Is Flatbed Trucking Dangerous

Is Flatbed Trucking Dangerous

Is Flatbed Trucking Dangerous: What Threatens a Driver

The Trucking Industry overall is not a safe space. Flatbed truckers face numerous threats. Because flatbed equipment itself can be dangerous without proper skills of working with it. Not to mention the threats that the nature of the hauled freight can possess.

The market can not refuse flatbed trucks, as they haul a significant part of goods that can’t be carried by standard semi-trucks. That’s why this transportation method is popular among drivers. Although not everyone can handle it due to difficulty and potential health danger. Let us look closer at all the risks of danger.

• Flatbeds carry oversized and heavy loads. Trailer construction that doesn’t have walls allows them to be loaded with extremely heavy and big cargo. It makes the truck more difficult  to operate, especially on turns or stops. If the cargo is poorly secured, with a sudden stop, it can shift forward, hit the cab, and potentially injure the driver.
• Limited work area. Flatbeds often deliver freight to construction sites, where there’s very little space. Restricted movement can be dangerous when loading heavy freight and securing it on the trailer.
• Trailer surface. When you work with the cargo, you will definitely climb on the trailer. The surface can get slippery from rain, fog, or snow, and you can fall from the trailer.
• Loads with different shapes. As mentioned before, flatbeds are designed to carry large freight that is loaded from the top. Oftentimes, this freight is oddly shaped and hard to secure, for example, heavy machinery, wood logs, or steel pieces. You need to be careful while working with them.
• Neglecting safety measures. When you need to climb on the trailer by using tires – you might slip. If you try to jump off the trailer, it can lead to joint and bone damage, even if you think that it is not that high.
• Tarping. It is required for about 60% of flatbed loads to protect them from rain or snow. Tarp canvas itself weighs almost 200 pounds, and without proper physical shape you can end up with muscle strains and tears or back injuries.
• Loading equipment. If your load is handled by special equipment, be sure to avoid being around your truck. Forklifts can drive off the flatbed and injure anyone who’s nearby. Some freights are unstable until fully strapped, and you need to be cautious around them. 

You can also add road conditions, driving to dangerous places (construction sites), or a human factor. 

Being a flatbed trucker offers great opportunities in terms of income. However, it requires a lot of skill and a good physical shape to be able to handle this job. Before considering going flatbed, think if you are prepared for it and have enough experience in regular trucking.