Why do some truckers dislike flatbed trucking

So it looks like we'll have to change your nic to "NoTarps4MeEither".....

 

Then your not a flatbedder anymore sir. You are a HH Transport driver. Congrats.

 

LMAO...

Well crap...I done got myself kicked outta the club Yall are just plain mean...

 

Woot Woot, all loaded and strapped down on 300 miles in and nothing has fallen off. My shirt was soaked but after a shower, dinner and resting in my bunk all the work feels great.

One potenial issue when the order called for 47' and the way they had these cooling units set for transport it started to look like we would be 48'6". But then I saw how we could load them in different order and I am right at 48'.

Then the girl loading me said not special week spots to worry about with straps. Once I get almost completed boss says "straps have to be moved". Then the bring me water and applogize all over the place.

I'm going to net more money this week than I averaged in three weeks with my van. And I did pretty well with my van.

Now I have to start learning all the tricks to make things easier.

 

In most states you're allowed some overhang on a flatbed...I wouldn't recommend it with cooling units though

But with steel beams, pipe, etc...hanging over 1 foot in the front and/or 4 feet in the rear won't get you any tickets and its not considered over size...however, since you're new at this always check the laws for where you're at and all that.

Keep an eye on the front overhang though...it can make a mess if your fifth wheel is too far forward.

This place has a lot of info...click on a state, at the top of the page most of them tell you what is legal without permits for that state (height, weight, length, etc.)

http://www.wideloadshipping.com/html/wideload_shipping_com_state_re.html

It varies a lot more than most people think...

 

I haul over-length and over-width quite a bit....No biggie....

I had one that would have paid $8500 from Denver to Fontuckey, CA...

It was 15' wide and 60' long.....

Wife told the broker we couldn't the permits....lights and Pilot cars in time...They wanted it moved today.....I had an unload in Henderson that took 4 hours when it should have taken 1 hour.....Oh well....sheyat happens....or not.....

 

First reaction was not good. But in about 30-seconds realized that it would be cheaper for them to pay me more than get a second truck. And knew that it would not be permits just maybe flags, etc at most.

But I was a good guy and gave them my suggestion.

Don't have to worry about going forward. I have a bulk head.

Thanks for the link. I have been looking for a good source vs. going to each state. I see a fairly regular 60' load near me and want to figure out all the details before I call on it.

Thanks for the link.

 

So what is the deal. I see guys, one in the fuel island right now, that will over hang a foot or two and put lights, flags and banners. Are they just CYA, company policy or is it required.

I'll probably start with some over length but some of the over width stuff just seems crazy. Maybe shorter hauls. But can't imagine the stress of going 1000 miles with even 10" on each side.

But I say that and someone will be offering crazy money and I will be figuring it out.

 

Being over width isn't too bad until you get up over 14 wide if I get on one under 12 wide I don't kno how to drag it. Try 18 wide 22 tall and 60 ft in the well with 11 axles I know that's a little more specialized than you all are talking but just goes to show that you can get comfortable with most things. One thing on the over width be sure to get some extendable mirrors and use them take the time to pull them out and aim them and don't worry if you can't see right behind the load. Another thing time yourself at how long it takes to pass somebody and get all the way in front of them then add ten or fifteen seconds and if you keep track of that when you pass being wide you should be good.

 

Must be company policy (CYA)

I did the heavy haul thing a few years back and will be back at it in a week or 2 (glad to be back at it too)...

With flat steel you are allowed 4" (inches) over hang on each side, legal load...no permits required. (again, double check to be sure...states do vary some)

I've went from coast to coast several times with loads around 12 feet wide...its no big deal...get the permits, read and understand the restrictions, follow the routing, and stop each night before dark (in most cases)