flatbed driving: for guys only?

That's what guys driving forklifts are for. Mine only weigh 65 pounds, but I still don't throw them on top of my load, by myself.

 

That's a perfect world Autocar, I've had operators just flat out tell me they didnt have time to mess with my tarps...

 

I'm not a woman, but I will tell you this that when you're new at flatbed you often ask other drivers for tips or help. I don't care if you're 6'6" and 300 lbs. Most old time flatbedder's are real good about helping out younger guys, and I can only imagine they'd be even more thrilled to help a woman or offer advice.

I would also tell you that personally I do not see many instances where you need an incredible amount of upper body strength to perform duties. I have some trouble with balance and agility getting up on loads, and I have some trouble with stamina, I get winded rolling up my tarps. There's probably plenty of women who would be way better at that stuff than I am, and I'm man enough to admit it. go for it !

 

several women flatbed, but as said the forklift drivers put the tarps up on the load,

 

I have a simple method, they can help me get the tarp on top, I'll spread it, or they can get the load back off of my trailer. I do not play games! I am not payed to risk unnecessary injury.
I do have a safety department that WILL back me, on that.

 

That's when you tell them they can make the time to take the load off the truck then cause it's not gonna get tarped. I'll throw my four footers around, but the six footers they can put them up on the load or it ain't getting tarped. I am more than capable of doing it, but don't want to risk a back injury and be forced to get out of this segment of the industry.

 

that is a good stance to take autocar, as for the tarps weight, the only tarp ive had weight over 100lbs was a pup tarp when i pulled maxi's it was an 8' drop with flap at both ends and that thing was heavy

 

My wife drove her own flatbed for awhile and I know two other women who do it. They are both hard workers. Plus there was a girl by the name of dieselgrl that is on the board here that drives flatbed, not sure if shes still around.