Question for Flatbedders

Like knowing the load is done right. I place it and secure it. I like to be outside and I am suited better for it than other gigs. Something about a board that appeals to me.

 

Flatbedding was the first kind of truckin' I ever did and I've always liked it! I've tried reefers, dry vans and even tankers (for a minute) But I ALWAYS miss flatbedding.

There's just something better about it to me...It's more interesting for sure with all of the different kinds of loads that you come across. I like getting out of the truck and doing some physical work outdoors too.

 

1. Lower height- my rig is 11'6 at the stacks. Usually, most of the loads I pull never reach over my stacks.
2. The setup- every skater has a different setup. Its hard switching to a new rig. Not only do you have to set up your cab, you have to set up your gear. No 2 drivers set their rigs up the same way. I like to see how other skaters have their rigs set up. If they have a better setup than mine, I will make changes. If they dont, I will make suggestions. The goal is efficiency. You have so much gear to carry and so little space. The entire rig becomes completely personalized.
3. Securement- Thats my baby...my main concern. Every driver has a routine. Everyone has their way of securing a load. Help a driver fold his tarps, he is grateful. Help a driver secure his load, he is lost.
4. The codes- Every good skater knows the DOT regs like the back of his hand. Every skater looks at the next skater's securements automatically to see whether or not the securement passes the code. Noone likes telling another how to do his job, but noone wants to see another skater lose his load and end his career either.
5. The challenge- Flatbedding is like a chess game. You have the rules (HOS, WLL, securement types, shipping and receiving times) and you have to figure out how to win the game. Cant figure it out, you starve.
I'd wager that every one of us, at one time or another has looked at a load and had to sit down and think, "How the hell do I secure this? OMG, they want this tarped too?"

 

Flatbedding isn't for everyone! Flatbedding is hard work & the weak won't make it!

I'm a flatbedder. Always have been a flatbedder... And will return to flatbedding in a year or so...

Me personally enjoy the physical activity. Strapping, chaining, tarping is all exercise to me. But instead of paying for a gym membership... I'm getting paid to work out...

90% of the time the rate is higher then a van or reefer. Higher rate means larger paycheck.

I also find it easier to back up a 48' or a 53' skateboard with a 10' spread... I struggle with a box... But I can put that skateboard it the tightest little spot without a question.

Also load placement... like what was said above... most of the time the load is put where you tell them to put it... With a spread axle you can legally put 40,000 pounds on the back... (you still can not go over 80,000 gvw) So I never had to worry about sliding axles & shifting weight to be legal.

Most of the time there is no appointments to load or unload unless you go to these big steel transfer warehouses. Most receivers are happy to see you & unload you promptly....

Fuel mileage for me is usually better since your not dragging a lead sled of a box that catches the air & attempts to slow you down....

 

REDD, you still in Wildwood,Ga? Who do you drive for or do you have your own rig?

 

I'm still in Wildwood. Sitting at the house right now. Got my own truck & have been home since April. Going back out next week...

 

I must add that once you get to know your equipment... You can usually look at your trailer & determine if your overweight or not. Now I'm not saying to stop scaling... Because you can never be 100% correct...

What I'm saying is I hardly scaled a load... The loads I did scale are the ones that I felt that I should have a second opinion because of the way my trailer flexed... Most of those "#### I'm to heavy" feelings just from looking at my equipment usually were correct when I scaled it!

 

I've done that many, many times...it is one of the reasons I love this job. And I ain't skeered of a little work.

 

I'm from Chattanooga. Used to run for Osborn out of Gadsden back when they used to have boards. We probably know some of the same people.