even after years of experience with some loads. I'm not experienced in flatbedding (yet!) as I've only been doing it for 9 months thus far, but I will say that coomon sense and a well developed survival instinct will go far for ya.

Just remember two important facts: 1) there is no such thing as too much securement and 2) ALWAYS respect your freight. Ignore the door swingers when they complain about you taking your time going around a corner or getting up to speed or taking your time through traffic. Most of them barely realize when their freight shifts in the box. If your freight shifts, there is a greater potential of someone getting hurt (or worse).