Loading unloading flatbeds dangers, tips, tricks and procedures

I have a little talk the crane operator or fork driver before the straps come off. Allways use the correct rigging and learn the proper use of hand signals. Tell them how the load went on and it'll come off the same way.... smooth as silk.

 

I get to start learning flatbed with Maverick 12-31

 

I disagree with the bold statement. I might tell them what it was put on with. Crane or forklift. But its up to them to get it off. If you tell an unloader/rigger this is what they did and this is how they did it. When they damage the piece or pieces. Who do you think is going to be at fault? Especially when 5 guys against you say the driver told us how to unload it.

I take the liability of getting the load there safely. They take the liability of unloading it. If they don't have enough cognisanse to unload something. They shouldn't be doing it in the first place.

To add to the OP.
fifthwheel pullers are great for hanging bungy cords up high.
Always have dunnage.
Keep a hammer and some framing nails around. An old coffee can is a good place to put nails.
You can never have enough edge protectors/softeners. Also moving pads or felt pads are great for saving tarps from getting ripped up on sharp corners.
Clevises I recommend having at least 4 in the truck.

 

Always stay on the same side of the trailer as the loader.

 

Invest in a pair of slip on ice cleats. They fit right over your boots and work amazingly well. You know that aluminum trailer becomes an ice rink in the winter.

 

Always look to see where your feet are going to land when getting off a flat.

I made the mistake of not looking once and landed on a small section of 1" pipe and sprained my left ankle. I still had 100 miles to get home, luckly it was mostly interstate, so did not have to clutch very often. It just takes a small lack of attention to really mess you up....Be careful.

 

I'll just follow your good suggestion by adding:

Don't make a habit of jumping off the deck to the ground. Sure, it isn't a difficult jump to make, only 3' or so, no problem for a guy in his mid 20's. Just wait till you're my age and the knees that absorbed that jumping down start to ache. Use a ladder, use the ICC bumper, catwalk, whatever, just don't jump.