Flatbedding....Too tuff for older drivers?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Buzzard, Nov 23, 2010.

  1. Buzzard

    Buzzard Light Load Member

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    Jan 31, 2008
    Freeport, IL
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    Greetings to all you Flatbedders!

    I've got this idea I might like flatbedding and I have a couple questions.

    First off - I'm just out of CDL school and I'm grain haulin' for a farmer. I've seen the TMC rigs and I think I'd really like that outfit. But will they like me? I'm 55 years old and I've had a shoulder surgery. I'm not afraid of work and I take great pride in EVERYTHING I do! Even the tiniest details.
    I could easily see myself fussing over the tarp job - not looking good enough.

    The second thing is my driving history. All my bad stuff is old news. I've now got a clean driving record for over ten years. I talked to a TMC recruiter on the phone and he sounded like I could have a shot because my violations are so old.

    What do you established flatbed drivers think? Does a 55 year old grey beard that takes real pride in his work have a shot at finding a job? Or will the work be to physical? I'm a bit out of shape, but I'm sure the work would get me fit again, as long as I could cut it starting out.

    I worked at a fabricating company for a while and unloaded steel from flatbeds and I've got an idea of what it involves. Would I be able graduate from the TMC training without getting cut? I know I can live up to their quality and image expectations. It's the physical part that worries me.

    Thanks for the helpful advice!

    Buzz
     
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  3. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I would say no, because of your age and shoulder injury. I bailed from flats at age 55 because I just couldn't walk the tightrope and handle the tarps any more.
     
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  4. Buzzard

    Buzzard Light Load Member

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    Jan 31, 2008
    Freeport, IL
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    Thanks for the honest reply,Allow Me!

    Are you talkin' about lifting the tarps or the whole routine?

    "....walk the tightrope..." You stumped me on that. I'm not up to speed on the truck talk just yet. What's walkin' the tightrope mean? Like walkin' along an I beam and keepin' your balance? I know flatbedding is much more dangerous as far as working on and around the trailer. One bad decision can have deadly consequences.

    Thanks,

    Buzz
     
  5. kajidono

    kajidono Road Train Member

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    It's really not that bad. Most of the time you can get the forklift to lift the tarps up on the load and from there it's easy. There's a lot of loads that don't need tarped and quite a few companies that don't use them at all. It's not like hauling grain is easy anyway, not much difference between fighting a stuck trap and throwing chains.
     
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  6. Mike'

    Mike' Medium Load Member

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    Nov 22, 2010
    Toledo, Ohio
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    I am thinking about flatbedding as well...

    Of course I am 27, but I am still interested in what the physical requirements are.
     
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  7. stranger

    stranger Road Train Member

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    Oct 10, 2006
    NC
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    You old buzzard, you'll get a hernia, tear out a rotator cuff, and slip a disk. Wait a minute. That's what would happen to me.:biggrin_25523:
     
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  8. blackw900

    blackw900 The Grandfather of Flatbed

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    I'm 55 and I've been flatbedding for years!
    I just finished tarping in sub zero weather in North Dakota this morning.

    To be a good flatbedder, You need to be detail oriented.
     
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  9. Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

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    Jul 30, 2009
    Mapleton Depot,PA
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    geez I wuz gonna retire to flatbedding machinery, drive on, drive off, and a couple chains in the middle. Can't be as bad as bed buggin!
     
  10. HoosierHunter

    HoosierHunter Light Load Member

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    Jul 22, 2008
    Grabill,In
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    Know drivers in their 70's still flatbedding.
     
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  11. FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    It is hard and dangerous work , physically demanding and I hope you did not base the idea that you wanted to get into it solely on the fact TMC has Shiny Trucks.
     
    Buzzard Thanks this.
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