Flatbed Training

I know Landstar's securement class is only 2 days.

 

this is a chain....

This is a binder.

This is a strap...

This is a tarp...




OK, maybe not quite that simple....

Granted, I haven't pulled a flat in a long time, but I can't see where much has changed reading the manuals either.

It's learning how to inspect the gear, read the load markings and such is what always gets me.

Otherwise it really comes down to just getting different freight. About the other big thing is to learn where to set the load. But that comes with experience too.

 

Love to pull a flat - as long as it's got a ROLLING TARP system in it (which actually precludes certain types of full length freight).

Holding a "training session" to get new skateboarders up to speed - is a real good idea. Most FB haulers schools (LandStar, etc.) is more along a "regulatory compliance" nature - rather than a "how to git er done" nature. Typically, O/O, Lease/O's have gotten some OTR experience, via being a company driver or having ridden with someone who's showed them the ropes (chains, binders, tarps, etc.).

I don't believe there IS a "public school" (or private one for that matter), that actually really covers loading, securement and the like.

I wouldn't mind coming up to "take this course" myself. Would it be geared towards the "never done skateboard" types (like myself), and is TWO DAYS really enough to send a newb flatbedder out on his own? There's a lot more "nuances" to hauling stuff like coils, etc. - than there is "general freight" (i.e.: palletized produce, construction materials, etc.).

Rick

 

I don't know if two days is enough for people who have never pulled a flat before. Some people just dont pick it up that fast. Ask your self this, after two days would you turn them loose with a magnetic sign on the side of their truck that says "Flatbed training by Bill Hood"?

 

Doesn't matter WHO you train with.

I drove with a trainer for a month. We hauled a lot of different loads. PVC small and large pipe. Steel pipe, hydrants, equipment, government loads, loads to and from Canada. Pick it.

I was a stone cold rookie at that time having never been on a truck before. After 9 months for them, I was STILL getting brand new loads situations to me.


As someone said just like becoming an owner/operator, sooner or later you just NEED to do it.

 

I don't think you can teach good sense. A basic guide on paper is the best you can do. A lot of drivers I see think it's a race and use minimum or less securement.

Equipment for the training would cost some $$. A steel coil, a tractor, some I-beams, plate steel, etc. Gotta have something to strap and chain!

 

Semi Crazy beat me to it. I guess it's much like driving - you can teach the maneuvers but the trainee has to come already equipped with common sense and problem solving ability. If you can screen for those two attributes, the knowledge part of securement will be a snap.

 

I attended a "securement training" course for two days with the company I leased to....the best thing I got out of it was a manual.

To be honest Bill 2 days is not close to being enough, honestly I would say a week 5 solid days and you MIGHT be at 75% I have learned that no load is the same and it requires patience and common sense.

This is an unique situation with o/o because nobody wants to ride with someone, IMO the best solution would be to have someone shadow an experienced driver for a couple of weeks but this would be very difficult.

Reading your post I know you will be very detailed or have a well qualified person on your staff so good luck

 

I did a training course after I knew most of the stuff too. The FMCSA handbook is actually a pretty good resource, and available online. http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/safety-initiatives/cargo/cs-manual.htm . The main thing is get em pointed in the right direction, if they get a load and they're not double-#### sure it's secure make sure they have somebody they can call and ask. If they have a phone that takes pictures that might be helpful so they can show the problem. I've had to send pics and ask for advice many times. Some of those pics might come in handy for future training classes too.

You know, make sure they understand that they might get through the class but the learning never ends. You always want to look how other guys are doing it, and ask questions whenever you get the chance. But rule one should always be make double-#### sure it's secure or don't pull it.