The American Trucking Association predicts that the demand for truck drivers will remain high until 2030, with increases observed across all sectors. Due to their widespread use in the construction and manufacturing sectors, flatbeds are seeing very high volumes in the present economic climate. But if you had the option, why would you pick flatbed transportation over other long-haul shipment methods?
Moffett Top Flatbeds excel in transportation, offering versatility with Moffett forklift integration for efficient loading and unloading. These flatbeds prioritize safety, ensuring secure cargo transport. Their robust design and maneuverability enhance productivity, making Moffett Top Flatbeds a reliable and cost-effective choice for streamlined logistics operations.
Below, we will review the primary distinctions between flatbed and Moffett transportation and its advantages for truck drivers.
How Does Flatbed with Moffett Trucking Work?
Instead of enclosing the goods in a 4-wall, roofed enclosure behind the cab, as in dry van trucking, flatbed with Moffett trucking simply lasses the load to a flatbed, leaving it open to the weather. Flatbed trucks are typically the way to go when transporting large or unusually shaped items or equipment. The convenience of loading and unloading heavy machinery makes it a popular shipping technique in the industrial and construction industries.
Possible examples of joint flatbed with Moffett loads are:
- Production machinery
- Massive medical apparatus
- Wood, pipelines, or rods made of steel.
- Coils of wire for industrial use
- Recycled materials and tires
- Equipment for gardening and farming
- Vehicles and houses on wheels
Comparison Between Dry Van & Flatbed with Moffett Trucking?
Although drivers greatly benefit from flatbed trucking, they should be aware that it differs significantly from conventional, dry van trucking in several respects.
- Potentially More Perilous: Due to the wider, heavier, or more difficult-to-secure goods, flatbed transportation is statistically more dangerous than other types of trucking. But there are several rules to keep drivers safe, and they can control many of the risks they face. With the proper education and focus, the dangers of flatbed trucking can be readily mitigated.
- Strict Rules & Regulations: Compared to other forms of trucking, the rules and regulations about flatbed trucks are considerably more stringent. The safety of truckers and the general public is the reason for these laws, though. To ensure that you and your vehicle reach your destination without any complications, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with these regulations.
- Drivers of flatbed trucks need specialized training because they handle loads that are inherently more complex and potentially dangerous.
- Steps for Loading and Securing: Even though the customer usually uses cranes and forklifts to load flatbed trucks, truckers may still be needed to assist. Because of the nature of flatbed loads, truckers are sometimes required to help with heavy loads. When loading, truckers must adhere to specific restrictions regarding the types and quantities of tie-downs and the proper balancing of freight over axles. Truck Forklifts provide all necessary equipment for loading and securing.
- Tarping: Truckers that operate dry vans need more expertise to tarp. Although not necessary for all loads, it is integral to securing a load. Additionally, you’ll need tarping systems and canvas kits designed for this. As critical as securing the load, ensuring that tarping is fastened correctly is a matter of public safety.
- Excessive Weight: The laws and restrictions of oversized loads differ significantly from one state to the next. Truckers must consider federal weight rules and specific limits on bridge weights when planning their routes. Truck drivers may need to follow a local schedule for oversized loads, secure the necessary permissions, or arrange for an escort vehicle.
The Advantages of Flatbed Trucking
Many truck drivers avoid flatbed trucking because of the fundamental differences: the loads are heavier and more prominent and can be more complex and risky to haul. But here are five significant upsides for truckers who are open to learning the basics of flatbed driving:
- Emphasizing Safety: Undoubtedly, the driver’s and the load’s safety is of utmost importance in flatbed trucking, especially with the additional restrictions regarding wide loads, oversized loads, and load fastening. The safety of everyone on board, including drivers, cargo, and bystanders, will always be your top priority as a flatbed truck driver, thanks to rigorous inspections and strict enforcement of traffic laws.
- Raised Salaries: Flatbed trucking companies pay drivers more per mile than other kinds of trucking. According to CDL 101, a trucking blog, flatbed truckers can expect to earn more per year than dry van truckers. Flatbed truckers typically earn more than other truck drivers due to the higher average miles per load, higher pay per mile, and the fact that many also receive additional compensation for tarping and loading. However, this compensation is company-specific.
- Extremely Popular: Although trucking is in great demand, there is a severe scarcity of drivers with experience in flatbed trucks. Regardless of the state of the economy, flatbed trucking is sure to be in high demand due to its versatility. This is especially true when construction and manufacturing are experiencing growth. When all other means of transporting the cargo have been exhausted, the next best alternative is flatbed trucking, which can carry many different kinds of freight with the right load fastening and tarping.
- Paid Time Off: Longer hauls with a single cargo are common in flatbed trucking, and loading and unloading are typically faster due to cranes or other technology. This results in reduced time spent loading and unloading compared to dry vans. Additionally, fewer pauses per cargo are typically required with flatbed hauling. With less time spent on each haul, more time off is possible.
- Diverse and Difficult: Even though driving a truck can get boring at times, flatbed trucking is always exciting. Because flatbeds can handle cargo of diverse shapes and sizes, their main advantage to shippers is that they rarely have the same load. Securing and tarping goods may seem like a chore, but it’s a fun challenge for many truckers. One of the main downsides of trucking is the mental and physical strain of securing and tarping flatbed loads.
- Potential for Expansion: Truck drivers who need to be better versed in the basics shouldn’t be considered for flatbed jobs. Hitting big loads and heavy hauls, which pay much more per mile, is a natural progression from essential flatbed loads; it requires advanced trucking abilities. After gaining experience on flatbeds, truck drivers can advance to higher-paying positions by obtaining tanker endorsements or hazmat cargo credentials.
Read More: The Versatility of Moffett Trucks: Applications Across Different Industries
Frequently Asked Questions:
For what purposes is a flatbed helpful truck?
The bed of a flatbed truck is level and completely flat, without any sides or roof, as the name implies. This arrangement’s most significant benefit is its ease, particularly when transporting bulkier items. You are free to load in any direction, and there is no lip to prevent items from falling over.
Please tell me the benefit of flatbed equipment.
Their design’s ramps, drop decks, and racks make loading and unloading a breeze. The flatbed truck allows loading big objects onto the floor, saving time and money. The step deck can transport heavier items than a regular flatbed because of its two levels.
Why is it a good idea to use a truck?
The ability to have goods transported straight to their final destination is a significant perk of truck transportation. By streamlining the shipping process, we can cut additional travel costs and get the goods to the consumer faster.