Switching from van to flatbed info

I think TMC has a decent training program from what I've read.

Their loads always look pretty tidy going down the road.

You want some more exercise, huh?

 

I just switch from van to flatbed

 

ATS will throw you to the wolves. 5 minute securement test, pat you on your back, "Good luck driver!"

Sounds a little harsh, BUT all companies that do not train do the same thing...throw you to the wolves. Sink or swim. "But I've never been to the water before." Good luck driver.

Before you switch, go to a full service truckstop...like that TA in Mocksville,NC. Or that one on I85 in South Carolina. In the restaurant and parkinglot, you will find flatbedders. Ask them for some tips. They will help you and show you. Then, you can go to a company like ATS and get thrown to the wolves. And if you need to know any more, @Chewy352 is our designated flatbed interest representative.

 

I went through an hour class pulled my first load went well what I'm worried about is the binder chaining up....

 

Find a flatbeder or 2 here that have pulled plenty of the same freight, try to see if they will be around for questions, when you load, find another driver and flat out say, hey got a question, first time I have hauled out of here, what do they want to see as far as securment? Ask ask ask brother.....

 

Hauled flatbed for a short time in 09. Class training, 2 weeks with an instructor. Just started again recently, and went through a 2 day class.
Still don't feel 100% confident. I think that's a good thing. Go slow, research, and use common sense.
Some of the vets will tell you that it's an ongoing learning process over years. Very dynamic. Start simple.

 

What I do I ask every flatbed driver advice when I'm at a truck stop

 

I'd say more where you're loading. Chances are there will be other drivers around you. I try to help them load their trailer, that way I get to learn hands on how or why they do things. For me, I think it's shows them I'm willing to work, instead of just pestering with questions when they want to get rolling.

I showed a guy a couple weeks ago how to hook a chain to a stake pocket. Everybody was new, at one time.

 

I'm starting to not like the advice of "look at what the other drivers are doing." I see way too many that are doing things wrong. Read the regs then add one more for you.