Profile For Denis M.

Man, that looks like an awesome day out, those trails look perfect for just letting loose and clearing your head. I’ve been meaning to take my dual sport out more often, but life always seems to get in the way. Your post’s giving me the push I needed to actually make the time. Totally get what you mean about riding being therapy. Something about being out there, no traffic, no noise (except the engine), just you and the trail, hard to beat. Do you run knobbies year-round, or swap tires depending on where you're headed? Might have to check out that park if I’m ever in your area. Looks like a solid spot for all-day fun. Keep the photos coming, man. Always good to see someone out there living it.

We keep talking about the variety of loads that flatbedders haul and I thought that maybe we could make a thread with photos of the variety of things that gets tied to a trailer.

I will start with a load that I hauled today.... prefab walls for a house that is being built. Apparently it is cheaper to make and ship the walls than to build on site.

If you're thinking about getting into trucking, especially flatbed, threads like this are gold. The variety of loads you’ll see, from prefab walls to steel coils, tractors, or even oversized tanks, means every day is different. But that also means you need to really know your securement game.

My advice? Before you even step into a truck, get hands-on with load securement training. Learn how to use chains, straps, edge protectors, tarps, the whole toolkit. A lot of rookies think driving is the hard part, but in flatbed, it’s how you secure the load that matters most.

Also, stay humble and ask questions. Old-timers on the road have tricks you won’t find in a manual. Forums like this are a great place to start, and if you're serious, spend time learning about weight distribution, DOT regs, and seasonal challenges.

Flatbed ain’t easy, but it’s rewarding if you like variety and a bit of a challenge.

Figured I’d share something I’ve learned the hard way over the last few years as an owner-operator. Everyone talks about the freedom of running your own truck, setting your own schedule, choosing your loads, but not enough people talk about the hidden costs that creep up on you if you’re not paying attention.

The first and biggest is maintenance. You might think you're good with routine oil changes and tire rotations, but when you own the rig, everything is your responsibility. Air dryer failures, DPF cleanings, suspension work, it adds up fast. I set aside 10–15 cents per mile for maintenance and still get caught off guard sometimes. Don’t wait until something breaks. Build a reserve now.

Then there’s downtime. No one pays you when your truck’s in the shop. You might lose a load or miss a deadline, and brokers aren’t always patient. One of the smartest things I did this year was start tracking how many unpaid days I had due to breakdowns, weather, or waiting for parts. It changed how I budget and choose lanes. You need to plan as if every month has at least a few unpaid days.

Insurance is another silent killer. Sure, you shop around and get what seems like a good deal, but watch out for the small print. Non-trucking liability, cargo coverage, downtime coverage, it all matters, and brokers will sometimes ask for higher limits. The cheapest policy isn’t always the smartest, especially if you're moving higher-value freight.

Also, if you’re running under your own authority, there are compliance costs. IFTA, IRP, UCR, drug consortiums, ELD systems, it’s a maze. And it’s easy to miss deadlines if you’re not organized. I recommend using a spreadsheet or even paying a small service to track those for you. DOT audits are no joke, and fines can tank your profits for months.

Fuel cards and factoring are tools, but not all are created equal. Some factoring companies sneak in fees that aren’t obvious upfront, and some fuel cards have hidden transaction charges or limit you to smaller discounts. Ask other truckers and read the reviews before signing anything. What works for one guy might not fit your operation.

Lastly, your time is valuable. A load that pays $3 a mile but requires four hours of loading and unloading isn’t as good as it looks. Start tracking your time, not just your miles. You’ll begin to realize what your hourly rate really is, and it’ll change how you look at dispatch offers.

Bottom line: there’s a big difference between making money and keeping money in this business. Run it like a business, not a hustle. Keep good records, be honest with your numbers, and always plan for what can go wrong.

Hope that helps someone out there thinking about making the leap or struggling to stay afloat. We’ve all been there.