Working as a flatbed truck driver is different from other trucking jobs. It is a little more difficult and dangerous.
However, it pays more than regular trucking jobs, and many drivers find that the extra risk is justified by the extra pay and the opportunity to see the country. If you are an experienced and disciplined driver, this career may well suit you.
Flatbed skills are quite easy to learn and the flatbed truckers are some of the most in-demand drivers in the trucking industry. They are constantly hired by HMD Trucking.
What is flatbed trucking
Flatbed trucking is a type of trucking that moves unusual shapes, sizes, and weights. Flatbed trucks carry aircraft parts, construction materials, pipelines, military vehicles, large appliances and even mobile homes. Anything that, because of size or shape, cannot be transported in a conventional trailer.
What skills are needed to work as a flatbed truck driver
Due to the fact that flatbed trucks work with various non-standard types of cargo, the driver needs some unique skills.
Loading
Large loads are usually loaded by forklifts and cranes, but sometimes the driver may be asked to help.
Securing cargo
The driver must be able to secure the load quickly. The types and number of tie-downs used are strictly regulated.
Tarping
Tarps are not always required, but in some cases the driver must be able to cover the load in a certain manner. Tarps must be secured in the same manner as the load.
What are the advantages of flatbed trucking
Truckers choose to work in this industry for a variety of reasons.
Pay
You can earn much more money in this profession than in other truck driving professions. But it depends on the company you will be working for as a flatbed truck driver.
Flatbed truck drivers’ salaries are comparable to refrigerated trucking, another high-paying trucking industry. On average, a flatbed truck driver earns $10,000 to $15,000 more per year than other drivers.
Demand for the job
The trucking industry is steadily experiencing a severe shortage of workers, which makes the profession of driver very much in demand. This is especially true in the flatbed truck industry.
The job of a flatbed truck driver will always be easy to find. It is always in high demand, because there is always a need to transport various items that would not fit in conventional enclosed trailers.
Free time
Working as a flatbed truck driver, you will usually be able to plan your own vacation time, but sometimes you will have to be on the road for 3 weeks at a time. You will also accumulate paid time off.
Think about this situation: if you’re hauling two shiny sports cars, how much time will it take to unload? And you’re likely to deliver them to just one place. After unloading, you’ll go straight to your next assignment.
But other types of cargo may require you to unload just a few pallets in different cities. but regardless, you will plan your own time at home, just plan ahead that you won’t be home for three weeks. Also, one important advantage of this job is that most companies allow drivers to take a passenger on the road.
What are the disadvantages of flatbed trucking
It is quite understandable why this kind of work pays better than other jobs.
In many ways it is a much more demanding job, with many more dangers and strict rules to follow.
Dangers
Flatbed trucking is characterized by some specific hazards that are not present in other types of trucking.
First off, if you’re dealing with heavy loads that are not loaded with trucks, handling and shipping them can be very dangerous. You will almost always be the one who literally climbs on the load to make sure it is secured properly.
If you don’t secure the load properly or something goes wrong, you run the risk of some of the cargo slipping during shipment. Depending on the type of load, you could be seriously injured and jeopardize the safety of other drivers on the road.