flatbed questions pls

What'd the shipper end up saying about that load anyway?

 

Shipper was fine with it. They said they get one like that several times a year. Just a pain to offload. They put 2 forklifts on the down lean side to support it. Then I unstrapped the top half and they just grabbed them with the overhead crane like normal. I think the only reason they sent a picture to the broker is to mess with the shipper.

 

Good info. I'll look into that course myself.

Big part of driving is self-reliance, especially flatbedding. Seeking out info. is part of it.

What has helped me thus far is to give myself a break and realize I won't be as fast and efficient as I want to be...yet.

Triple check your securement, always secure over minimum requirements, enroute load checks, and pad those straps!

Pull bungees down away from your face and walk around truck checking you didn't leave anything.

Had an oh #### moment driving through Utah couple months back. Didn't recall putting winch bar away after enroute load check over 100 miles earlier. Hit rest area and found winch bar sitting on my cat walk!

 

Get you some moving blankets for padding if you don't have any...I bought brand new tarps and ripped them on the first load I pulled...pissed me off but lesson learned

 

You'll have those moments no matter how long you drive, yesterday I left my tape measure lay on the beam and it was still there when I got to the job.

 

Ya, but put your water cooler, coffee thermos, bag, logs, lunch on your pick-up tail gate and drive 600' from your house to the shop,,,, something will fall off. Go figure!

 

The ONLY "stupid" question is the one never asked. If someone in this segment of the industry says or eludes that a question you asked is stupid they need a reality check and one way ticket back to the door swinger forums. What may appear to the unknowing/uncaring as stupid may in fact cost you or someone else their life!

Or leave a winch bar ANYWHERE near a trailer, deck, load and it will fall off and completely disappear just opening the drivers door, no need to actually move the truck.

 

Can day cabs run at night?


How's that one... LOL

 

Here's a good start for securing loads.

pdf version:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Drivers_Handbook_Cargo_Securement.pdf

html version:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/drivers-handbook-cargo-securement

 

Onlu if driven by vampire bats!