New to Flatbedding

I am not sure what you want advice about? Is this the first time you have pulled a flat bed? Any experience pulling open deck trailers?

 

Pay Attention to the trainer and if you have any questions don'e be afraid to ask the trainer while you're with him. Keep a couple sets of gloves in your truck and extra bungee cords.

 

Never get in a hurry when you are securing a load on an open deck trailer. You can never have too many chains or straps.

 

good luck and be safe.

 

Get yourself a small notebook and take notes...about everything. Otherwise when your trainer is gone and its just you, you are gonna say, now what did he say about that. Ah yeah, its in my notes.

 

good idea...also, since you will be just riding part of the time, that would be a good time to note some nicer truckstops too..also smaller ones that are off the beaten path. Those smaller ones on US hwys and State roads come in handy.

 

You have alot to learn. Tarping, securement, protecting your equipment, slowing way down for ramps, load placement and on and on. But when you run down the road, there is alot more pride in having your work on display. Its a tough season to be learning but dress appropriately (and have lots of dry gloves to change up to) so that you don't rush securement because you are getting cold.
Plus you get to haul some unique stuff, maybe some over width and when you get to your destination- the receiver probably is glad to see you. Not like the lumper that is unloading his 40th dry van and could care less.
Notebook is good. I photcopied an experienced flatbedders note book to get me started. I also take pictures of my loads and keep notes on weights and things I would do differently. I have found that the shippers of equipment can give you lots of good advice as they have done it before. Make sure you are happy before you leave the dock though because you will not be moving most things by yourself.