You may think driving a flatbed truck for a living is just like driving any other kind of truck. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are unique challenges flatbed truckers face that other types of truckers don’t have to worry about. If you’re thinking about becoming a flatbed trucker, you should be aware of these challenges in advance. Here’s what it’s like to be a flatbed trucker.
You need to have special licenses and endorsements to be a flatbed trucker.
To drive a flatbed truck, you need to obtain a commercial driver’s license just like other truckers. Nevertheless, in many states, you also need a Class A driver’s license to get behind the wheel of a flatbed truck. Additionally, flatbed truck drivers often need to have additional endorsements on their licenses as well, depending on who they drive for. You should be ready to commit to doing whatever is necessary to get your licenses and endorsements in order prior to driving a flatbed truck.
You need to know how to properly load a flatbed truck.
Those who call on flatbed truckers for help shipping loads often do it because they have things that either won’t fit into a regular tractor-trailer or that need to be tied down tight to prevent them from being damaged while they’re en route to their final destination. With this in mind, flatbed truckers need to be experts when it comes to loading flatbed trucks the right way. They need to use industry-approved ties and restraints to hold whatever it is that they’re hauling in place, and they need to keep an eye on their loads while they’re driving to ensure they don’t shift around at all.
You need to know how to properly load a flatbed truck.
Flatbed truck drivers are often called upon because they have things that either won’t fit into a regular tractor-trailer or that need to be tied down tight to prevent them from being damaged while they’re en route to their final destination. As such, flatbed truckers must be experts when it comes to loading flatbeds the right way. They need to use industry-approved ties and restraints to hold whatever it is that they’re hauling in place, and they need to keep an eye on their loads while they’re driving to ensure they don’t shift around.
You need to be prepared to do a lot of heavy lifting as a flatbed trucker.
More often than not, flatbed truckers are responsible for figuring out a way to load and unload their shipments on their own. This makes driving a flatbed truck a very physically demanding job. You need to make sure you’re in decent shape before accepting a job as a flatbed trucker. Otherwise, you might not be up for the heavy lifting that will come along with your job.
Do you want to find out more about driving a flatbed truck, or are you interested in obtaining other truck driver resources? Platinum Drivers has what you’re looking for. We specialize in providing truck drivers with everything they need to enjoy successful careers. Call us at 844-800-1421 with any questions.