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Oversize trailer with big metal tubes

You may think being a flatbed truck driver is no different than driving any other truck; however, there are many unique challenges that flatbed truck drivers face while on the road that other truck drivers don’t have to worry about. Flatbed trucking is one of the hardest jobs out there. So here is the life of a flatbed truck driver.

 

What Is Flatbed Trucking?

Flatbed trucking is different from the dry van variety that you often see and associate with trucking. Flatbed trucks are designed to carry anything that can’t be enclosed in a trailer. This can range from a mobile home, farm equipment, or even other trucks and vehicles. These loads are often oversized or wide load items as well. 

 

What Skills Do You Need?

There are many skills you need when operating a truck, but flatbed drivers need to have a special set of skills compared to dry van truck drivers. These skills include:

  • Loading – Large freight will typically be loaded in your trailer with special equipment; however, you will want to make sure your freight is loaded and balanced correctly.
  • Load Securement – Securing your load correctly is important; you will want to make sure you know all the rules and regulations pertaining to the type and number of tie-downs you use. 
  • Tarping – Tarping isn’t always required, but it is a very important skill to have. Loads that need to be tarped must be tarped a certain way to prevent losing your tarp while on the road. 

What Are The Benefits?

Flatbed truck drivers do this job for several reasons. These include pay and job demand. As a flatbed driver, you will likely make more money than you would in other trucking jobs. Furthermore, as a flatbed driver, there is a higher demand for drivers. You are able to haul a wide variety of freight, and there will always be demand for flatbed drivers. 

 

What Are The Requirements?

There are more requirements to become a flatbed truck driver than to be a regular dry van driver. To drive a flatbed truck, you still need to obtain a commercial driver’s license like other drivers. But in many states, you also need a Class A driver’s license to drive a flatbed truck. Every company has different requirements for their flatbed drivers as well.

 

Closing

Flatbed trucking jobs may be more demanding than others, but there are many benefits that make it worth it. 

Are you considering becoming a flatbed truck driver? Apply at FCC today!