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Thinking About Becoming a Flatbed Driver? Here are 3 Things to Know First

My Job September 1, 2022/6 Comments/by Alayna Klco

If you’re a truck driver looking for a new challenge, look no further than flatbed driving. Some say that flatbed drivers have the most challenging jobs and dangerous jobs on the road.

If you’re up for the adventure, flatbed trucking can be a great paying job. But before you think about making the leap, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Flatbed Driving: The Basics

This should go without saying, but to haul a flatbed trailer, you’ll need a Class A CDL. Luckily, there are no extra endorsements needed on top of that. The only exception is the New York state metal coil endorsement, but you only need to worry about this if you’re a NY resident.

Flatbed drivers are in high demand and because of this, the pay for these jobs are typically more competitive than other driving jobs. The high demand for flatbed drivers is directly linked to the skills required to be a successful flatbed driver. Unlike dry van or reefer jobs, flatbed jobs often require more physical work and attention to detail to safely secure the loads.

Marian Kulostak, Flatbed Driver

We talked to Marian K., a flatbed driver, who shared his advice to those looking to get into flatbed driving,

“Take your time, do it right the first time. Speed will come with experience. Ask questions, observe others, and then ask more questions.”

Learning how to become a successful flatbed driver takes time as well as experience on the job. Finding other drivers who are willing to help you learn and answer your questions is key to succeeding quicker.

2. Securing Your Cargo is Key

For flatbed drivers, making sure their loads are secure is one of the most important aspects of the job. Here are some things to keep in mind about securing flatbed loads.

Oversized Loads

While all flatbed drivers need to learn how to secure their load, hauling oversized freight requires even more skill. These flatbed drivers carry unusually shaped freight that does not fit inside the confines of a standard sized trailer. As such, these loads need plenty of support to keep them secure. Check out the FMCSA handbook that covers all of the topics of cargo securement for oversized loads.

Conestoga Trailers

Some flatbed drivers will have a conestoga trailer instead of a typical flatbed trailer. These trucks have an accordion-like tarp that makes loading, unloading, and securing much more convenient for the driver as well as providing shelter for your freight without the need of manual tarping.

Bad Weather

Not only do the loads need to be secured, but flatbed drivers also need to make sure freight is protected during the event of inclement weather.

We talked to Brittney M., an experienced flatbed driver who shared her advice on the subject:

“Always check your securement. If you think you have enough straps or chains, add one or two more. You can never be too safe. Make sure your tarps are tight, loose tarps can cause it to rip or your load to get wet.”

Securing freight during inclement weather not only protects the load, but it also protects other drivers on the road. Without this extra precaution, the tarps could fly up while driving, causing a major distraction and hazard to other drivers and a hefty fine for the driver.

3. Take the Extra Steps for Safety

When it comes to loading, unloading, and securing, following specific safety steps is essential. This attention to detail when it comes to safety is what sets flatbed drivers apart from other drivers.

It is highly recommended that drivers avoid attending to freight while on the side of the roadway. Taking time to secure loads while at a truck stop or in a parking lot will provide flatbed drivers with a much safer environment.

In addition, wearing the right clothes as a flatbed driver is also key. Investing in shoes with a good, no-slip grip will be helpful, especially during rain or snow. Having something that covers your clothes can also be helpful, especially when loading and unloading freight that potentially has mud or other elements covering it.

Overall, flatbed haulers are one-of-a-kind drivers, with a very specific set of skills. Taking the time to master these will not only allow you to become a competent flatbed driver, but to stand out from the crowd of other drivers.

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What to Know About Driving a Lowboy Truck

My Job November 1, 2021/by Reid Smith

If you’ve ever been on the highway and seen an “Oversized Load” sign on the back of a trailer, chances are, that was a Lowboy truck. These trailers are the go-to choice for hauling cranes, bulldozers and any other large equipment or machinery from point A to B.

Because of this, Lowboy Truck Drivers need to not only be excellent drivers, but skilled at the loading and securing of cargo. We talked with Angel, a Lowboy Driver with 10+ years of experience.

Photo Courtesy of Angel

“I got into low bedding about 10 years ago by leasing on with a buddy of mine. I had always wanted to get into it and boom! One day I finally had the opportunity. I’d recommend anyone looking to getting into it to start with a Landoll or step deck moving smaller pieces and crane parts. Learn how to get your axle weights right, have a long fifth wheel slide and a long neck on the trailer. Always double and triple check your securement, know the local and state laws where you’re hauling, because they are all different. Other than all that, just take your time and be safe. If you’re looking to getting into lowbed/lowboy work, good luck and take it slow,” shared Angel.

What is a Lowboy Truck?

You may also hear the Lowboy truck referred to as a double drop, low loader, low-bed, or a float. While it goes by many names, the one unmistakable trait of a Lowboy is its two drops in deck height. The first is right behind the gooseneck and the second is right before the wheels. The reason? These drops let it carry loads up to 12 feet in height, which other trailers can’t. This makes lowboys the preferred trailer for carrying large construction equipment and other oversized loads.

