Flatbedding or hauling flatbed hundreds is a singular type of trucking that requires totally different gear and strategies for load securement. Flatbed truck drivers face totally different challenges as different forms of truckers relating to tying down hundreds. As any seasoned trucker will inform you, correct flatbed loading all comes all the way down to the proper kind of flatbed tarps, bungee cords, and straps to make use of. If you’re new to the business, beneath are some issues it is best to know to be sure you are doing all of your job proper: Solely lately, federal rules for correct cargo and cargo securement have been revamped to incorporate every little thing from metal coil to lumber, and intermodal containers. Familiarizing your self with feral rules is without doubt one of the first issues it is best to do to be sure you are all the time in compliance with the regulation. Securing a duplicate of the Federal Motor Service Security Administration (FMCSA) regulatory guidebook is suggested so you possibly can have a reference materials do you have to be confronted with an uncommon load to hold, safe, and transport. These rules additionally clarify how equipment tarps and securement gear must be used safely over your flatbed’s cargo. Tarping takes a number of talent and follow. When you find yourself a brand new driver, watching how seasoned truckers lay their flatbed tarps over their hundreds and safe edges for a decent tie down is crucial in addition to studying how to take action via hands-on coaching in order to be sure that no a part of your cargo will go falling or flying off the highway throughout transit. An unsecure load is usually a main hazard not solely to you however extra importantly, to different highway customers. Tying down equipment tarps could seem to take endlessly at first, however you’ll quickly get used to the strategies and see that these items ought to by no means be rushed. Tarping will get simpler quickly sufficient. It is usually vital to examine your load persistently as you journey. As a rule of thumb, examine to be sure that your flatbed tarps and the remainder of your load are nonetheless intact throughout the first 50 miles of your journey. Safe components that will want adjustment and proceed checking your load at the very least each 150 miles thereafter. This may show you how to be sure that your load is safe right through its transit. Any flapping corners must be tied down with an additional strap or bungee twine, in order to not trigger any extra instability.