Tips On Business With Flatbed Trailers
Trucking is a booming industry, and hauling cargo of many types is central to our economy. There’s always a shortage of drivers, which explains why you’re considering getting into the flatbed trailering business — or expanding your fleet to include these services. Flatbed trucks and trailers offer a unique service that other trucks can’t, but there are a few things you should know before you dive in. That’s why Mountain West Trailers is proud to present these handy tips for getting started! And if you have other questions or are looking to buy, we have flatbed trailers for sale at our store in Heber City, Utah.
Why A Flatbed?
Flatbed trailering is, admittedly, a bit more niche than more standard trucking jobs and positions. Someone has to do it, sure, but why should it be you?
For one thing, being a specialist in any field makes you more competitive on the job market. With the low supply of drivers already in the hauling game, flatbed trucking gets hit especially hard. With that in mind, there’s no shortage of opportunities, and it opens you up to a number of jobs you couldn’t do before.
Bigger Investment, Bigger Payout
Perhaps more importantly, flatbed truckers tend to earn more than the average trucker. There’s a number of reasons why, but whether you want to make a career out of this or just pick up some jobs for a while, the earnings can quickly outweigh any risks.
You should be prepared for some initial costs when you get started. Flatbed trailers are a bit more on the expensive side than your average semi. In other words, whether you manage a fleet or are buying the trailer for your own truck, you’ll need to account for it in your budget. Those initial costs can seem daunting, but as a specialist you’ll make that back and more in no time.
Training and Certification
Trucking in general requires a special license, and flatbed trucking requires an even more specific one. Any business involving heavy equipment can be dangerous, from securing and loading cargo to the transportation itself. The specialized training makes sure you know what you’re doing so that you can avoid accidents and know what to do if something does go wrong.
This is a vital step to becoming a certified flatbed hauler. The training includes things like driving and securement — while you probably won’t be loading anything by yourself, you will be in charge of making sure your haul is loaded and secured correctly, as well as unloaded safely and carefully upon arriving at your destination. This isn’t a process you can eyeball or figure out on your own. You’ll have to sign up for a specialized course to learn the steps from a professional with firsthand experience.
Tips For Pulling A Flatbed
The information you learn during your training should always be your first consideration when you get to work, but there are a couple of pointers that we can provide right now for free. Firstly, you should try to stay in good physical shape. You’ll be helping load and unload your trailer or trailers, and even if you’re using heavy equipment to do it, you’ll need some muscle to make sure it’s done right. You should ideally be capable of lifting around 100 pounds or more - and remember to use your legs, not your back.
Your training will show you how to monitor and check your haul as you’re in transport, as well as how to use all methods of securement. On top of that, though, you’ll want to be familiar with state and province laws regarding flatbed trailers, in case you plan to haul across national borders.
Joining the flatbed trailering community can provide a whole slew of benefits, both as a solo worker and as a fleet manager. If you’re looking for your first flatbed trailer or just your latest, stop by Mountain West Trailers! We proudly serve Salt Lake City and Heber City, Utah, with all their trailering needs. Drop by with your questions or needs today.