New driver here - flatbed question

Back issues? You will be in over your head. Those tarps can be heavy

 

That is what forklifts are for.
I wrecked my back with 2 winters cat-skinning before I cot my chauffeurs licence at 18. I always had ASA or Tylenol handy but handled tarping for most of my 45 or so years on the road doing open freight and heavyhaul.
I have been medically retired for 4 years now and still use analgesics almost daily.

 

Get a reefer or dry van job instead of flatbed.

Most reefer companies hire lumpers (paid to unload the trailer) so the driver doesn't have to. You also get paid when you stop at a shipper/customer and hourly pay on top of that.

I did reefers for 18 years, so I know what I'm talking about.

 

@Nate Da Great
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Honestly , you will be making practically the same money flatbedding as a company driver as you would running van or reefer. Imagine having to spend an hour or more to secure and tarp a load in the middle of summer or winter , then having to jump in the truck and drive for 6 to 10 hours .

Full size lumber tarps weigh about 100 pounds each . And quite often , there is no other way to get them to the top of your load other than carry them yourself

 

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Company Driver Trucking Jobs | Crete Carrier
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