Physical demands of a flatbed

It’s actually much easier to do when you are solo. You can want to be a better father for your children. You can want to be a better mate for a woman. To be a better Man is something that you can only do for yourself.

 

OP..You might give some thought to local tanker work. It's easy on the body.

 

I could see Schneider sticking him out on the road for weeks at a time too, lol.

Dispatch: Driver we need you to take a load to the Walmart DC in Lewiston, Me. We had another driver break down and you're the closest to cover.

Op: Okay, thats farther than Id really like to go, but if you need me to...

Dispatch: Dont worry we'll get you right back home after that

6 weeks later...

Op: Dispatch Ive been in this truck all over and you still havent got me home.

Dispatch: Sorry driver, miscommunication on our part. We'll have you home soon.

Op: Fml

 

I understand. Just keep it in the back of your mind. It's really not all that hard...just kinda unforgiving.

 

Tarp work is as hard as you want to make it.
At first it will be some work. Mostly because your not used to it and don’t have your system down.
Tarps can run from 60 to 120 lbs each, just depends on grade of vinyl. You will need to be able to move them from the ground to the trailer deck, beyond that have the forklift do it.
At first you will be slow, it takes a while to get speed. Don’t worry about that, you will see people start after you and get done before you, they probably have been doing it awhile. Soon you’ll be just as quick, and won’t have even realized it.
Systems, process, shortcuts whatever you want to call them, are your friends. Your used to working a check list, same idea, work in a systematic way. Consistency is speed. From how you fold the tarps to storing equipment. Same place, same way every time.
How hard do you want it to be?

 

Firstly, I drove for Schneider and was home every weekend. Made pretty decent money, $700-1100 a week being gone Monday to Friday. I didn’t hate it but didn’t love it.

My opinion is small companies and flatbed is where it’s at. You will be far happier. I started flatbed about 6 months ago and it isn’t really physically demanding and I’m out of shape. Hardest situation I’ve been in was trying to fold my tarps in 35mph winds. I gave up and rolled it like a joint and called it a day.

The variety of stuff you haul is just interesting and I love weird or difficult loads that make you use your mind.