Newbie Flatbed Questions

They pivot in the spot between the two axles if you don't have a lift or dump valve. When the trailer is loaded, this will vary based on which axle has more weight on it, so you'll probably be all over the place for a while figuring it out. A 90 degree back is not really an option unless you really like being in the tire shop or you're backing on loose dirt on top of hardpan (they dig a mean hole in asphalt when it gets hot, and you don't want to see how deep they can dig themselves in the mud). The nice thing about 48' spreads is there is no tail swing. Just watch that inside line, and you'll be no more than 102" to the outside no matter what. Just get the back end pointed where you want to go, and get under it before you go over that inside line.

Once you figure it out, a 48' spread is just about the easiest thing to back, and though I don't do it often for safety reasons, I can do a 45 degree back with my foot to the floor because once you figure it out, it really is as simple as "just watch one side".

 

Excellent thread,,,seem to be finding a lot of those.

I was going to start my own, asking if anyone wanted to give me any advice, since I will be pulling a step in about 3 weeks, if all goes well. I pulled a flat in 2011 for TMC and loved the work, once I got over the learning curve that is. Just when I started to love it, I got hurt at drill. I have missed it ever since..

So, if anyone wants to give me any good advice, feel free...thanks

Also, anyone know how the OP is doing?

 

I'm 5'6" and about 140lbs if I'm soaking wet, haven't gone to the bathroom for 2 weeks, and just cleared out the buffet at the TS. I've yet to run into the load I couldn't secure or tarp. Now, that being said, it does often take me a little more time to get the job done. But, you learn tricks about handling tarps and stuff that bigger guys don't use because they can just throw the stuff around. Us skinny guys have to work a bit smarter. If you are in bad shape it could take a month or two to get acclimated to the work. Less time of course the better shape you are in. As for doing the work in sub-zero temps as long as you have a decent set of gloves, a decent winter hat, some decent work boots and some kind of winter suit, the temps aren't really that bad of an issue as you'll often be working hard enough to stay warm. Just remember to dress in layers so you can peel stuff off to avoid overheating. Oddly enough, especially during winter, the biggest weather enemy we have is not cold but wind. Well, after rain of course (if its a tarp load especially.) Wind will ruin your attempts to throw straps, take tarps for a ride (along with you if you hold on) and just generally do what it can to keep you from doing your job. I'll take a 20 below day over a really windy spring day for strapping/tarping a load any time.

I had to laugh though, soon as you said "tarp 80% of the loads" I knew you were talking about Melton. That's where I started my flatbed career too. For being a larger carrier, they are definitely a good bunch of people. When I was there they had nice trucks and trailers and just about everyone I met was cool. If they paid more for experience I'd seriously think about going back, but for cutting your teeth in the flat bed world I'd say they are one of the best for it. Good luck to ya driver!

 

Drac,

I'll grant you that I am fresh out of CDL school myself, but just remember two things.

1) If you are straight line backing a tractor with trailer, doesn't matter if it's a box or flatbed, then when you are looking in your mirror and you're backing....if the trailer drifts left, turn left to push it back...only a quarter of a turn on the wheel at a time (from the 1200 position).

2) If you want to 'force' a trailer in a particular direction, turn in the opposite direction.

So,
Drifting (when backing) turn in the direction of the drift to correct.
Forcing (when backing) turn in the opposite direction you want it to go.

Just try it...it'll work. Practice in reverse with nothing around you....you'll see what I mean.

 

Melton offered you .42 CPM with just 2 years, I drive for Melton, it use to be 5 years to get .42 CPM at start

 

Hey, it worked. Monday morning there was a flatbed blocking our only active dock and no one else wanted to jump in the rig and move it .They had all kind of excuses for not doing it. If I'd have heard "It's someone else's truck," one more time I was gonna punch somebody. Remembering everything I had read here I jumped in the rig and fired it up.

I took it slow and only hadda pull up once to reset myself. So thanks to everyone that responded for all the advice..

 

Well I had a road test last week pulling an empty spreader axle. It was not as bad as I thought it would be.. Didn't roll over any curbs, cars or people.

The examiner was surprised that I had not been behind the wheel in over a year.. He paid me the highest comliment I have had so far.

I asked him how I did.

"Yeah, you're a driver." was all he said....

 

hi all....looking for some opinions on buying a tractor for flatbedding. I'm new to the business and not sure if I should buy my own or continue to hustle for a %. I see what the truck makes in a week and think that would be nice to put in my own pocket. so my question is....should I buy my own truck and which one should I be looking at. I do all daywork now and into NYC a lot. so I don't want anything to big but something powerful to pull the weight.

 

You see what the truck makes, do you see what it costs to keep it on the road? Insurance, dot, maintanace, permits, fuel, and more. Be sure you can make it all work, thwn go to the O/O thread and ask around for advice

 

thanks for the reply