Thanks for all the info. Unfortunately, I have to play insurance agent for the next month, so I haven't been trained by my new company. That is why I'm asking you guys a bunch of general questions. I'm a little impatient to get through my training, because I need to start making money fast. Since I've already drove, I just need to soak up as much knowledge about flatbedding as I can.

 

I assume that you have made a decision on the company for which you plan on working, judging from your post. Just take your time. You don't want to get in too big a hurry when it comes to flat bed. Feel free to ask anything you want. I am sure someone will be able your questions.

 

[quote="NotSteve"]uh...steve, you don't know what you're talking about :lol:

E=MC2 is a formula that deals with nuclear energy, and the energy an atom has just through existence....NOT motion!!!

There are two different relevent formulas, if that's what you're into. First is KE=MV2....Kinetic energy is equal to the mass of the object, times it's velocity SQUARED....an object moving twice as fast as a similar object has 4 times the energy....

Also, momentum! P(momentum) = mass x velocity....pretty straight forward.

 

Gman, You're right about not wanting to get into to big of a hurry with the flatbed. I just have to keep on reminding myself that I know nothing about securing loads when I first start out. I'll be patient enough about that, I'm just impatient to start getting decent paychecks again. Even though I drove OTR for 2+ years ticket and accident free, I know I still have plenty to learn about that as well.

 

Other Flatbedders, heavyhaulers, shippers and even some receivers can all give you good information on how various things are secured. You have a month...drive around when your not responsible for any work...stop and talk.

TMC drivers...Maverick drivers..Landstar or CRSTMalone O/O's...many many others, most all of the experienced drivers are gonna talk yer leg off and show what they have for extra equipment.


I don't worry about how to secure things to a flatbed..I just make sure caps are tight, dome lids are buttoned down properly, and that product discharge & internal valves are close and capped!


If it ain't round..I don't wanna move it any more!

 

Can also check here.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regul.../cs-policy.htm

 

been a flatbedder 6 months. i learn something new every day almost.

i watch and listen and use alot of common sense.

like, will this damage the freight? will this hold? is this legal? etc

BOL, have fun

 

I haul these types of bundles nearly everyday. When hauling these, it helps a TON if you belly wrap each bundle atleast 2 times (depending on length of bundle). If you dont know, belly wrapping is when you throw your strap over top of the bundle, then run the strap underneath the bundle, so that your pulling the strap toward you, then throw it over the bundle and secure the strap.
Note that belly wraps DO seem to come loose often, so keep an eye on them.
Also, when bellywrapping, make sure you throw the strap OVER TOP the bunder first and NOT run the strap under the bundle first. Running it over top, creates a downforce, which is what you want.

I find it necessary to belly wrap for almost ANY SMOOTH BUNDLED roundbar, steel flatbar, or anything that will really not "grip to itself", such as rebar will.
Rebar has what they call pinch points and each piece naturally kinda grabs one another, therefore it doesnt really go anywhere and simply throwing your straps over the load is fine.

I've been flatbedding for almost 2 years now and I still learn something new almost everyday, especially since I'm now hauling specifically designed stainless steel products. The load is different everyday and I got to evaluate how I'm going secure every piece without damaging my straps or the material, but making sure it is also safe.

ALSO, DONT BE SCARED to SPEAK UP if you dont like how something is loaded on your trailer and you want it moved. Alot of these guys at shippers fly around on forklifts 100mph like idiots, almost to the point that it seems like they're trying to intimadate you. If you want something moved, tell them. Otherwise, they're gonna assume your content with how it lays. If they give you a problem, just tell them that they either got to move it or you gotta call dispatch to let them now about the load being a possible risk.

Good luck to you. After you get the hang of it after a couple months, you probably will never want to pull a van again. If I can help out, feel free to PM me. Who are you doing to be driving for.

 

Like Jimbpard says don't be scared to tell them to move it. If the fork lift driver won't do it go find a manager. If they still won't do it tell them get it off my trailer or I know a way to get it off real quick Crank the wheels hard over and floor it
On the serious side, over the years I have never found a place that wouldn't move a load around even though they might bitch some. Just remember you are the one telling them where to move it to so can't come back and bitch at them cuz it won't scale and you need it moved.

 

I'd advise that you buy some of that stuff they use for patching pool liners (the name eludes me right now), and, if you get a chance to salvage bits of worn out tarps to use as patches, do so.
The biggest thing I can tell you is don't be afraid to ask other flatbed drivers.. when I first started pulling flatbeds, I'd come off of a tanker, and the brief course I was given by the company really didn't do a whole lot for me. I think the best bit of instruction I'd received was from a Melton O/O, who was willing to take the time to work with me on this. I learned more from him in a couple hours time than I had at the five day course the company had put me through.
If you have a means to install a padlock on your headache rack to prevent your chains and binders from being stolen, then be certain to do that, because there will be people who take no issue with stealing them off of your truck.
And use a little personal judgment when you receive advice from others. There are drivers out they with a great wealth of knowledge... but there are also some out there who are full of shit. If something they tell you sounds utterly absurd, chances are, it is.