Thanks guys!

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Ironwindow, Jun 29, 2019.

  1. Ironwindow

    Ironwindow Light Load Member

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    Mar 1, 2019
    Winston Salem, NC
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    So I didn't think I wanted to go into flatbed but I was given the opportunity to train on a flatbed hauling building supplies and thoroughly enjoyed it, I was offered a full time position on that account and took it.

    Obviously you can't learn everything you'll need to know in a couple weeks of training so I've quite often been identified as "the new guy" when other flat bedders saw me doing things.

    Wanted to say thanks, if any of y'all are in here. You guys have gotten out of your trucks and taken your time to teach me how to use tarp machines, properly tarp, navigate tight backing situations, how to throw my straps in high winds, and a handful of different things. I really appreciate it, it's nice to see Truckers sticking together and helping one another out.
     
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  3. Welcome to Flatbedding @Ironwindow

    You can find alot of information as well as pictures of loads and how they are positioned and secured.


    Flatbed Load Photos:
    Post flatbed load photos here V2.0

    feel free to post a picture

    a few things to remember dont post pictures of your truck company or numbers from your CAB. take pics of the load and trailer from driver or passenger side.
    exampleofload.jpg

    this will help us guide you if you need help. enjoy trucking make it enjoyable or you wont last a week.
     
  4. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    White County, Arkansas
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    I eyeball and examine flatbeds even today on the highway. Most of them are wrapped like a present these days. It makes me smile. (#### little these days ha...)
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  5. Ironwindow

    Ironwindow Light Load Member

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    Mar 1, 2019
    Winston Salem, NC
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    These are great references to have! Thank you!
     
    peterbilt_2005 Thanks this.
  6. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Gettin' down westbound
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    what is a tarp machine and how much does it cost. i may be interested in such a contraption
     
  7. Ironwindow

    Ironwindow Light Load Member

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    152
    Mar 1, 2019
    Winston Salem, NC
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    Lol, I have a feeling it's expensive! Some of the lumber mills I go to have giant shelters you pull into and there is a series of winches and cables that come down from the roof, you clip them on to your tarp and lift it in the air. I've encountered 2 kinds, one that grabs one side of the tarp and you drag the tarp over the load and the other gets both sides at the same time, you lift the tarp, drive under it, then lower it on the load.
     
    Lepton1, x1Heavy and D.Tibbitt Thank this.
  8. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Apr 26, 2013
    Gettin' down westbound
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    Oh wow ive never seen one, when u said tarp machine i was picturing in my head like a giant shrink wrap machine just with tarps instead of shrink wrap . now how awesome would that be
     
    Lepton1 and x1Heavy Thank this.
  9. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    White County, Arkansas
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    Now THAT is awesome.

    DRIVER!!! GET THIS GOING. YER LATE.... Snickers in the company wait room signals some sort of a problem that is hysterically amusing to others in the area. Pulled oxygen line from oxygen.
     
    D.Tibbitt Thanks this.
  10. HillbillyDeluxeTruck

    HillbillyDeluxeTruck Road Train Member

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    Mar 3, 2013
    San Antone
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    I'll teach ya a trick and I don't care if anyone calls me lazy, cause they're not the ones ##### around my my big ### lumber tarps. But depending on who you run for (if its a mega like tmc or melton, then probably follow the "rules"), but if other trucks aren't tarping the loads, the bol doesn't habe anything on it specifically about tarping, and the weather forecast is clear, strap and roll.

    Biggest thing is to figure out what works for you. I'll ask for forgiveness before I ask for permission, and in 5yrs of this, I haven't had to do it yet. Just gotta be smart about it.

    Also, beware dispatchers and brokers that tell you how high priority a load is, especially if its just going to a supplier and not an actual customer/jobsite. Be the guy they know they can put on the load because you'll get it there, but not the guy that will take a load no matter what, especially if it adversely affects you with your hos, parking, etc. This takes a little time to learn, but you'll get to that point.
     
  11. FoolsErrand

    FoolsErrand Road Train Member

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    I am absolutely certain that the word "NO" is every bit as critical as my winch bar in this business. And i will stop the truck anywhere to make sure i have that dang bar.

    If you can go out 2 weeks, manage 3 or 4 situations on your own while making zero phone calls to base.. Then come back, hand over your paperwork in good order with 9 or 10 flawless billable POD's, theyll tolerate quite a bit of no from you.
     
    x1Heavy, Lepton1 and LoneCowboy Thank this.
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