DriverApplications.com | Truck Driver Job Application Information

DriverApplications.com | Truck Driver Job Application Information

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Flatbed Trucking Jobs

DriverApplications.com Where drivers find trucking jobs, information for trucking companies and what is needed to apply for a trucking career. Trucker talk in our truckers forum and C.B. radio lingo for the lighter side of trucking.

Flatbed, Step Deck, Heavy Haul Specialized Equipment Information.
Flatbed and step deck or drop deck trailers are usually 48 feet in length, although it is becoming more common for 51 foot and 53 foot flatbeds, step or drop deck trailers. Also common on this type of equipment is the use of a "spread axle" configuration. The 10' - 1" center of axle to center of axle is probably the most common configuration. This set up is again usually a non-sliding pair of axles. Meaning their placement on the trailer is stationary. There are variations of this axle set up allowing one or both of the axles to slide forward or back or into the "closed tandem" configuration.

Weight limits for the "spread axle" trailer are greater per axle than a "closed axle" tandem. Spreads are usually allowed 20,000 pounds per axle, compared to the 34,000 pounds allowed for a "closed tandem" axle configuration. There are good and bad points for each configuration.

Spread axles allow more "grace" when load placement is a factor in order to achieve and be within legal axle weight laws, but a spread axle is harder on tire wear, than a "closed tandem" will be. That is because the spread is simply harder to turn, and the tires actually "slide" around a tight turn opposed to rolling. This is known as tire "scuff"

The closed tandem set up will have to be "slid" forward or backward to transfer the weight across the axles, to meet legal axle weights. This can be a tiresome chore, but tire life is just one benefit of the closed tandem.

Learning to load and properly secure a flatbed load is one that takes time and experience. Many times the load will need to be covered, or "Tarped" this is another skill in itself, proper tarping to protect the load from weather conditions and to properly care for you tarps. Will be learned with time. Most carriers supply all the needed securement equipment and tarps.

Flatbed trucking jobs can be hard work and at times dirty, it requires a good physical condition, securing loads and tarping can be physically demanding. Combine that physical aspect and the skills required to properly load and "tie or chain down" the load, often will be reflected in the truckers pay being more.

Flatbed trucking can be a challenging occupation, but rewarding all the while. Loads vary from Air Conditioners to Zambony Machines, and anything in between. Long haul and short haul flatbed trucking jobs are in demand and abundance, Most often a "flat bedder" will be long haul, with usually one pick up or loading point, and one delivery point. This is a "bonus" to many, as multiple pick ups and drop of freight can make for a long day, week. Generally you will be going to construction sites, equipment manufacturers and dealers, lumber mills and yards, steel mills etc. Odds are you may never "bump" a dock at a warehouse.

Oversized or over dimensional loads are a possibility and common with flatbed trucking jobs. Anything over eight feet six inches wide is considered over size. Oversize can mean over height, over length, over width, over weight. These type flatbed loads pay the truck driver better, and require special skills of the trucker. You will find several flatbed carriers looking for and providing online truck driver applications throughout DriverApplications.com

Flatbed and step deck truck driver applications can be found following the links placed throughout this page. Contact one of them and speak to the driver recruiter about their company benefits.

One thing you can take to the bank, "Goggleyed" your webmaster here at DriverApplications.com has and is out on the "big road" with you, and has been for many years. I can squarely tell you I have done my share of trucking over the years, from pulling a 11 axle train, to step decks and RGN trailers to the last 14 years hauling cars. I know trucking, I know what can be made in trucking, and I know the trials and tribulations of a truck driver and what trucking can mean for their spouses.

It is tough, no lies here, but if you find the right company to work for, and enjoy that type of trucking, you can make years go by like months and enjoy it all the while, that is the key to a lengthy trucking career. Find the carrier for you, be honest, put in a good days work for the company, and keep yourself in good physical condition. The money is there for truck drivers.

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