Diary of a current Swift flatbed driver

I suggested tarping them and then strapping them together but he said 1: tarp wont keep them from falling off and 2: he doesnt have enough straps.

 

I used to work for a flatbed company doing orientation securement training's well as logs and the other essentials you get. Are you going to be 100% comfortable on your own after training? Absolutely not. I still call my flatbed friends and bounce ideas off Swift's safety flatbed folks from time to time. A good training program will teach you how to think about load securement, not just a how to guide for every load. Keep in touch with your mentor, make flatbed friends, and learn who in the office has pulled a flat before- we do have several and they are valuable when you're just having a tough moment figuring something out.

Truckerswife-I'm sure I stumbled back in here too late to be of any help, but the pallet advice, or (I prefer) v-boards around all sides including front and back of the load, strapped and then crosstied front and rear would keep the load stable. TMC should be able to procure more straps- generally check with either the driver manager or the road breakdown department. Dame with lumber needed for v-boards or dunnage. I wouldn't tarp drums at all (unless a strange shipper request), and definitely not straps over tarp- all you're doing is hiding where the securement needs to go and damaging the tarps in this instance.

 

nice advice dieselgrl!

 

I would of gone with Vee boards for sure. I also work for TMC and I can tell yuo all you have to do is call in to your FM and they will get you a PO number for a comcheck to cash to get the supplies to make some nice Vee boards.

 

Well it maybe different as I was there in 93-95. I wish your husband and you goodluck and a safe year! Best wishes Rob.

 

Schmud, I'm going over to Swift in Phx Thursday, PM your contact info and I'll put you in for a Driver referal.