Flatbed equipment and rates ?

The flat market is pretty rough right now in my area. Lots of low rates, or mediocre rates to dead zones (no backhaul anywhere close by). It’ll bounce back eventually, but who knows when.

You’d probably want a two or three piece 8’ tarp set. I only have 4’ tarps right now. Eventually I’ll get some either 6’, or 8’. I get by fine though.
I carry 20 27’ straps, and 6 20’ straps. Those 20’ ones are real handy for short loads, or gut straps. Have 19 sliding winches, 2 stake pocket portables and 2 2” ratchet straps.
7 16’ chains, and 5 20’. Mix of ratchet, and snap binders. If did it again I’d get all 20’ chains with all ratchet binders. In my experience they are faster in the long run than snap binders.
I also carry lots of miscellaneous stuff I’ve picked up. Couple dozen carpet squares, edge protectors, 6 8’ 4x4s, various blocks of wood, a good extendable ladder, two poly 10x12 tarps, 24” bungee cords, few bundles of ropes, a broom to sweep my deck after nearly every load and a winch bar of course.

 

Claw hammer and small box of double headed nails, or a screw gun and screws is handy too.

 

I wouldn't leave home without this Edge protector/chain/strap pole... 3'-8' Corner Guard - Vee Board Handle - RANKEE

@Gumper did a good job of listing just about everything...

I would get some rolled felt or moving blankets so you arent ripping your tarps...

 

And you’ll need a good attitude about using all that stuff in the rain....... on a good day.


But yeah, rates for flatbed on dat do “LOOK” better than van.

 

I'd add a smoke tarp to that list and some basic hand tools and extra marker lights for on the road truck/trailer repairs.

Where's a good place to get 20 foot straps? I've been unable to source any locally.

 

Try truck or trailer dealers for straps. Paccar dealers seem to be better than FL on that stuff. $10 ea is good, sometimes you need to buy a box to get a deal, but you will use them eventually.

 

Buy the 30 ft straps and trim them... the trimmings can be used to pad chains or protect straps from sharp edges if cut into 12" to 18" pieces. I cut older straps down and cut the trimmings up and toss any worn or damaged areas when cutting. You will find that you will need about 6 "shorts" and in about 2 years of normal wear you will have 10 or 12.
Use a propane torch to fuse the ends so they won't fray. I use a heavy putty knife blade after the torch to smooth the hot ends and protect my fingers.

 

I always say I’m going to cut down some damaged straps but they always get damaged at 8’ to 10’ which makes them useless.

Lol

 

Get a box of bungees for ur tarps,.. Start with about 100 bungees that should do u well... I like the smaller ones bettee i think their 15inches , the bigger ones when they stretch out they get to long and become useless. When the smaller ones stretch out they are perfect size.. Plus when they are new the keep everything real tight