Flatbed For New Drivers?
Topic 5047 | Page 1
I'm looking at a company that does flatbed only. I know there are more things to take into consideration than a standard trailer, but is it a bad idea for a new driver to start off with flatbed?
If you are the kind of person that likes a challenge besides just driving the truck, then by all means go for it. If you don't think that you can handle the added responsibility of securement and some math then skip flatbeds.
I started and still am doing flatbeds.
If you think you would like flatbed I say go for it.
Robert, flat-bed is both challenging and rewarding. I started with flat-bed and can't really see myself doing anything else in the near future. Flat-bedders are a unique group of drivers. If you think you've got what it takes, then jump in and give it a try. I completely agree with Pat when he says:
If you are the kind of person that likes a challenge besides just driving the truck, then by all means go for it. If you don't think that you can handle the added responsibility of securement and some math then skip flatbeds.
Robert, flat-bed is both challenging and rewarding. I started with flat-bed and can't really see myself doing anything else in the near future. Flat-bedders are a unique group of drivers. If you think you've got what it takes, then jump in and give it a try. I completely agree with Pat when he says:
If you are the kind of person that likes a challenge besides just driving the truck, then by all means go for it. If you don't think that you can handle the added responsibility of securement and some math then skip flatbeds.
The company I'm looking at is Melton. Can you guys be more specific as to what knowledge is required? I was told that you have to know how to load and secure the cargo yourself. What kind of math are we talking about?
Robert, Melton has a great reputation, and we have several Melton drivers who are members in this forum. One thing to realize is that Melton will teach you this stuff at their orientation. They will spend several days with you doing hands on load securement practice right there at their terminal. Then you will also have the time that you spend with your trainer on the road where you will be learning load securement practices on a daily basis with your trainer. They will not turn you loose until you have proven some sort of competency at what you need to know to be safe out there.
We had a lively discussion on this stuff a while back in another thread. Here's a link to that discussion on Flat-bedder's Math 101. Follow that link and you will get an idea of how a flat-bedder calculates what it will take to keep his load secure and legal with the D.O.T.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
EPU:
Electric Auxiliary Power Units
Electric APUs have started gaining acceptance. These electric APUs use battery packs instead of the diesel engine on traditional APUs as a source of power. The APU's battery pack is charged when the truck is in motion. When the truck is idle, the stored energy in the battery pack is then used to power an air conditioner, heater, and other devices
Robert, Melton has a great reputation, and we have several Melton drivers who are members in this forum. One thing to realize is that Melton will teach you this stuff at their orientation. They will spend several days with you doing hands on load securement practice right there at their terminal. Then you will also have the time that you spend with your trainer on the road where you will be learning load securement practices on a daily basis with your trainer. They will not turn you loose until you have proven some sort of competency at what you need to know to be safe out there.
We had a lively discussion on this stuff a while back in another thread. Here's a link to that discussion on Flat-bedder's Math 101. Follow that link and you will get an idea of how a flat-bedder calculates what it will take to keep his load secure and legal with the D.O.T.
Good stuff.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
EPU:
Electric Auxiliary Power Units
Electric APUs have started gaining acceptance. These electric APUs use battery packs instead of the diesel engine on traditional APUs as a source of power. The APU's battery pack is charged when the truck is in motion. When the truck is idle, the stored energy in the battery pack is then used to power an air conditioner, heater, and other devices
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I'm looking at a company that does flatbed only. I know there are more things to take into consideration than a standard trailer, but is it a bad idea for a new driver to start off with flatbed?