Is there much less backing running flatbed?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by nw88, Aug 9, 2016.

  1. LindaPV

    LindaPV Medium Load Member

    Cambridge Mass, two cooling units for the power plant. 40T crane. Good times! The contractor met me to guide me in, oops! Wrong turn! Their bad! No thru trucks! Left turn, using two sidewalks while Massholes passing on the right.
    I loved me some flatbed with all my middle aged broad life.
     
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  3. CasanovaCruiser

    CasanovaCruiser Road Train Member

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    In my experience I either won't have to back at all, or I have to hit a hole a pickup truck would need a pull up for.

    Some of these steel mills - backing over 3 sets of ####ed up railroad tracks, against a fence so you can only cut it to the right, into the building with the sun behind it so you can't see in, and the hole you hit in the building curves to the right a bit just past the door.

    ^thats butler door 4 if anyone recognizes it, or was it door 3...
     
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  4. CasanovaCruiser

    CasanovaCruiser Road Train Member

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    I was gonna ask why your gooseneck said Fabio Menswear on the side.
    Then I realized it wasn't even an RGN lol
     
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  5. diesel drinker

    diesel drinker Road Train Member

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    Don't worry about embarrassing yourself!Yes it will look like all other drivers are watching you but who cares?And most likely some of them will offer help when they notice that you aren't sure what you are trying to do.I been helped few times when I was a rookie.Nothing to be embarassed about.Some may even offer to back up for you but I always thanked and refused.Asked to be guided instead.
     
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  6. rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    Sometimes it's easier to back a flatbed than a van. If you're pulling a flatbed and you need a place to sleep you'll be doing plenty of backing at truck stops
     
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  7. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    The goal isn't to get a job, the goal is to be good at what you do. That picture that @rank posted...double drop trailer, oversized, looks like 10'6 wide. If you were sitting behind the wheel the way it sat in the picture, guess what you wouldn't be able to see? The trailer wheels. Definitely makes precision backing challenging. But rank is one of those drivers that's good at his job. I would like for you to be too. So don't let your interest in flatbedding be because of supposedly less backing. That would not make for a solid driver.

    Don't run from challenges, welcome them. Luck in battle.
     
  8. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    Massholes. HAHAHAHAHAHA that's beautiful.
     
  9. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    there was lots of goaling on that job. Electric pass side mirror would have made it easier but the 'ol Pete doesn't have 'em.

    Thanks Six. There's lots better than me but I haven't hit anything yet (knocks wood).

    That attitude will take the OP far.
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2016
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  10. nw88

    nw88 Bobtail Member

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    Thank you. I am looking at this as a second and hopefully final career. Just trying to accumulate as much knowledge as I can before I get out there. I know backing is essential and it will take time to master (If you ever can). I appreciate all the info from you experienced truckers.
     
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  11. Chewy352

    Chewy352 Road Train Member

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    Just wait till you have a 48k lb coil about 3 ft wide 6 ft tall. Get slightly passed 45 degrees and watch the front of your trailer start to tip over. Flatbeds handle a lot different but you'll get used to it. I almost don't want to pull a 53' van again.
     
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