Is there much less backing running flatbed?

Don't think as them as "set points" but as reference. When we backup in the fly, it's the same concept. We look for reference like trailers, tractors, poles and lines on the ground. But in your case, the cheaper alternative is cones.

You could start off flatbed if you want. It's up to you if you feel comfortable enough to drive, make wide turns, backup, and properly secure freight, tarp and make sure you don't roll a 45k coil onto you or the family in the van next to you.

You could start off van, take one step at a time. Join a company like decker, swift, western express or maverick that has flatbed and van/reefer division, so u can switch over when u feel comfortable

 

Its the unknown that scares us. Its false or ignorant information that can lead to false expectations in this business.

There are many different ways to make a living in this business. The key I feel; is to find something that you feel comfortable doing. Something that gives you a feeling of accomplishment,.. if thats something you are looking for.

As with any segment of trucking,.. the only way to become experienced is through experience. Time in the seat will give you what you need. We can explain it 1000 times,.. but until you actually do it,.. there is no way for you to actually understand and get better at it.

The idea is to take what you fear the most. In your case its backing up. Practice,.. practice,.. and more practice. That is the only way to get better at it. Practice until you can hit any hole, any line, any dock,.. and confidently know you can do this. No one gets it right away. There is a learning curve,. and only time in the seat will give you the experience you need.

Hurst

 

All of the above and do it with a wide load. "The crane is waiting driver just swing the trailer your left then your right between the dozer and the porta potty and watch the low wires"

 

Some guys here ramble on and make this way more complicated then it is.

Its backing a trailer. You will get used to the trailer after awhile and all will be good.

 

It is true that flatbedders don't back on every load like van and reefers do. But they generally just back up to a dock on the outside of a building. Flatbed, when backing is required can be much more challenging. Like a "well dock"....backing into the building, basically into big hole where the floor is level with your trailer deck, you have an inch or two on each side and cant even see your tires. And when it is sunny, all you can see is the black hole. Get even a little crooked and scrape up both sides of the trailer.
I delivered part of a log home to a job in Illinois once. We came to a "t" intersection, turned left, then backed over 2 miles up a one lane gravel road. Fortunately it wasnt too curvy.
There are many other stories to be told...but you get the point. Anyone who perpetuates the oft spouted myth that flatbedders can't back doesn't know what they are talking about. They've also never pulled a flatbed.

 

Before to long you'll probably specialize in something like hauling wheeled equipment and we will be calling you the Backmeister.

Nothing to worry about you'll be fine. If you go for it and get in a scrape there are plenty of guys here to help you.

 

Maybe , maybe not .
Ive backed up 5 times in the
last 5 days , 3 of those were in near empty trk stops , and i run dry van .

 

Never pulled a flatbed but I think you guys dramatize too much.
We van and reefer drivers often back into into dark docks and areas too.I don't like it but I do it.Also you don't have to back up at some big warehouses where trucks are packed as tight as sardines in a can and your main concern is not to damage a truck in a spot next to yours.It's not a pissing contest but I think we(van/reefer) have it much harder when it comes to backing.I will even admit that like 3 months ago I was given a dock I wasn't able to back into.It was I think in Laredo (or San Antonio)some old place.First dock in the row,right by the entrance gate,maybe 3 feet of room in front and other truck in the next spot.And they wanted me to blind side there!I did my best but could not!Yard jockey (Mexican) offered to back up in there if I give him $20.I told him to get lost (I was really pissed) and that if they want me to back in there then fine, I have time and I will keep trying even if it will take me 3 days!So they quickly gave me regular dock.LOL

 

The thing with vans and reefers is most of the time your trying to hit a hole 1,000's of other guys have hit. On concrete or gravel. With open deck sometimes your boldly going where no truck has gone before. Muddy job sites, farm fields, log landings and that kind of thing. Looking at the situation and knowing what CAN and CAN'T be done before you even put it in reverse becomes more important than your backing skills.