Flat Bed Trucking

So you want to be a truck driver but you want a more challenging job then just pulling dry van freight from dock to dock? Flat bed trucking may be for you. While most flat bed trucking companies will provide training, they generally prefer to hire drivers with 1 or 2 or more years OTR (over the road) driving experience. Some companies are willing to hire recent driving school habits and train the driver from the bottom up so they are trained specifically to the companies standards.

Flat bed freight, like any trucking job, may be solo, team drivers and may be company drivers or owner-operators.

Surviving & Thriving: Becoming a Trucker… from student driver to professional driver

Operating a flatbed is far more physically challenging then the majority of dry freight. While there are times when dry freight or reefer loads can be a workout, the majority of the loads are loaded and unloaded by dockworkers. Of course, those that are doing LTL (less then trailer load) or are doing deliveries to retail locations will receive a more aggressive workout. This compares with nearly every flatbed load where the driver(s) are normally directly involved in supervising the loading of the cargo and then securing the load with a combination of chains and/of straps. When securing a load to a flatbed trailer, the driver has to be aware of federal and state laws requiring a minimum number bindings. However, he/she must also be aware of any requirements the shipper might have. Some shippers have specific requirements on the type of tie downs, the number to be used – and more importantly, where they may be attached to the load.

And then – the tarps! While many loads are not tarped, many are. With sizes not uncommonly 16×24′ or larger and weighing 60lbs each, the driver will receive a full body workout climbing around the loaded trailer and pulling the tarps up and over the precious load. And it is not going to be one tarp – but several as the entire load will have to be protected on all angles. And secure while sitting in a parking lot may look entirely different at highway speeds – so all tarps will be secured with an abundance of rubber tarp straps. One experienced driver once commented that his rule was when he thought he had enough trap straps in place – go back and put on double that amount.

Become A Succesful Truck Owner Operator

Many times, Flat Bed Trucking loads are shipped to a variety of locations. Unlike van loaded freight which can move between the same docks creating a repeating run, flatbed can very easily be shipped to numerous locations – such as a building supply company sending materials to multiple different construction sites.

Because of the less consistency in load destinations, drivers will be come more involved in planning their routes and their schedules for driving, rest and fuel.

Oh, and did I mention that since most flatbed loads are loaded out in the middle of a large open space which is easily in the view of numerous shipping company’s employees and bosses? While much of truck driving is out of the direct view of bosses – loading large, bulk, flatbed cargo is the one time when you will always want to be on your A-Game. Acting or looking like you do not know what you are doing may result in dispatch being informed to not send you back to that specific location. And you normally on get one chance to get it right when loading. Having to spend a couple hours unloading and reloading s shipment is very costly in time – both for the shipper and for the driver as it counts against their log book hours.

Flat Bed Trucking is not for the meek – but if you like a challenging, never the same routing, it may be just the career for you.