flatbed questions pls

There's a thread on here about it. I had let them stack it wood on wood which I Shoulda known better. The other thing I'd do next time is use 8 ft dunnage through the middle. Probably woulda made it more stable.

 

No problem. Don't be shy and ask lots of questions on here. You're in the same boat I was in 1.5 years ago. The guys on this site helped me more than I can ever repay. Look through my posts. I've made and advertised plenty of mistakes that you can learn from.

 

LOL. We know exactly how you feel. Every one of us have been where you are now. There's no one in an office that can help UNLESS he's been where you've been. Here's a little background on the crew. It's a good read. One day, you will look back at this day and laugh.
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...o-the-wolves-the-saga-of-the-10-wides.305000/

 

Just know there is no stupid question (just stupid answers, lol). Ask away until you can't think of anything more to ask, we'll be glad to answer.

Granted, depending on country/state/province, you might get different answers. And there are also widely varying opinions on non-FMSCR related techniques.

 

I just made the same transition as you...4 and a half years of dry van, switched to flatbed...I been out here a month now and I wish I would've done this sooner. I had no training and nobody at my company has done flatbed either.

This forum is a tremendous source of information. Also, keep asking questions. I ask questions everywhere. I got loaded up real late one night and I had questions about securing the load. There was another Flatbedder on site but he was in the sleeper knocked out. I woke him up...he didn't like it but after explaining the situation he showed me what I needed to know and I was able to properly secure the load and deliver on time. With no other knowledgeable person in your company, you need to do what's necessary to cover your butt. I even took an online course on securement through J.J.Keller's website. You'll start to build some confidence pretty quickly but still ask questions.

Hard, physical work?...that's the part I enjoy the most! Sure beats being stuck in a dock for hours on end wondering when somebody is going to start on you. I feel in control now. I can leave as soon as I get this secured.

Anyways... good luck!

 

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Let's just say empty with super singles on the tractor is not the ideal situation on snow covered roads... Actually, I have a video I can share:



That particular hill is steep enough that you need to drop a few years empty. I am empty with the B-train and super singles on the drives. Anyway, fun stuff!!

Different states allow different setups, most multi axle trucking happens in the north (to the best of my knowledge–I stay around MI and Canada). In Michighan for example you'll see a lot of 'centipede' trailers with 8 or more axles, and trains with more axles than I have.

Loading correctly is important in low traction situations (which could be any given day in winter), you'll want to be maxing your drives as much as possible regardless of the weight of the load.