If you’re looking for a new job in the trucking industry, consider taking up flatbed hauling. As a flatbed truck owner, you will be paid by the mile. The benefits of flatbed hauling are many, including safety, flexibility, and higher pay. Before you start hauling cargo, learn about the type of freight you plan to transport. Some cargo requires a special type of flatbed trailer, so you need to determine exactly what you’ll be hauling.
Safety is a priority in flatbed hauling
When hauling flatbed hauling a load on a flatbed trailer, safety is of the utmost importance. Proper load securing is crucial to ensure that cargo won’t shift or overturn during transportation. Improperly loaded cargo is a leading cause of truck driver fatalities. Improperly secured cargo can force the flatbed trailer over or even slide off the back of the truck, injuring other drivers or themselves.
Flatbed trailers are incredibly versatile. Because of their ease of loading, forklifts can access all sides of the trailer. They can handle just about any cargo and are designed to carry a great deal of weight. This reduces the amount of cargo that must be hauled and ultimately results in cost savings. Many types of freight are shipped on flatbed trailers, and proper load securing is an absolute must.
Step deck trailers are an alternative to the traditional flatbed
The use of step deck trailers is popular among shippers who need to transport large items. They are easy to load and unload, thanks to their deployable ramps. Step decks are also an excellent choice for shippers who don’t have riggers or cranes on hand. However, step decks are only suitable for moving commodities below ten feet two inches in height. Larger and heavier cargoes will require more specialized equipment, such as a tractor trailer or a flatbed.
Step deck trailers are similar to flatbeds, with the exception that they have two levels. They can haul the same types of freight as flatbeds, but can carry a higher load without a permit. Step decks are typically 48 feet long, but some are 53 feet long. The upper deck measures approximately 10 feet wide and 11 feet long, while the lower deck is approximately three-quarters the length of the trailer. Step deck trailers can carry loads of up to four thousand and five hundred pounds.
Drivers are paid more per mile
Flatbed truckers are paid more per mile than drivers in dry vans, but why is that? The answer is partly due to the speed with which flatbeds load and unload their loads and the resulting danger. As a result, flatbed trucking fleets typically have a higher average distance driven per load. Because flatbed loads are larger and heavier, they also pose greater risks. As such, trucking companies can charge more per load.
Average flatbed hauling truck drivers earn $0.58 to $1.50 per mile. Tanker and refrigerated truck drivers earn $0.86 to $3.14 per mile. In addition to per-mile rates, drivers of flatbed hauling trucks are paid bonus pay for tarping. Flatbed truck drivers can earn between $1,128 to $1,316 per week. However, drivers of flatbed trucks can expect to make up to $68,430 annually.