The main difference in Lowboys is the neck that comes in two main types, gooseneck and fixed neck. Goosenecks offer a ramp for quick loading. This is a huge advantage since you won’t need a crane to load cargo onto the ramp. Fixed necks are lighter, meaning you can carry a higher load capacity. The downside is they don’t have a ramp, making them more difficult to load. Goosenecks can be either hydraulic or mechanical. Mechanical goosenecks are more difficult to operate, but cheaper and lighter. Hydraulics are the opposite; easier to operate, but more expensive.

License Needed

Anyone planning on driving a Lowboy will need to have their CDL A and a doubles/triples endorsement depending on the state. Even after having these endorsements, it’s likely that companies will choose their more experienced drivers with a Lowboy truck, due to the increased difficulty of operating it. In general, companies will want drivers to have at least two years of CDL A experience before driving a Lowboy.

Safety Precautions

There are a few different things that make a Lowboy more difficult to operate than your standard trailer. Since Lowboys are mostly used for the transport of heavy construction equipment and oversized cargo, loading, securing, and unloading these can be a bear. Making sure you’re loading and unloading the easiest way and fastening cargo at every point to prevent shifting takes an experienced and detailed-oriented driver.

We talked to Jimmy, a Lowboy Driver out of Pennsylvania, and he shared his tips for drivers considering Lowboy work.

Photo Courtesy of Jimmy

“1. Your chains weigh as much in the well or a headache rack, as they do on the load. Don’t be lazy, use your chains!

2. Watch your speed. You can go too slow, 100 times, but you’ll only go too fast once.

3. Always ask yourself, “What’s around that curve?” or “What’s over the crest of that hill?”, it could save your life or someone else’s one day,” shared Jimmy.

Lowboy Truck Drivers should also be checking their brakes more than they would with a standard trailer. This is to avoid accidents when carrying an oversized load. Due to the lowered deck on a Lowboy, there’s also a possibility of bottoming out when driving across raised terrain like a speed bump.

Work Environment and Schedule

Lowboy Truck Drivers need to be both experienced and comfortable driving in and around construction zones and high traffic areas. This means they should be prepared for everything that comes with that, including heavy machinery, loud noises, the elements, and more.

Since most Lowboy Drivers are employed by construction companies, drivers can expect to work similar shifts to your typical construction workers. They should be prepared to work mornings, afternoons, and nights as needed. The good news is that Lowboy Truck Drivers are almost always local/regional, meaning they are home every night or at least several nights a week.

Companies that Hire

Any construction company that uses bulldozers, cranes, or other oversized equipment will have Lowboy Drivers on their payroll. Companies that specialize in excavating and paving are two examples. Working for a heavy equipment rental and sales company is another option for prospective Lowboy Truck Drivers. These drivers haul construction equipment to and from work sites.

Like with all other trucking jobs, there’s a big need right now for Lowboy Truck Drivers. If you’re an experienced and careful driver who doesn’t mind working and driving through construction and road work zones, Lowboy driving might be the job for you.

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3 Things Truck Drivers Should Know for Secured Loads

My Job August 4, 2021/by Kerry Marinchick

One of the most important things a truck driver is responsible for is securing loads. This not only ensures the safety of the driver and the cargo, but also makes sure other cars on the road are safe too. In fact, according to Simmons Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers, shifting loads are cited as a contributing factor in almost 1/3 of all commercial motor vehicle accidents. Here are three things truck drivers should know for secured loads.

1. The Dangers of Improperly Secured Loads

A secured load is when cargo cannot shift or fall. This includes preventing cargo movement in any direction and protecting against weather that can cause cargo to become airborne.

Improper load securement creates risk for both the truck driver and other cars on the road. When a load is insecure, it may result in objects from the cargo flying off and hitting the truck driver’s windshield or other cars. In addition, these objects then become hazards on the road for other vehicles. Depending on the debris, the driver may not have ample time to react, causing the driver to swerve or damage the vehicle.

In addition, when items on a load are secured but extend past the vehicle itself, this also causes a risk to other drivers. In this case, a driver can mark their truck as an oversized load, alerting other drivers of the size and shape of the cargo. When a truck driver does not mark the load as oversized, it doesn’t give other drivers the proper visibility and potentially creates risk of a collision.

2. Who is Responsible for Secured Loads

The responsibility for securing a load properly lies with both the truck driver and the trucking company. Trucking companies often train their drivers to be familiar with rules regarding securing loads. The type of truck used to transport the cargo should be determined by legal limits on weights and sizes, and in most situations, a combination of blocks, chains, and tie-downs should be used to secure the cargo.

However, even with proper training and preparation, sometimes a load can still become insure on the road. This is then the driver’s responsibility to pull over and take the proper steps to secure the load. We spoke with Rachel, a flatbed and lowbed driver from Northern California, and she shared her experience with this.

