Flatbed brotherhood still aliveand 50 mnutes

mind sharing those tips on keeping tarp tight lol!!!

 

Pretty sure it's something similar to your Avatar

 

I still help out my brothers in flatbedding when I have the time. Sometimes those few minutes are just not available.

What sux is when you help someone out and don't even get so much as a thank you and doesn't offer to help out anyone else. Had that happen a few weeks back by a TMC driver. Closest I've ever came to pulling someone's fifth-wheel handle. Really ticked me off.

 

Plenty of times in my young flatbed career I have received help. BUT...

... it seems like every flatbedder has their own way of doing things.

Nowadays I cringe a little at the thought of anyone "helping" me get my straps off a load, as it slows me down. Straps end up on the wrong side for quickly rolling and stowing. I DO ask for and gladly receive help if it's a load that's a head scratcher, especially if the other driver looks like it's right in their comfort zone.

 

I will only tuck straps into the rub rail when it's windy and help hold down/fold up tarps.

The rest is that driver's responsibility. And I won't let anyone do more for me.

 

Flatbedders have a small culture group. You get a sixth sense if the driver is going to be helpful or you will help them.

Not to mention if that driver wants the help.

 

I have a couple places that help pull straps and whatnot that don't do it how I want it done. I just leave it alone, to me it's not worth the argument. They are good places to load and treat drivers very well, so it's a compromise. One of the places I loaded at yesterday the guys helped tie down, but it was obvious they'd done it lots. And asked how
I wanted stuff done. So it was ok, we worked together. Otherwise I'll just help with tarps, securement is the drivers job

 

I've had to load/unload equipment for drivers sometimes because of mechanical issues with the equipment and such. I try and help with the chains and what not but like @Lepton1 said, everyone does it differently. Usually I limit myself to helping carry binders and chains for the driver.