Flatbed drivers

Definately more physical and you need to know how to secure all sorts of loads. Not to mention, know how to tarp in all kinds of weather.

 

Most flatbeds have split axle, which act differently than a regular tandem you see on a van. It's a dirty job, rough, picking up 120lbs tarp and setting it up on top of the freight. Snow, rain, heat, doesnt matter have to work in all weathers.
Learn how to properly use chain and straps, learn the WLL of each, figure out how many chain or straps you need.
Flatbed drivers seem to get piss off easy so stay away.
But it's rewarding. To secure the freight and knowing it will stay and tarping so it look like it's standing still.

 

@Dye Guardian, would you mind posting a picture of one of your wonderful tarp jobs, tell them about your legal axle weight limits, and for good measure tell everyone your age?

 

"wtf is this and how do I move it without killing someone?"

"Oh it can't get wet"

"Oh its fragile, guess I won't jump on the bar this time"

"Usless forklift guy putting pallets over my rub rails, get back here we ain't done yet"

"That's an unusual shape"

"Alright the tire has almost had all it'll take, better get back under it"

"Why can't I just get a coil load?"

"Lumber tarp, yeah right, your the iron curtain everyone was talking about"

"#### if I only had tandems I'd get this trl there so easily"

Just a sample of thoughts going through the head of reefer driver that has been given a cheater bar and a "good luck to ya."

 

Well Six my age is 21 and maximum allowable weights are as follows:

Maximum gross: 140,000 lbs

B-Train
Steer Axle: 14,600 lbs (Cascadia)/13,600 lbs (Pete) - based on equipment ratings
Drives: 40,000 lbs
Tridem: 53,000 lbs
Tandem: 40,000 lbs

5-Axle Straight Trailer
Steer Axle: 14,600 lbs (Cascadia)/13,600 lbs (Pete) - based on equipment ratings
Drives: 40,000
First Lift/Steer: 16,500 lbs
Second Lift/Steer: 16,500 lbs
49,500 lbs

The lift axles on the train are used only in Michighan, where axle weight requirements are completely different. Even with the 5 axle straight trailer we change from all axles equalized to manual individual air pressure adjustment for Michighan.

 

Some people don't want to get dirty, some do.

 

You forgot, "####ing door slammer, stay in the right lane"

or "Hold her steady you idiot, I am oversized and I am coming around" I love the whit knuckle steering wheel grip when you do that.

OP with a van you basically shut the doors and forget about it. With an open deck it is all out there for the world to see. The good ones take pride in their work and it shows.

 

Flatbedding makes beer taste better at the end of the day lol

 

Just search for truck tarping on YouTube, lots of very good videos. Between chaining, strapping, and tarping, you'll see that it can be several hours to do it right. Add extreme hot and cold weather and it's a tough deal.