Questions About Flatbed

I am finally going after my dream of pullin flat bed and not dry van or reefer and had the enjoyment of talking with one who was telling me about how heavy the tarps can be and basically starting giving directions of how to tarp the load, folding corners and such. This went on for about three hours and also gave me a load securement book and suggested another. To my surprise when asking about weight distribution and mentioned 34k on the drives and was informed that you better check your trailer axles because your over? So how do you distribute the weight with a spread axle trailer? Secondly, when it comes to lifting the lumber tarps, I have been reading and hearing there is a proper technique that makes lifting those heavy things a piece of cake.

I am finally going after my dream of pullin flat bed and not dry van or reefer and had the enjoyment of talking with one who was telling me about how heavy the tarps can be and basically starting giving directions of how to tarp the load, folding corners and such. This went on for about three hours and also gave me a load securement book and suggested another. To my surprise when asking about weight distribution and mentioned 34k on the drives and was informed that you better check your trailer axles because your over? So how do you distribute the weight with a spread axle trailer? Secondly, when it comes to lifting the lumber tarps, I have been reading and hearing there is a proper technique that makes lifting those heavy things a piece of cake.

Im not sure how a spread axle works. But as for tarping. I found this on YouTube. It has multiple parts to it. Tarping

I'm sure one of the more experienced flat bedders could weigh in more.

You'll be relieved to find out a spread axle is the best thing to happen for the life of a trucker. Just balance your weight towards the back and as long as you aren't over gross you'll be fine because the spread axle can handle 20k per axle, so you're allowed to have 40k on the back. You can see this makes it much easier to balance the weight because there's no moving tandems or perfect balance required, just toss the weight back a few inches and everythings cake. Lifting the lumber tarp is basically the exact process for lifting a person. The exact method will vary a bit by person, but the key points are, get it as close to your center of gravity as possible, get a good wrap around it with one arm, and get the other hand under it really securely, then lift solely with the strength of your legs with your arms only serving the purpose of holding it to your body until you can put momentum into it and heave it up onto your shoulder.

Also there may be times during the winter when the tarp is so large due to ice and inflexibility that you will require assistance from a forklift driver or have to do really weird things to get it to where it needs to be stored.

Thank you for the replies, I had been looking on youtube as well and couldn't find anything showing what technique was used they just always appeared with the tarp already in place laying in front of them.

Like James said, get it close to your body and lift with your legs. If you have to step it up. Get up to the tire or catwalk. Then heave it up to the trailer. Most places the forklift guy/gal is more than willing to set it up top. Especially on tall loads.

Just learn to fold the tarp properly so that when you roll it out the flap is where it should be and the tarp is fairly close to center. Saves a lot of aggravation.

I got a flatbed job a few months ago and have found that I enjoy the challenges of having to solve securement and tarping puzzles. Sticking to the basics is the best way: prevent any movement both horizontally and vertically. I've had loads where I strapped and chained, then added dunnage with more chains for bracing and blocking. Others have made me quickly learn the science of aerodynamics to protect my tarps on the load. You gotta tarp from back to front, but some loads are oddly shaped and you will get creative trying to design a way that prevents air from getting inside those tarps. Where air gets in, water gets in. I use a ladder if I really need to get up to the top, and always use the tarp machine at a shipper. Most guys talk tough about how lame that is. Breaking bones or getting killed is pretty lame though. I've seen guys slide off of the top and luckily they were in a harness on a tarp machine and only injured their pride and racked their eggs. Just be open to ideas that get the load secured and protected, and you'll soon know how to strap down a house in a hurricane.

First thing to remember is, DON'T EVER let anyone rush you. When you let yourself get rushed, things like this can happen.

You can also get some short pieces of rope and tie it around the tarps and then pick it up like you would a hay bale. But then I don't use tarps. Or even better yet, those short cam buckle straps would work great for this.

First thing to remember is, DON'T EVER let anyone rush you. When you let yourself get rushed, things like this can happen.

You can also get some short pieces of rope and tie it around the tarps and then pick it up like you would a hay bale. But then I don't use tarps. Or even better yet, those short cam buckle straps would work great for this.

Image didn't work for me, that is why i quote boxed it, to see if it worked that way.

Thank you for the replies, I can't see the photo either, and on the upside I did get my pre hire also are there anythings that the company does not supply, but help you with securement or after you get unloaded that they recommend you get?