So, What Are The Practical Advantages Of Flatbedding For All It's Hardships?

Hey Old School...have you always been flatbed? And just out of curiosity, how much on average percentage wise would you say that you break out the tarps? Thanks in advance.

I have thought about responding to this thread so many times, and then decided not to.

So have I, but I'm sure I would be booted right out.

Hey Old School...have you always been flatbed? And just out of curiosity, how much on average percentage wise would you say that you break out the tarps?

Yes Mike, I started my trucking career as a flatbed driver. In my previous years of being in business, we hauled or products on our own flat bed trucks. Because of that, I already had some experience with load securement practices, which kind of helped a little.

Okay as far as tarping goes, I've been serving a dedicated flatbed account for SAPA (now called "Hydro") for a little more than four years. They are a major producer of aluminum extrusions. All of our loads have to be tarped, but we also have a good many of our flatbed trailers set up with a "Conestoga" cover. Here's what they look like from inside the cover.

Here's a couple examples of typical "tarped" loads of mine. Remember, on this account we are oftentimes running multi-stop loads, which means you have to learn some tricks to be able to peel the tarps back in certain sections of the load to unload, and then re-secure them and roll on to the next stop. You will burn up way too much time untarping and retarping if you don't develop the skills to hustle and get the most done in an efficient time frame.

They make efforts at loading the multi-stop loads on the Conestoga trailers, but they don't always have the trailers they need on their yard at the proper time.

I actually enjoy tarping my loads. I am the oldest driver on this account, and the younger fellows, while not really understanding my motivation or enjoyment of this type work, all give me a great deal of respect. When they don't understand what to do, or hit a snag on a load, they come see the "old guy" for some good solid advice.

I still remember the day I got hired onto this gig, the manager pulled me aside, and expressed his concern about my age. He wanted me to be "extra" careful climbing on loads. He said he didn't want to see me get hurt. They long ago quit worrying about me. In fact last week that same manager called me to ask a few questions about the safety practices at one of the plants. He ended the conversation by explaining why he wanted my opinion on the subject. He told me, "You are the only driver we have who has never gotten hurt on this job, and yet you've been here longer than anyone else. I don't think you've even broken a nail."

I actually enjoy tarping my loads. I am the oldest driver on this account, and the younger fellows, while not really understanding my motivation or enjoyment of this type work, all give me a great deal of respect. When they don't understand what to do, or hit a snag on a load, they come see the "old guy" for some good solid advice.

I still remember the day I got hired onto this gig, the manager pulled me aside, and expressed his concern about my age. He wanted me to be "extra" careful climbing on loads. He said he didn't want to see me get hurt. They long ago quit worrying about me. In fact last week that same manager called me to ask a few questions about the safety practices at one of the plants. He ended the conversation by explaining why he wanted my opinion on the subject. He told me, "You are the only driver we have who has never gotten hurt on this job, and yet you've been here longer than anyone else. I don't think you've even broken a nail."

Us old guys aren't dead yet, Old School.

I hope to meet you one of these days, you are an inspiration.

I'm convinced old school is just part Android or something haha. I can only hope to be able to be in that good of health and shape at that age. Indeed an inspiration.

I'm convinced old school is just part Android or something haha. I can only hope to be able to be in that good of health and shape at that age. Indeed an inspiration.

No Old School is an inspiration to ALL truck drivers no matter the division. He has quite possibly the best work ethic, the most motivation and the most raw tenacity to get this job done. If I was to ever go flatbed he would be my 1st choice for a trainer or mentor. Old School if we haven’t said it enough, thanks for your service on here and to this industry. You sir are an honest to God Living Legend and I would love to meet you someday and buy you lunch. 😀

One thing not mentioned yet is the various opportunities which arise after getting your foot in the door and gaining experience in open deck work. Specialized and heavy haul divisions are much more intensive from a logistics standpoint, training and skill than other open deck operations and that's also where you will see significant advance in pay. The company I'm with has a specialized / heavy haul division. They hire primarily from within and the waiting list is roughly 8 months before consideration. There's additional training for the various styles of trailers along with familiarization with permit, escort, police escort, policies etc. Those trucks are all 4 axle rigs and company drivers average between 125-150k per year while rarely running over 1800 miles per week. Open deck offers the most options over other aspects in trucking and rewards the hard work in many ways, you just have to go get it. Oh and you'll drive really nice trucks, I know I love mine.

Excuse me, but if I may ask, what trucking company do you work for?

Joe Mc, I drive for Kivi Brothers out of Duluth Minnesota.

Robert, thank you for your reply to my question. I didn’t know the pay could be that good in heavy haul, wow...Your reply to the OP really rekindled my interest in heavy/specialty hauling. My plans of starting off with an entry level flatbed job kind of went awry, (long story). I wound up at Knight Transportation driving for their dry van division as my first job, instead. With what you’ve revealed, I’m considering a move to a dedicated flatbed/heavy haul company after I complete my first year at Knight. Thanks again for the good info.

One thing not mentioned yet is the various opportunities which arise after getting your foot in the door and gaining experience in open deck work. Specialized and heavy haul divisions are much more intensive from a logistics standpoint, training and skill than other open deck operations and that's also where you will see significant advance in pay. The company I'm with has a specialized / heavy haul division. They hire primarily from within and the waiting list is roughly 8 months before consideration. There's additional training for the various styles of trailers along with familiarization with permit, escort, police escort, policies etc. Those trucks are all 4 axle rigs and company drivers average between 125-150k per year while rarely running over 1800 miles per week. Open deck offers the most options over other aspects in trucking and rewards the hard work in many ways, you just have to go get it. Oh and you'll drive really nice trucks, I know I love mine.

Excuse me, but if I may ask, what trucking company do you work for?

Joe Mc, where are you located?

Are you aware of Knight's dedicated flat bed opportunities?