Flatbed & Pre-existing Back Problems

Hello All,

Realistically I have about a 50-60 lb. lifting limit. In recent years through therapy and yoga I've managed to get my back problems under control.

QUESTIONS:

1) In your opinion, if I were to make the change and start trucking, would the extra income for flatbed be worth the risk of re-injury?

2) If yes, I assume there are training tricks and ways to manage the tarps, straps, etc. that make it practical for folks with lifting limits to do it safely if done properly?

Not afraid to work and endure crappy weather trying to tarp or tie down a load, just pondering whether or not over the years my back could tolerate it. Appreciate any feedback...everyone have a good day!

Hello All,

Realistically I have about a 50-60 lb. lifting limit. In recent years through therapy and yoga I've managed to get my back problems under control.

QUESTIONS:

1) In your opinion, if I were to make the change and start trucking, would the extra income for flatbed be worth the risk of re-injury?

2) If yes, I assume there are training tricks and ways to manage the tarps, straps, etc. that make it practical for folks with lifting limits to do it safely if done properly?

Not afraid to work and endure crappy weather trying to tarp or tie down a load, just pondering whether or not over the years my back could tolerate it. Appreciate any feedback...everyone have a good day!

Well of you think about it what is better a little extra pay or even more back problems? There is tricks to any heavy lifting, but us being human will make mistakes and could make it worse. Honestly if I had back issues I would just stick to dry van or reefer. Also I believe the tarps way more than your limit, but I'm not sure I do dry van. Pretty sure the flatbedders will chime in soon.

Hey Zen, I recently started my truck driving career and I jumped straight into flatbedding. The company I drive for provided me with 3 tarps. . 2 weigh 90 lbs each.. the "little" one weighs 70 lbs. over 70% of what I tarp requires all 3 tarps.

I use my leg strength to lift each tarp onto my drive tires... then I climb up on the cat walk and lift the tarp onto the trailer. I can not lift straight from the ground to the top of trailer. I also carry 2 ladders so if I do not have a forklift driver available to place the tarps on top of load, I can use my ladders.

I agree with Gladhand...if you have back problems now.. stay away from flatbed.

If you do, just be aware, often, you will be on unstable surfaces, or trying to tarp a load in the ice. Last thing you want to do is be trying to lift a tarp in slippery conditions and lose your balance. Could tweak your back and put you down for awhile.

Flatbedders (God Bless em) are the "Special Forces Operators" of the trucking industry. Heavy lifting, heights, all weather, climbing around on top of loads. Again - God Bless em.

But call me a WUSSY - not for me in a million years.

I'm sure one of our local 'bedders will show up and respond.

But...

The CPM pay isn't that much greater than reefer , dry or tanker (example: Western Express is advertising .40 cpm), tarp pay (what you get paid for tarping) is $25. "Stop Pay" is similar to other varieties of cargo. Load are almost 100% live loads each side, and you have to secure/unsecure & tarp/untarp and stow all your gear yourself.

I would say that it's a young mans game - but OS would call me out on that.

It IS the most DANGEROUS and INJURY FREQUENT segment of the industry. As well as hot sweaty, cold chilly - wet dry.

Even if I were in better shape, even if I weren't scared of heights, even if I liked playing monkey climbing on top of loads - the pay difference still doesn't justify the amount of MANUAL LABOR and PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT involved.

And that's JUST MY OPINION.

Plenty of guys LIKE the hard work, like getting sweaty & nasty, like having to play with straps/chains/tarps/bungee's in the blazing heat, freezing cold.

I just ain't one of em.

Add to that - the OP's history of back injury - and the 50-60 lb lift limit (with most company agility tests for FB having you move 100 lbs around) and you're lucky if you make it through orientation, much less training - without ending up flat on your back.

NOTHING IS WORTH GETTING INJURED, or RE-INJURED.

Rick

Flatbedder here. Honestly I would probably stick to dry van or reefer. Most of the time, forklift guys will put your tarps on for you. However, there are times when you're on your own, and there is plenty of work to be done. Also it all comes down to passing a company physical. If you can pass one, you may be OK but it is concerning.

In response to your other question, the money, I believe it is worth it to an extent. You can earn a decent wage fairly quickly doing flatbed, here at maverick top out is .54 and .62 for glass. However I went flatbed for the home time. I'm home every weekend, some longer some shorter but I do get home. Not as bad as rick made it sound lol

I think I have the feedback that I need. Thank you all for your comments.

Take Care, Andy