Don't change to flatbed because you think everything will be pull up or through. Some weeks only 1 or 2 loads don't require backing. It can be different from one company to the next, however backing into tight spaces to reach a hoist or a dock is quite common. If you are new just take your time, get out and look and many of the shipping or receiving people will help you line up inside their dock area.

I love the flatbed docks at Tamko in Frederick, especially with a 102 trailer. Very tight fit but penty of room to get set up. I actually have heard drivers say dont worry about straight in, the walls will straighten the trailer out for you.
Almost every shipper and receiver will still be easier to back into than a Pilot truck stop spot at 9 pm when you are out of hours.

month # 3 flatbedding. still love it!! dont want to do anything else.

this job rocks 8)

Re: Flatbed vs Van
 

I remember those loads! And they always manged to place something right over the rear axle, were you could not put a winch, and you already used your rachet binders somewhere else! Oops, I failed to see that, dang!

Docks 1,2 and 3 at Tamko in Joplin(Dallas is fun also)! Made for 96" trailers, and the railings are all beat up! Really test your skills with a brand new 102" Benson, without tearing the lights off of it! Yea!

But I loved the loads!

if you are afraid of heights or cant climb then flatbed might not be your thing, had a load yesterday my feet were at the 13ft level and wind was 25mph you would be amazed how much your trailer will sway with you on top tarping and you have to look over the edge to make sure you got your tarp reaches the deck.

You can HAVE flatbeds
 

Ah man ... it just ain't worth it to be a company flatbeder these days. If you have your own rig, then that's different.

I've spent a year working for one of the "premier" flatbed companies. (*spit*) Okay ... it is hard work ... and yes ... you have to do it in the rain, snow, ice, and intense humid heat.

But the way the companies drive you ... if I get breakfast, and perhaps another meal during the day ... and then of course stop to take a crap ... then I'm late for the load. But they keep driving you like that. If I get a shower and brush my teeth 3 times out of a month I'm doing good. (Have you seen most flatbed-er's teeth??)

1. My company cheats us on miles too. Book miles instead of actualy miles.
2. Next, as an OTR driver, I don't get a day off for at least a month.
3. Then, about a third of my work feels like it's free.

As far as the "technical" aspects of the job, you van drivers are able to make turns sharper. We have to slow down more to keep the wheels down on the pavement. And on the average, van drivers are much better at docking because you do it more ... MUCH more. I'm embarrased at how difficult it is for me to get my split-axles in some spaces that van drivers just whip into.

A LOT of guys get hurt flatbedding. So many ways ... falling off trailers, bungee cords that snap while tarping, things that can fall on your feet, tarps that blow in the wind, heat stroke, load shifts ... and the low self-esteem that says, "I am somebody" because I do all this work for such low pay.

BUT ... if you're young, and you do it for no more than a year ... then go out and buy your own step-deck or flatbed ... then you stand to make more money than our van driving brothers ... and sisters.

I plan to turn my keys in this week. Wish me luck and be easy on me when I show up at the dock in my new van or reefer.

I loaded there a few months back to get out of MO. That's the only place I've ever had to do 2 pullups before getting it in the dock.

Those suckers ARE tight with a 102"...

Yes Sir! No doubt about it!

I was always told "Any idiot can close a van door"