Flatbed service is a special type of trucking. Here are 4 truths about it.
Flatbed service is different than your typical trailer-hauling type trucking. With flatbed shipping, the freight is not enclosed in a dry van or temperature-controlled trailer. The freight is neither loaded or unloaded from docks. Instead, the goods are typically taken to its designated site and can be unloaded from all angles of the flatbed. You usually see flatbeds transporting oversized construction materials, machinery, or vehicles like cars.
Flatbed hauling entails some special considerations in the trucking industry. Let’s take a look at some of the truths about flatbed service.
1. Special Flatbed Service Training Is Needed
All truck drivers are of course required to complete their commercial driver’s license training. With a specialized service such as flatbed hauling, the driver needs further instruction on how to safely and adequately secure loads to an unenclosed truck bed.
Securing loads is one of a driver’s most significant responsibilities, to keep themselves, the property, and other motorists safe. Due to the nature of the freight flatbed service hauls for, the driver needs to consider how to secure and deliver loads with different weights, shapes, and sizes.
2. Both a Physical and Mental Labor Job
To properly secure and protect a load, the driver needs to be proactive in the loading and securing process. All this needs to be done according to protocols and regulations. Plus, there’s the added pressure to keep everyone and everything safe on the road.
Physically, flatbed hauling can offer an enjoyable balance between the sedentary nature of being a driver and getting hands-on with the loading process. Mentally, there is always pressure to perform a potentially dangerous task such as trucking, but the work is apt to people who enjoy the challenge of a job well done.
3. Flatbed Hauling is Dangerous
Flatbed hauling is dangerous, but it’s just as dangerous as other types of trucking. Being cautious and following proper procedures reduces the risk of accidents.
Many rookie drivers start their careers by hauling flatbeds. These drivers learn early on how to secure loads safely and operate specialized equipment, which these skills translate well to other trucking services. In other words, all trucking is dangerous, but learning proper safety is a foundation in all trucking career paths.
4. Women Drivers Do Flatbed Hauling
This wouldn’t be the first time we busted this trucking myth. Even if flatbed trucking is physically demanding, that doesn’t stop women truck drivers from taking the wheel. They should be able to lift at least 80 to 100 pounds because the tarps used to cover loads is considerably heavy as well. Even with all the specialized skills that go into flatbed service, don’t expect a shortage of any male or female truckers. Flatbed drivers get paid more per mile than other truck drivers.
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