Whether looking for a flatbed or hauling driver, looking at the best qualifications for your needs is essential. These include things such as physical activity, experience, and a reputation for delivering your goods on time and in a safe manner.
Class A CDL
Those with a Class A CDL may operate various commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, buses, and tandem tractor-trailers. These are used to carry a range of goods from various locations.
These drivers usually travel across the country or within a specific region. This can require an extended amount of time on the road and a lot of physical endurance. These drivers earn an average salary of $65,000 per year.
CDL drivers must keep logbooks that show the hours they have driven. Failing to keep records can result in federal fines. If you are caught with a false logbook, you could be jailed for six months.
Class A CDL holders may also obtain endorsements. These endorsements allow drivers to carry hazardous materials and drive tanker trucks. However, you must take a particular knowledge test to obtain these endorsements. The types of vehicles that require this endorsement vary by state. Some standard vehicles are school buses, refrigerator trucks, and dump trucks.
Physical activity
Despite being professional or experienced flatbed and hauling drivers wanted to specialize in hauling heavy freight, flatbed truckers are not all work and no play. Aside from the arduous tasks of loading and unloading trucks, they also have to ensure that their cargo is safe and secure during transit. Hence, they are required to wear safety vests and perform several other tasks. Despite these tasks, flatbed drivers are paid some of the highest salaries in the industry.
Physical activity is one of the best qualifications to earn a spot on the road. Not only does the flatbed driver have to perform several tasks related to loading and unloading trucks, but they also need to stay fit to avoid injury. A physically fit driver can enjoy a more enjoyable and productive lifestyle in the long run.
Most companies will give you a workout reward for demonstrating your commitment to the road. Several notable companies are looking for flatbed drivers, including Knight Transportation, Schneider National, and Werner Enterprises.
Ability to adhere to a route plan
Keeping track of where you are going is a key aspect of any driving job. In the trucking world, this is particularly important in the flatbed and hauling industry. Aside from keeping a good eye on the road, truckers must pay close attention to the cargo they are hauling. This includes considering load weight, palletized cargo, and sensitive cargo protection.
Aside from the acronym, as mentioned earlier, drivers must also be alerted to the most effective route planning schemes. The most efficient route planning schemes involve load planning and route optimization. The combination ensures that the correct cargo is loaded in the proper order, thereby increasing efficiency.
The best route planning schemes also consider the complexities of different vehicle types. For example, a dry van haul may require a different set of load planning procedures than a flatbed truck haul. In the latter case, drivers may have to use sophisticated load plans to ensure compliance with myriad regulations.
The reputation of the trucking company
Whether you’re in the market for a new trucking company or you’re a driver who’s in the market for a new employer, it’s essential to take the time to find a trucking company with a great reputation. You want to ensure the company has a solid safety record and can do a good job with the job at hand.
If you’re looking for a company with a reputation for reliability and on-time delivery, look for companies that have been in business for a long time. They’re likely to be good at moving specialized commodities and can give you peace of mind.
Some companies offer extra benefits, such as bonuses and insurance. Look for a company with a good culture and a decent work environment.
Flatbed trucking is challenging, but if you take the proper precautions, you can minimize the risks of your job. Using common sense and training, you can ensure that you’re doing everything possible to protect your load and yourself.
