I've trucked for a few years and recently bought me a flatbed. Does anyone know if there are dvds that show how to load, chain, strap, tarp, etc. out there?
You can't learn how to secure loads from a film.Driving a flatbed is alot different than a van or reefer.My best advice is to go to work for a flatbed company and learn the right way to secure loads.Maverick or TMC have excellent load securement classes.Your not going to learn how to tie down a 42,000 pound steel coil on a film,much less haul it cross country.There are some states,Alabama comes to mind that you have to be trained to haul any coil through the state.I drive a flatbed and load securement can only be learned by hands on otherwise you are setting yourself up for big problems.
You can purchase books in some truck stops that show you how to secure a load. If you cannot find them in a truck stop you can go online to the J.J. Keller website and purchase the book. From your post I assume that you run your own authority. If not, I would suggest that you lease to a flatbed carrier that will train you how to properly chain. CRST Malone will train you how to properly secure a load as long as you have driving experience. I believe that Landstar also has a securement class for those who lease to them. There may be other flatbed carriers who will train you if you lease to them.
And if you haul coils into or out of Alabama you are required to be certified. The certification can be obtained online for about $15. If you are caught picking up or delivering a coil in the state without your original certificate in your possession the fines are huge. I believe it is something like a $5,000 fine for not having it in your possession. As far as I know, Alabama is the only state that requires certification for all drivers who pick up and deliver coils but other states are looking close at possibly having their own certification. As far as I know, they don't offer state classes, but you will need a knowledge of proper securement in order to pass the test.
There is a guy that made securement videos on you tube you can watch for free. If you are a rookie some insurance companies won't allow you to haul coils anyway.
