So let me keep being a post/information whore again. So say you were interested in venturing out on your own and had flatbed as interest. Where do you get some training and learning on flatbed securement...do you just have to learn it on your own through books and word of mouth through other drivers or can you go take a load securement course thorugh someone like Prime/Maverick/TMC for a fee or something.....how does an independentlearn some flatbed tricks without working for a flatbed company previously....i expect maybe SteveBoothcan shed a little light on this........I expect a good answer from the Gman as well.....no pressure guys lol

 

Most of it is common sense. I bought a book on load securement and also followed the FMCSA book of regs. Pretty much everything you need to know is in there.

The shippers usually know the best way to secure their load if it's something they ship out all the time. When I hauled coils the shipper made you do it this way and no other way. When I hauled plastic pipe they make you strap half the load then strap the whole load.

You can ask and watch other drivers too.

Here is a link to the cargo securement book.

http://www.amazon.com/Securement-Han.../dp/159042610X

 

I doubt whether any of the flat bed carriers would be interested in training someone who would be competing with them for freight. Most carriers who do flat bed offer training for those who either drive or lease to them. I know that CRST Malone and Lanstar both offer training to owner operators and their drivers if they are leased to them. Much of securement is common sense. There are some factors which are not usually mentioned such as edge protectors and strap protectors. Where some get into trouble is not knowing the load limitations of their chains or straps. For instance a 5/16" chain will have a lower load rate limit than a 3/8". You will find both on a flat bed. I prefer 3/8". Most shippers are willing to tell you the best way to secure their loads. Two things to watch is to make sure you have enough chains or straps to properly secure the load. If using chains on coils, you usually need to use edge protectors on them so that the coils aren't damaged. With straps, you use protectors to prevent the straps from being cut. The handbooks can help you with spacing and other things to help you stay legal and safe. Most flatbedders are willing to lend a hand when needed or asked. Over the years, I have found flatbedders to be more helpful to other flatbedders than any other type of hauling. As Steve stated, you can always watch other flatbedders to see how they secure their loads. When in doubt, ask. You never want to leave a shipper without knowing that your load is secure. Don't be afraid to add additional chains or straps. You can never have too much securement. I always check my chains or straps when I stop.

 

Yup, no kidding about flatbedders. Anytime I've ever asked for help they are there in a second with any help they can offer. I think most love to be asked for advise.

I've found myself chaining or hooking straps on someone else's flatbed and we just continued on without saying a word until the finish when he would say thanks.

Definetly a different breed.

 

They sell that same book at the Ontario TA.

 

YA, it gots lottsa pickshoars ifen uze kan't reid.

 

Did you buy that book before or after you were putting your straps on the outside of your rub rails? :lol:

 

I have a book at home that I downloaded....I think it's by the FCMSA. Might want to check their site.

hang around a truck stop for a while and you'll see all sorts of stuff.

 

Yup, that's for sure. I've gotten some good pointers checking out other peoples techniques.

 

Steve, Rev is not going to give you a break, is he? LOL :lol: :lol: