Questions For Flatbedders
Topic 30953 | Page 1
Do you back up the spread axle trailers differently than a dry van?
The mechanics are basically the same, but yes you have to be aware of how the front axle turns at a different radius than the rear. The weight on each axle will also be different at times, putting more torque on one axle or the other (usually the front). This is most often noticed when backing a loaded trailer into a tight turn, such as a 90° back. The angle or pitch of the roadway will often cause the trailer to bind up too for the same reason. It definitely takes a little practice, but isn't too difficult to figure out.
How long does it take to learn load securement and is something I'd learn in training?
It's hard to put a timeline on how much training one should receive. The more important thing would be for someone to receive well-rounded training in a variety of circumstances that you'll find out on the road. Once you figure out the mathematics of how much securement is needed for x amount of weight, you can apply that knowledge to all the different types of product you'll be securing.
You should definitely receive some kind of securement training before being put out on your own. I'd like to see at least a month of on the job training.
Do you have to drive differently because the trailer is different, especially in tight technical areas,?
Yes. Due to the nature of a spread axle, the front axle will often slide sideways in a tight turn, instead of turning like a normal tandem axle would. If you've ever looked at your tandems in a tight turn, you've noticed the front axle slides. That effect on a spread axle is multiplied. Slide that front axle over a curb, and you can even roll that tire right off the rim. Again, it just takes practice.
How dangerous is it compared to say construction?
I wouldn't say it's any more dangerous. The biggest danger is in tripping or slipping. Great care should be taken when on, in, or around a load. Setting tarps, straps, and chains in slippery, windy conditions can be a little dangerous if you aren't paying attention.
Tandems:
Tandem Axles
A set of axles spaced close together, legally defined as more than 40 and less than 96 inches apart by the USDOT. Drivers tend to refer to the tandem axles on their trailer as just "tandems". You might hear a driver say, "I'm 400 pounds overweight on my tandems", referring to his trailer tandems, not his tractor tandems. Tractor tandems are generally just referred to as "drives" which is short for "drive axles".
Tandem:
Tandem Axles
A set of axles spaced close together, legally defined as more than 40 and less than 96 inches apart by the USDOT. Drivers tend to refer to the tandem axles on their trailer as just "tandems". You might hear a driver say, "I'm 400 pounds overweight on my tandems", referring to his trailer tandems, not his tractor tandems. Tractor tandems are generally just referred to as "drives" which is short for "drive axles".
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.
All great answers from Turtle!
Most modern aluminum flatbed trailers are real easy to adjust the axles on. They have an air valve switch that sets the brake on the rear axle and releases the pins at the same time. You simply push or pull the trailer in the direction you need until it bumps up against the stop. Then you switch the valve back and you are done.
Knight issues a load securement booklet to it's new flatbed drivers. It is a J. J. Keller publication that is pretty thorough. They also will pair you with an experienced driver for a few loads to get you familiar with their program. If you ever feel like you need help, there are enough flatbed drivers in here to help you out. You can also ask the other flatbed drivers at a shipper any questions you may have. It is quite common for us to help each other out when someone has questions.
If it will help you feel more comfortable, I can get you my personal contact information as a way you could get some instant help if needed. We can talk about that if/when the time comes.
Shipper:
The customer who is shipping the freight. This is where the driver will pick up a load and then deliver it to the receiver or consignee.
The only thing I have to add involves the lift axle that Prime has on their trailers.. When you are empty or have a very light load, the front axle will lift up. This makes your pivot point almost at the very rear of the trailer. It also is an issue in snow. You have half the traction of a loaded trailer.
Lift Axle:
An air-powered axle that may be raised or lowered to the ground to provide greater load-carrying capacity or to comply with axle weight requirements
Interesting stuff. Thank you guys. OS, I will definitely want to be in contact with you when I move forward with this. Interesting about the axle lifting up, would that effect traction with jake brake use too? Also, I figure you would know OS, would I be able to keep my truck that I have now from dry van (if they ever get the damn sensor lol)
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.
I figure you would know OS, would I be able to keep my truck that I have now from dry van (if they ever get the damn sensor lol)
As far as I know you should be able to keep that truck. It's going to depend on whether you will be dispatched out of the same terminal you are now. Their trucks are numbered in such a way that assigns the truck's revenues to a particular terminal. So if you have to switch terminals to get on the flatbed fleet you will also be switching trucks. As long as you are staying with the same terminal you should be able to keep that tractor.
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.
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.
I'm dispatched out of Denver, but my truck is from El Paso and the loaner is from Dallas lol. I don't know why, but they never reassigned my Truck to Denver. The Kenworth just works well for me.
I'm dispatched out of Denver, but my truck is from El Paso
Is Denver considered your home terminal? Do they run flatbeds out of that terminal? I have never been to that terminal and am not familiar with their operation. I go out West only occasionally, but have never been dispatched to a Hydro customer or plant in Colorado. When I go out west it is usually California, Oregon, or Utah.
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.
Interesting stuff. Thank you guys. OS, I will definitely want to be in contact with you when I move forward with this. Interesting about the axle lifting up, would that effect traction with jake brake use too? Also, I figure you would know OS, would I be able to keep my truck that I have now from dry van (if they ever get the damn sensor lol)
Yes. With only one axle down, you want to be very careful with the Jake brake.
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.
I'm dispatched out of Denver, but my truck is from El Paso
Is Denver considered your home terminal? Do they run flatbeds out of that terminal? I have never been to that terminal and am not familiar with their operation. I go out West only occasionally, but have never been dispatched to a Hydro customer or plant in Colorado. When I go out west it is usually California, Oregon, or Utah.
I don't believe so, I've never seen one in our yard. Even though Denver is my home terminal, I've been at our Dallas yard the most. I'm guessing that is have to switch terminals to a flatbed one, I've seen some in KC, but mostly I was only aware of Gulfport. I have not asked my dm about it yet
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.
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.New Reply:
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Knight Transport Becoming A Truck Driver Driver Responsibilities First Truck Driving Job Flatbed Load Securement Truck Driving Lifestyle
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It's definitely on my mind more and more. I still don't think I have enough experience yet, but I'd like to explore doing flatbed in the future.
Couple things floating around my head on it
Do you back up the spread axle trailers differently than a dry van?
How long does it take to learn load securement and is something I'd learn in training?
Do you have to drive differently because the trailer is different, especially in tight technical areas,?
How dangerous is it compared to say construction? (Over the years in construction, I've seen horrible accidents, I've been hurt but never too badly)
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.