[BigDumbDog777]

I have a similar thread but this question is slightly different and I wanted to make sure it stood out. I am in good physical shape, workout regularly, but the question is still is: is tarping, chaining,strapping loads a pain in the A**? is hauling flatbed more difficult than like a dry van?

I know it depends on the load but I'm kind of just looking gor over all or genaerally. Aslo how long does it typically take to tarp, strap, etc...?

Thanks.

[steelhauler2007]

I drove a flatbed for 2 years.Loved every minute of it.Tarping can be a challenge.Wind,weather have a large part to play. Just get with a good flatbed company and they will teach you the right way to secure and tarp.I drove for Maverick and their training is great.You will learn the right way to secure loads.Even with training you will still get loads you have to stand back and analyze how to secure it.

[inmate1577]

In comparison to hooking up dry van...
yes its a pain in the ass. :lol:

[thebaldeagle655]

99% of the time I have no problem with tarping/straping/chaining, HOWEVER, two weeks ago at 19 degrees with a 40 mph wind blowing, tarping was a real PAIN!!!

[BigDumbDog777]

Thanks for your posts. Typically how long does it take to secure a load (I know it depends on load but in general-if it is possible to generalize).

[downsouthdriver]

I've been with PGT for about a year now and can have just about anything secured and tarped within two hours. That's down from three to five when I first started.

And it's never really a pain. In the cold and wind it can suck, but the overall job of securing and tarping doesn't. I've never had a job that doesn't require some sort of physical activity (from a line cook to a elephant keeper) so I'm used to it and love it.

I would say on the average it takes me 1 to 1 1/2 hours. When I first started it took me about 4 hours!!!

The more you do it the more efficient you become.

If it's really really cold out I won't take a tarp load unless it's loaded and tarped in doors with heat. I put my cold straps on once and most came off as the temp climbed.

[enobeenob]

Why work harder than you have to?, Work smarter, not harder.

[BigDumbDog777]

Hey thanks guys, I work out regularly so the physical part doesn't bother me. I just wanted to make sure it didn't absolutely suck. I've worked as a mover for a very brief time in Chicago taking stuff down from thid floor apartments and moving them to another apartment...as you guessed it...on the third floor, doing two-three moves a day, now that I can say defenitely sucked. Thanks again.

[bikerboy]

chaining and strapping is easy, tarping does kinda suck,
I would try to work for a company that doesn't do alot of tarping.

The worst time i had strapping is trying to throw straps over a 13 foot 6 load and the wind keeps blowing the straps the wrong way, so then i had to finally turn the truck around so the wind would work with me!
Always take straps off winches and wind up first, then throw over tall loads, way easier than trying to throw the heavy hook that high and over.

Oversize loads are a pain in the AZZ too, i would stay away from that unless it pays really good. Permits are a hassle!