Switching over to flatbed?

I'm not sure how much previous driving experience they require for it, but my company sent experienced drivers out without a trainer after 2 weeks (I think) of securement training/orientation.

 

My load securement training consisted of "You're a smart kid, you'll figure it out. Call me with any questions." I managed to drag around a flatbed for 3 years with no trouble.

I had around 6 months experience working for a logging company at that point. Never have and never will work for a large outfit.

It isn't rocket science. When in doubt, remember that there's no such thing as an over-secured load.

 

That's really the best training, stand back and look at the load, it will show you how it needs to be secured. As far as nasty and hard work, it may be at first, but once you find your way of doing it, you won't be working against your self and it becomes very routine.

 

Tmc has a good class. All need is a little common sense. Remember over kill on chains or strap is not a bad idea.

 

BTC is a good place to work. Pretty straight forward, in my 2 years there, they did what they said. Always worked to get you home on time, I remember one time, I was over 300 miles to home and had to be there for a medical test. After one load that would have worked canceled, they just told me to dead-head home. I was grateful of course, then more so, when I was actually paid for the miles. Pretty steady on the freight, and really, as long as you did your part, they would as well. More really good examples to share, but what you should do is talk to them and listen to what they have to say. I think you will be pleased. Of course, there are always things you may not like, but overall, the good FAR out weighs the bad. Both years there I made over $50,000, staying out 10 days and being home 3 or 4. I'd still be there except for this cushy local job I found. Good Luck, F/B is more work, but you'll notice the difference in your pay envelope.

 

I didnt get any training either when came back out on the road after hauling dirt for 10 years. But my first 2 companies didnt haul anything fancy..just.the basic cheap.tarped loads. Wood, sheetrock, steel, cars. Not much but it got my foot in the door for more sophisticated stuff I haul now. Training would have been nice as it's been a lot to learn..would have saved me money from citations also.

 

Load securement knowing how to strap properly is understated in many of these replies. Additionally the flat bed split rear axle and when loaded haul differently than a dry van. With a dry van you might hear the load shift but how many open the doors and check? It's a bit discomforting to hear how many flat bed drivers haven't had proper load securement training. It's well worth it to get with a good flatbed company where the training is first class. Makes for a more enjoyable experience, decreased chance for citations, and get there and home safely. stay safe

 

I never had any training but then the regulations are pretty easy to understand. With a little common sense and some observation you do not need the training.

 

You are right, but I'm 38 and one thin I've learned through the years is that common sense is not that common.