“I was hauling a D11 blade in my lowbed, and one of my blocks came loose when I had about 500 miles to go. I had to secure it because it was on my passenger side. I can’t see it as I’m going down the road, and I didn’t want to be worried about it. I created a specific knot and used a bungee to attach the knot to my chain to make sure it wasn’t going anywhere,” shared Rachel.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR), a driver is not required to personally load, block, brace, and tie down the cargo. However, the driver is required to be familiar with the methods for securing the cargo. They are required to inspect the load and make adjustments during transit.

3. FMCSA Rules & Regulations for Secured Loads

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published securement rules based on the North American Cargo Securement Standard Model Regulations. The rules reflect the results of a research program that evaluate U.S. and Canadian cargo securement regulations.

Minimum Number of Tiedowns

According to the FMCSA, the number of tiedowns needed depends on the length and weight of the articles on the truck.

The FMCSA states, “There must be 1 tiedown for articles 5 feet or less in length and 1,100 pounds or less in weight. There must be 2 tiedowns for articles 5 feet or less in length and more than 1,100 pounds in weight. There must be 2 tiedowns for articles greater than 5 feet but less than 10 feet, regardless of weight.”

The intent of these rules is to reduce the number of accidents caused by cargo shifting.

Commodity-Specific Securement Requirements

In addition, the FMCSA created requirements for the securement of the following commodities:

Logs and dressed lumber
Metal coils, paper rolls, and concrete pipes
Intermodal containers
Automobiles, light trucks, vans, and flattened or crushed vehicles
Heavy vehicles, equipment, and machinery
Roll-on/roll-off containers
Large boulders

The FMCSA outlines specific instructions for securement for each commodity.

Overall, understanding the rules of secured loads not only helps truck drivers be more prepared, but also protects those around them.

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Everything to Know About Conestoga Flatbed Trucking Jobs

My Job December 2, 2020/1 Comment/by Alayna Klco

Photo courtesy of Kelsey, Conestoga Flatbed Driver

When you’re trying to find which type of driving is right for you, there are plenty of options available. If you’ve decided that driving a flatbed truck is right for you, consider finding a Conestoga flatbed trucking job. There are plenty of pros about this type of driving, and many drivers make a great career of it. But there’s also cons to consider as well. Let’s take a look at some things to know about Conestoga flatbed trucking.

What is a Conestoga Flatbed Trailer?

Before we get to the pros and cons, let’s talk about what a conestoga flatbed actually is. This type of modern-day trailer actually gets its name from the original Conestoga wagons that pioneers used to cross the United States in the 1800s.

A Conestoga trailer is one of the most versatile types of trailers available. It is a flatbed trailer, but with an accordion-style tarping system that simply pulls over the freight. So, you get the ease of freight loading that a flatbed provides with the load protection provided by the cover.

Very Versatile Freight Hauler

As mentioned earlier, these are very versatile. Because you’re only working with a flatbed trailer, you can load freight from either side, or with a crane from above. You’re not limited to loading and unloading from the back of the trailer. So, if there is a need to lift unusual-sized loads onto the trailer for shipping, a great option is to hire a Conestoga flatbed driver for the job.

Time-Efficient Transport

Because the drivers don’t need to spend a lot of time manually tarping down loads or only loading from the back, drivers often find they’re saving a lot of time on the road.

We talked to Adam, a Conestoga Flatbed Driver for his company Adam Graham Transport. He shared his perspective on the amount of time he saves and advice for other Conestoga flatbed truck drivers.

Adam, Conestoga Flatbed Driver

Adam shared “My biggest piece of advice is forget about the loads you might do once a year and think about the extra loads you will get from not having to waste time tarping or waiting in line to use a mandatory tarp station. The amount of money and time saved along with the safety aspect of not having to risk falling off of your trailer come out to be worth way more than the couple higher paying loads that you can get with your standard flatbed.”

Conestoga drivers do not have to move around heavy tarps and tie down the cargo bit by bit. With the ease of pulling the folding cover over the whole load and snapping it into place, this gets the driver moving faster.

Pros and Cons from a Conestoga Driver

We talked to Kelsey, a Conestoga Flatbed Driver for Long Haul Trucking, and she gave us a few points to share with drivers considering this type of career. Check out what Kelsey has to say below:

Kelsey, Conestoga Flatbed Driver

Pros

Speed: “You can usually get in and out of places quicker than if you had to tarp. It is nice not having to worry about anything oversized. You always know your trailer clearance height.”
Securement: “Being able to hop in back of your trailer and check all securement makes it a less stressful haul.”
Freight: “Customers with special style freight seem to like them, so you can get some pretty neat freight just because of the trailer style.”

Cons

Maintenance: “These trailers can be a pain if they aren’t taken care of. I would recommend they do the research on the company, and make sure the company takes care of the equipment.”
Tarp Wear and Tear: “These tarps can be torn easily and not many places in the country will work on them. For drivers just getting into it, be sure to be extra cautious.”

So that’s the basics of what you need to know about Conestoga flatbed trucking jobs. If you’re looking for a job like the one that Kelsey describes, let us help you find a great fit that meets your needs. Click the link below and get started with a Drive My Way profile today!

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