question about flat bedding
 

first off i want to start by saying that i in no means at all mean to offend anyone.

but on more than one post and more than one site, i have read and have heard that people "try flatbedding"

being a new driver, is there something about flatbedding that i don't know about that is considered challenging, or at least harder than a regular trailer?

I'm SO offended!! not really, when your a newbie just learning to drive and all the other things you need to know that can be challenging for some when you throw in load securement on umpteen different types of loads on a flat and toss in tarping it all, well you get it now right?

There are several differences or considerations to flatbedding than pulling a van. With a van you usually only need to open the doors, back into a dock, pull out and close the doors. Flats are usually loaded from the side so you don't do as much backing into a dock, but we do sometimes back into a dock to be loaded by a forklift or overhead crane.

With a flatbed you need to know how to load the trailer, secure the load and then tarp it without ripping your tarps to pieces. We tarp about 50% of the loads we haul. Much of pulling a flat is common sense. If you don't properly secure a load you could lose your freight. It does require some additional knowledge about how much chain or how many straps you need to use for a specific load. You could start with flats, but I would recommend that a new driver start with a van. If you don't yet have any driving experience, you are going to need to learn not only how to drive, but how to secure and tarp a load. There have been those who have started with a flatbed carrier and done well. Most of them will work with a trainer for a time. Most flatbed carriers want you to have some driving experience prior to moving to flats.

One other thing. You need to be in pretty good shape physically to be a flatbedder. Tarps can be heavy. You will need to be out in all sorts of weather when you secure and tarp a load. Only a few months ago I had to tarp a load in 16 degree temperature in 3 feet of snow. My tarps were covered with snow before I finished tarping. Tarps get stiff when they get cold. It is like trying to fold cardboard. I have also had to tarp in 100+ degree temperatures. Sometimes we can secure and tarp inside. Often we must do it outside in all sorts of temperatures and weather. High winds can be dangerous when you are trying to tarp a load. A gust of wind can get under a tarp and it is like a parachute. I spent 7 hours tarping a load in high winds a few months ago. You will need to be on top of your load in order to spread your tarps. That can mean that you are as high as 13' or so off the ground. That can be a hard fall should you lose your footing. Many people pull flats. You just need to use extra caution. It can help to keep you in shape. You will get dirty pulling a flat. Flatbed freight usually pays more than vans, but that isn't always the case. I prefer open trailers, but there is something to be said for opening up the doors and backing into a dock. My suggestion would be to get comfortable with driving and then switch to flats, if that is what you want to do.

Ok sweet, yeah i think i get it...its a hell of a lot more prep to driving

Yep that's it!

Think about what kind of person you are...

Are you an office type of person or the outdoorsy, hands-on type?

That's the difference in my mind. I'm the latter and have never pulled anything BUT flats...I still find it too satisfying to consider anything else.

If you are interested in pulling a flat there are a few flat bed carriers who will train you. TMC and Maverick come to mind. I also read that CRST Malone will train you as long as you have some driving experience. CRST Malone is mostly owner operators. They do have a few lease operators and some owners and small fleets have trucks leased to them. They are always looking for drivers. If you are not sure whether you want to pull a flat you could also check out carriers who also have vans. That way, if things don't work out with flats you could stay with the same company and just move back to vans.

you have offended... go STRAP and CHAIN yourself!!!!!

ditto what GMAN posted, also you tend to load and unload faster than vans.