Nice Ernie!
How heavy are the tarps? Starcar says they've gotten a lot lighter in recent years.
Ernie, I'm personally looking forward to hearing what you think about your flat-bedding gig. I love this job, and I get all the work I can handle. The variety keeps it interesting for me, and I enjoy the mental challenge of making sure each load is secured properly so that it is safe and secure no matter what type of situation I may get into in the course of my travel time for that job.
There is a lot of flat-bed freight in the North East, and that is where I'm at most of the time. But I also really enjoy running out west, the runs are longer and I enjoy those wide open spaces. When I can drive for two days straight without any of the delays of dealing with tarps, straps and chains I start really feeling like I'm making some money. But, to be honest with you I do just as well in the North East, just gotta manage your time right. Last week I had several short runs in the North East, but ended up with an extra $200 bucks on my check just because of the number of tarp jobs I had. So it all comes out in the wash somehow.
Brett, I hope Ernie gets some lightweight tarps, but my experience has been that our tarps weigh about 135 pounds. I don't know if that is lighter than they used to be or not, but for me it's a job that takes a toll on you in the summer heat. I'm not complaining, I really do like this stuff, but it's a real job dealing with those tarps, especially in the rain when they gain about thirty pounds.
135 pounds!!!!!
They weigh more than me! I'm 125 pounds. Those tarps would swallow me whole. Haha
Yeah I think ill stay away from flat bedding :)
135 pounds!!!!!
They weigh more than me! I'm 125 pounds. Those tarps would swallow me whole. Haha
Yeah I think ill stay away from flat bedding :)
125??? You'd blow away in a stiff breeze..hope you're wearing BIG boots.. 
135 pounds!!!!!
They weigh more than me! I'm 125 pounds. Those tarps would swallow me whole. Haha
Yeah I think ill stay away from flat bedding :)
125??? You'd blow away in a stiff breeze..hope you're wearing BIG boots..
Haha, now you know why people were staring at me when I was driving a Peterbilt 587 to my companies terminal :p
Like a hamster in a rabbit ball haha
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.
That's awesome Ernie! Glad your enjoying it. Flat bedding is definitely on my to do list before I hang up my keys.
Thanks everyone.
Our tarps weigh about 80 LBS. We use a 3 tarp system instead of 2 (that is the difference).
Have already had several different types of loads, from metal, to standup coils, to really light loads, pipe load. So plenty of variety to get the experience that I was looking for when I did the 2 weeks with a buddy of mine. So it worked out almost like I wanted it to.
Will keep everyone updated as I can.
Will have to post some pictures of my new truck when I get it back from my initial inspection & all the items on my list are taken care of.
Ernie
Ernie, sounds like we are in about the same spot with flatbedding. I didn't go with a trainer which, in hind sight, would have been smart. I am enjoying most of the work; gotta get faster.
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Time for another update.
I have been doing the flatbed thing for a week now and having a great time.
Started out going to just outside St Louis to Los Angles, to Kansas, now we picked up in St Joseph MO heading to Eureka NV. Each load has been different so the experience has been great.
By the end of next week will be back to our main terminal in Springfield MO to pickup my new KW T680 and head out on my own.
Will keep everyone updated as time allows.
Ernie
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.