flatbed

It all depends on what you define as "hard work".

Some loads are harder than others. Some weather conditions make it a pain in the rear end. Personally? I love the challenge and the workout.

 

I just started a job with a flatbed company yesterday. It is definitely more work that van, but I personally think it's better. Every load is different, and presents a challenge that I personally like. To each his own!

 

With some loads you can work your bottom off. Get a load in 100+ temps where they need an 8' tarp and it can give you a bit of a workout. Another is in freezing temperatures and your tarps are like working with cardboard. I still remember a load that I picked up with about 2 feet of snow in Pennsylvania. The temperature was 16 degrees and it was snowing so hard that my tarps were white before I could finish tarping the load.

Some loads can be a pain, but for the most part, it isn't too bad. It will help you get some exercise. I stopped by a branch of my bank and got to talking to the teller. I suppose that I mentioned that I was a trucker. She made a comment that I wasn't fat like other truck drivers. I was flattered, but told her that I try to eat right and pull a step deck most of the time. It gives me a little exercise throwing tarps and securing the load. I don't see nearly as many fat drivers pulling open deck trailers as I do with vans.

 

The thing is it all depends on the driver. Some think throwing chains, binders and lumber is hard. When your in a hurry and trying to get it done in my expierence I am busting butt chaining my coils and building my side kit back up within 20 minutes and down the road I go. I push myself to get out of the next drivers way and get on down the road to my delivery. I even throw on an extra chain and binder when I think it might help. I have seen some guys that take 45 minutes to a few hours tarping and chaining their loads. So it all depends on the driver and the load your trying to chain and tarp. It can be hard work. JMO

 

dont forget about that wind. nothing like chasing your tarp down when the wind takes it lol. happened to me once and ill never be that idiot again.

 

Just hold on tight and you won't have to chase it because it will carry you with it.

 

One word of caution.....When the wind is blowing hard, on top of the tarps is the LAST place you want to be standing. You CAN go for a ride. And it WONT be fun. Like others have said. It can be a challenge. But I think the reward of not bumping docks, dealing with lumpers, monitoring a refer and its temp, and not dealing with appointment times (for the most part) is WELL worth it. Good luck to you.