I'm thinking of going into trucking and am interested in flatbeds. I've learned a ton of stuff reading this forum. Can anyone comment about the physical aspects of being a flatbed driver especially regarding loading, unloading and load securement? Thanks.

 

Pulling flatbeds can be extremely demanding-for instance if you go to load haybales then you,ll have to climb on top of the load and roll out your sheets(tarps?) and then secure them too, not just the load. Can you rope n sheet? If not, you could struggle at first. Good luck to you though. Keep us posted :wink:

 

Wot just to let you know not verry often around here do you haul haybales as most of the farmers have there own trucks.

 

Securing the load isn't that bad but having climbing and physical agility is a must. You will have to climb up on some type of odd load. I suppose you could carry an extension ladder and that would solve the problem.

I did see a very fat man once with a flatbed and the tarp was stuck on the top. I knew there was NO WAY he could climb up there. I figured I would finish what I was doing then go help. When I was ready I noticed he threw a rope over the whole load and tied it to the bottom of the tarp. From the other side he pulled the tarp up and over the obstruction.

 

It's not as bad as everyone makes it seem. Yes you SHOULD be able to climb atop your load, but you CAN carry a light ladder too. Securing the load (to me) is a fun challenge every time and makes the day go by just a little quicker. I wouldn't ever trade my skateboard for a van! The money is good too!

 

Well said. Many here make you think that you have to be an olympic athlete to haul flatbed freight, but in reality thats not the case. As mentioned before, you can use a ladder if need be. I also feel the same about it being a fun challange and making time go buy a little quicker. Even when its pouring down rain or snow and I'm out there strapping down, I still would much rather drive flatbed than a van trailer. Also, I would suggest that when looking for companies, ask if they are "no tarp freight" or even ask what percentage of the freight requires tarping. Strapping is realitivley easy. Tarping is what cause most of the aggrevation IMO.

 

i drive flatbed also im a big guy and climb all over the loads. lowes have the best loads . afraid NOT. you cant be scared of heights . tarping in the rain and snow is not bad you just move a little faster. good luck.

 

I have pulled flats for several years. It can be physically demanding at times. It isn't the securement as much as the tarping that can get you. Most shippers will put the tarps on top of the load for you, but you must be able to unroll it and pull it in place. Once unloaded you will also need to fold it and put it on the trailer. Again, most shippers and/or receivers are willing to put the tarp on your trailer with a fork lift. When it is hot or cold, it can be a bit more of a challenge dealing with the elements. Having said all of that, I would not want to pull anything else. Once you get used to how things work, it will be much easier for you. There may be times in which you will need to climb on top of a load of lumber to tarp. Flats tend to haul a lot of steel. Those are usually not too high. Now if you want something that is REALLY physically demanding, pull a car hauler. Now that can be physically demanding. :wink:

 

Drop and hook is the only way to go.
I dont care how much the pay is , it aint worth it to me to risk getting hurt or killed tarping sheetrock in a snowstorm in Iowa.

 

Thats not true at all, Hay makes a good back haul. Its still done young man...lol