New to flatbed

Only to get another run at it.

 

Tri axles are going to turn differently than a spread. We have an easier time backing our 53' quad than the guys with a 48' spread. After pulling the beams for the last 3 months, a 53' trailer feels like a pup.

 

Try not to back up on a 90 degrees if loaded. you might damage the trailer axles just beacause they are spreaded. Keep wheels rolling backwards at all time DONT slide them. Anything else is the same. Good luck.

 

Dump the air out of the back axle before backing. Then it will swivel just like a short single axle trailer.

 

That wouldnt be a good idea ona road test

 

Really? Showing the guy that hires you that you know how to operate his equipment without tearing the axle out from under the trailer isn't a good idea?

 

Or show him how you are going to take 40k and put it on a 20k axle.

 

That is just not the way. I did flatbeds for 2 years and never saw anyone doing that like i said its not the way. Best advice, ask if you can do that first they might consider it cheating.

 

Company driver or lease?

If lease, they're going to throw you to the wolves. Mileage contact or percentage? If you are on a mileage contract, it will be on a sliding pay scale...meaning, the longer the run, the less it pays per mile. Take the long loads on the weekend. During the week, hammer the shorter runs in....700 miles or less. Lots of work, but you'll make money. Avoid going west of i35 unless you pick up a weekend run to Washington on Thursday. And you'd want to have your passport if you're going to Washington. You can run back and forth to Vancouver and make decent bread until the following Thursday and then take a load out.

1. Office candy. Keep your pickle under control. You are a driver. The pretty girls that are smiling are smiling because they're shy. Do not flirt with the office candy. You're a truck driver. They've heard horror stories about you.
2. Orientation. When captured by the enemy, give them name, rank, and serial number only. Keep your business YOUR BUSINESS. Married with kids? No one needs to know. Not those goofballs going through orientation with you and not any one of those people from the office that's going to basically tell you in so many words that you really don't know what the he'll you're doing. Silence! Hold your tongue. Enhance your calm. Things will improve once you're done with orientation.
3. They haul everything. If you have any questions, ask someone. Or take pictures and post them. The guys here can walk you through anything.
4. Don't drink the KoolAid. ATS is a means to an end. It is not the Alpha and Omega of specialized hauling. Use them to learn and pad your resume. Keep a copy of all of your permits.
5. Watch your back. There are a bunch of stupid no driving a holes that work there that can't drive, but they try to prove their worth by dime dropping and back stabbing. If he won't drink a beer with you, don't trust him.

Luck in battle.