Curtained Flatbed Companies?

Hey y'all!

I'm new to the forum but not new to the trucking world. Been pulling flatbed since the start of my career in 2012 (not a veteran compared to some but I'm definitely not a rookie 😂). But anyways I'll cut to the chase! I love securing loads and flatbed as a whole. But my back just can't handle tarping anymore because of injuries outside of trucking. Are there any good companies that pull predominantly or only curtains? I currently drive for Maverick** and love the company but I just can't handle tarping anymore because of my injuries.

Help is greatly appreciated.

*Also if anyone has any questions about Maverick I would be more than happy to answer.

Grizzly where are you located? The company I work for has only covered wagons and conestoga trailers but we only run indiana Michigan Illinois ohio and some Kentucky Wisconsin and st louis.

Got one in WI too. Small company... owner still drives.

Being that I'm a lowly box hauler, I have a flatbed question. With "covered wagons", is the securement process the same? It's just that the traditional tarping is eliminated?

That is correct a covered wagon is made up of hard side boards and stakes that hold those in place as well hold the bows for one long trap that is the length of the trailer. You simply slide the tarp to one side and remove as many side boards to fit the product you are try to load.

Being that I'm a lowly box hauler, I have a flatbed question. With "covered wagons", is the securement process the same? It's just that the traditional tarping is eliminated?

Welcome Grizzly!

One of our members worked for Long Haul Trucking for a while. He pulled flatbeds and step decks for them. I'm pretty sure everything had a Conestoga cover on it. It's worth checking into.

That is correct a covered wagon is made up of hard side boards and stakes that hold those in place as well hold the bows for one long trap that is the length of the trailer. You simply slide the tarp to one side and remove as many side boards to fit the product you are try to load.

Being that I'm a lowly box hauler, I have a flatbed question. With "covered wagons", is the securement process the same? It's just that the traditional tarping is eliminated?

Or "covered wagon", on more modern systems, refers to the "rolling tarp systems" - where the cover is on rails and "rolls" to the front or rear of the flatbed to allow for loading.

You secure the load, then roll the system back over. They're nice, except when you catch a TREE or other object that tears your expensive system up.

Curtainside trailers, typically have standard doors and roofs and "curtains" that allow for loading/unloading. Problem is - the roof supports don't allow "full deck loads". They're typically used because they're easier to fork loads on/off from the side, than drag them the length of the box, and typically - the loads are more "cargo type", than flatbed material/equipment loads.

Much as you love FB, there comes a time when the risk of injury or adding to an existing one, means it's time to hang it up and get off FB.

Stakesides are typically used for product, trash hauling, etc. - and there's no "load securement" going on, other than running the cover over the top so your load isn't flying out on the highway.

Rick

Rick, very nice tutorial with the pictures! I learn stuff every time you touch your keyboard, thanks!

Rick, there's a lot if terminology that flatbedders use and it gets confusing. Most of us refer to a "covered wagon" as exactly what Jeffrey T described, and they are mostly used for hauling metal products. I see them all the time at the many extrusion plants I'm in and out of all the time. They haul a lot of steel coils also. They are definitely secured just like a standard flatbed. Most if the rolling tarp systems are referred to as "Conestogas."

I realize Bruce wasn't aware of all these distinctions, but the various terms have specific meanings.

Rick, there's a lot if terminology that flatbedders use and it gets confusing. Most of us refer to a "covered wagon" as exactly what Jeffrey T described, and they are mostly used for hauling metal products. I see them all the time at the many extrusion plants I'm in and out of all the time. They haul a lot of steel coils also. They are definitely secured just like a standard flatbed. Most if the rolling tarp systems are referred to as "Conestogas."

I realize Bruce wasn't aware of all these distinctions, but the various terms have specific meanings.

Thanks for the clarification there OS.

Most friends I have that don't want to sling tarps anymore, have gone to rolling/conestoga systems, though they also tell me some shippers want tarps even with these types. (disclaimer: my friends that I describe are all O/O's).

As interesting as the work appears (FB), I'm just not of the physical shape/mind to be slinging tarps, climbing on loads, etc. I know the guys that do it, love it - & also enjoy the physical/workout aspect. I ain't that type (LOL).

Rick