Tips and Tricks of flatbedding

They just want to try and contain the mess as much as possible if anything goes wrong that way they can get the next guy in ASAP.

 

whats goin on guys. I just took a flatbed job. My first one. I have two and a half years behind the wheel. So im still learnin a lot everyday. Any advice about flatbeds will be read, applied, and appreciated. thanks

 

two concepts to apply.

1. If you aren't 100% sure it's secure, don't pull it.

2. Secure it as if you'll be taking corners at 80 mph and slamming the brakes on. Then drive it like you got no securement at all, like there's a porcelin coffee cup on the dash and you don't want to spill a drop.

 

Go back and read all the tips and tricks thread. And the post photos of flatbed loads thread. Seeing what others are hauling and how they tie down will give you a jump. I like dannys idea of strap for 80mph curves. I for one tend to go by when i think its straped, i add 1 more then look agian

 

I can't wait until someone tells me that.. "So you want it shipped in a dry van, then?" (provided they don't have specific instructions on how to secure the load - air conditioners for example)

 

When strapping a high load, or any load that will leave a gap between the freight and your strap, put a half twist in the strap. This will keep the strap from vibrating in the wind and chaffing through. For some reason, they seem to stay tighter this way, too.

 

I don't have and cannot provide any scientific proof, but when I hauled insulated panels and put a twist in the straps they never became loose, if I did not put a twist in them SOME of them would start flapping all over the place and need another click or two. My opinion, do whatever makes you feel like its right.

 

Nope no actual proof but for me, I like movement in my straps ONLY when there is a problem. I put a 1/2 twist in them and they are steady in the mirror. I don't think they stay tighter but not having something move in my mirror is a good thing. If the strap is vertical and touching the load, I do not put a twist in it.