Being a flatbed truck driver has its advantages and disadvantages. In this role, you’ll be responsible for hauling all sorts of goods that standard trucks can’t. This can include forklifts, equipment, mobile homes, machinery, and so on. Since these items tend to be oversized and exposed on the trailer of the truck, there’s more risk involved. However, many agree the benefits make the job well worth it.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of being a flatbed truck driver. Let’s get started.
Pros of Being a Flatbed Truck Driver
Let’s take a look at some of the pros of operating a flatbed truck:
· You Get To Haul Different Goods
You won’t have to haul the same thing every day when you’re a flatbed truck driver. For instance, some days you may be hauling lumber, and the next day, you’ll be transporting a tractor. The benefit to this is every day feels different and you don’t necessarily feel like your doing the same thing all the time.
As we all know, doing the same thing over and over can get rather boring after a while!
· It Will Keep You Active
Unlike more standard trucking jobs where you’re sitting down for hours on end, flatbed trucking offers something different. With this job, you’ll be responsible for loading and unloading your trailer instead of someone else doing it for you.
Not getting enough physical activity can have a negative effect on your health. Not to mention, sitting for long periods of time can be tiresome.
· More Time at Home
One of the great perks of being a flatbed truck driver is you get to spend more time at home. Unlike traditional trucking where you drop the goods off at multiple locations, you’ll only have one. Think of it this way, your flatbed will only fit one mobile home while a reefer can transport multiple shipments to several different locations.
Also, many of the businesses that rely on flatbed truck drivers to deliver their goods are closed on the weekends. That means more free time at home with your friends and family.
· You Get Paid More
Flatbed truck drivers are in high demand so you may be able to make over $10,000 more than a standard truck driver. This is because they get paid during the loading and unloading process.
Cons of Being a Flatbed Truck Driver
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to being a flatbed truck driver:
· More Dangerous than Standard Trucking
On a flatbed your cargo will be exposed; therefore, you need to ensure the chains and ropes are properly secured. Failing to do so can cause the load to possibly shift and fall off the trailer. This can lead to damaged or lost cargo as well as threaten the safety of those around you.
· Increased Thefts
When you park a flatbed truck, there’s an increased chance a theft will occur. It’s likely the load will be high-dollar pieces of equipment or machinery so make sure you take proactive measures to protect your load. Installing cameras on your trailer and putting up signs indicating there’s a camera can deter possible thieves.
· Stricter Regulations
Since there’s greater risk with driving a flatbed truck, the regulations are more strict. What’s discussed is proper tie downs, weight limits, and how to properly secure different cargo types. It’s not as simple as just tightening the strap to how you see fit, you must ensure the cargo won’t slide around or fall off the trailer during the transporting process.
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