Just how tough is it, anyway?
#11
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 725
Flatbed work is challenging, but it will get you into better shape. Remember to work smarter and not harder. There are things that you can do to make it "easier" There are some posts on here about ways to do things smarter. You can be loaded, strapped, tarped and cleaned up before the guy that loaded ahead of you. I also think that flatbed customers are happier to see you than reefer and dry van customers.
#12
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 880
I dunno for flatbedding, but they ain't the only ones that get to work....
This week I missed a drop. Not my fault, but they were closed and the next drop HAD to be there at 0730 the next day........so...... I unloaded 29 200 pound sofas and set them aside. Then I unloaded 28 200 pound sofas for the 0730 appointment. Then I loaded the 29 200 pound sofas back into the truck. Then I drove back to the first account and unloaded the 29 sofas that I had already handled. And guess what?.......NEITHER account had a loading dock! I was dropping them down to the ground. I'm 61 and in good shape. But if I was about three days older I could not have done it. :lol:
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Brang it On!
#13
Good to hear the old-timers tell their tales, thanks pops's!
Flatbedding can be really demanding and its really a matter of learning through sweat and discomfort and danger. Once you have some tricks up your sleeve it gets easier, but no 2 week course will teach you common sense and looking at the big picture of things. Theres a thread entitled 'flatbed not for noobs' where we discussed on that till it got stupid. GL
#14
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 725
I think anyone who touches freight has to work . I hate to hear those guys who say I dont touch freight. I dont either, but I chain it, strap it, wrap it, tarp it and I get paid for doing it. How many wheel holder, door closers are on the road? I had a driver complain to me once about having to close the doors. How much griping can a truck driver do?
#17
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 12,859
Is the physical part so hard and uncomfortable that it just makes common sense for older guys to look at other types of driving?
Short answer NO You'll get into a system and after awhile you'll laugh at yourself for worrying about it. You'll probably get some odd shaped loads and wonder WTF :P
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#18
Originally Posted by LOAD IT
How many wheel holder, door closers are on the road?
I had a driver complain to me once about having to close the doors. How much griping can a truck driver do?
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#20
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: New York City USA
Posts: 1,175
I love the challenge, the exercise and the feeling of accomplishment (job well done) when I stand back and admire my newly secured "weird" load. Sounds silly but it's true. lol I would never drive anything other than a skateboard. Generally, IMO, we're treated friendlier and with more respect than other types of drivers from our customers AND fellow drivers on the road.
BOL
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