Running The Flatbed Now

When I was hired I was asked if I’d be interested in learning the flatbed due to my prior experience in the landscaping and construction fields. Being a team player and always willing to learn/try something new, I said sure sure, My manager thought I would be a good fit since I’ve always been comfortable running machines and had knowledge of securement and rigging from my laborers union days working with the crane operators. Plus, most of the guys don’t want to have anything to do with it.

Well the time has come! I trained with another driver on Monday and ran with it in the afternoons the rest of the week. It’s a 43ft fixed tandem trailer with a cradle on the back to hold the forklift. I am enjoying doing something new and different although it is definitely more stressful since most of my drops and picks are moving cubes to residential customers. Some houses, but mostly apartment complexes, a lot of which are too tight for me to enter or turn around to exit. It takes more extensive trip planning to get into these neighborhoods as there can be a lot of tight turns. Finding a place to park and unload is the biggest challenge so far.

I didn’t think to take any pictures until this morning as I was focused on my tasks at hand while working. Here are a couple pics I pulled off the web of what I’m pulling and delivering.

I've often wondered how ABF gets trucks into some of these residential areas. OD used to have a residential service where they'd drop off a pup on your drive way. The P&D drivers hated them, said those type of residential deliveries are the worst.

Here are a couple pics I pulled off the web of what I’m pulling and delivering.

A Sterling? Talk about a throw back lol

We still do the UPack pup trailers as well. They seem easy now compared to this flatbed gig.

A Sterling? Talk about a throw back lol

No kidding, the senior guys said the last of those Sterlings got retired from the fleet years ago. That picture must be from when the cube service was brand new. I drive a 2016 Mack pinnacle during the day like the other pic. If the night line-haul guy I share the Mack with is running, I switch trucks around 6-7pm and finish my day in 18 FL Cascadia

As recently as last year I saw XPO still using a Sterling.

I'm assigned to a 23 Freightlinersl but it isn't always back in time. I used a 17 Freightliner last week with over a million on the clock.

Wow!!!! A 17 with over a million!!! Our oldest city unit is a 14 Mack manual with 850,000ish and that will probably be the next one to go. From what I’m told, ABF buys brand new trucks for the road drivers, mostly Mack Anthem’s now, when they hit 5-600k, they take the older problem laden trucks from local terminals and replace em with the 2-3 year old road units. Then get more new ones for the road/line-haul. Can’t wait until some of those Anthem’s get to us. I’ve driven a 23 with less then 25k on, still had the new car smell. Very smooth ride

Good for you Dave!

Sounds like a great gig, Dave. I'm glad you're enjoying it. It's nice to add a little variety to the job!