Truck drivers do more than sit behind the wheel and ship goods all over the country. They operate some of the largest vehicles on the planet, while navigating through inclement weather and cities not designed for their weight or size. These drivers operate under a comprehensive regulatory regime managed by federal and state governments and insurance companies.

Whether it be shipping, general manufacturing, or construction, flatbed trucks are crucial to any fleet enterprise, as their advantages spread across many industries.  Flatbed trucks are frequently used for hauling oversized loads or products with uncommon shapes. These types of trucks are necessary in the businesses of hauling, dumping, and agriculture too.  Truck drivers must contemplate the load size, heaviness, and the need for dumping/unloading aides when determining if a flatbed truck would facilitate their haul.

There is no precise guide for all truck drivers to follow when loading and unloading cargo off or on a flatbed truck. Despite this, a few comprehensive procedures can be followed to make these processes safer. The variety of loads transported on these trucks varies, so every truck driver should understand their own procedures. The following are four important safety measures that should be put in place when loading and unloading flatbed trailers.

Trailer ladders are relatively simple tools to use. Injuries from falling off a ladder are unfortunately quite common, with more than 100,000 people treated for them each year. With such alarming numbers, you cannot assume that your workers are familiar with their safety ladders. The following are some tips to help you instruct your workers on how to safely and effectively use these important tools. 

Tarping loads on a flatbed trailer is important for protecting them from the elements. Whether you work on your own or drive a truck for a large company, getting cargo delivered in perfect shape is vital. But, your safety is just as important. Tarping can be a dangerous job, so every driver should know how to tarp well AND safely.

The trucking industry is known to be dangerous, especially for truckers on the road. But, loading and unloading flatbed trailers presents a different set of risks. Large objects can crush truckers during loading if they slip. New and experienced drivers alike can slip and fall from their trailer while adjusting a load. This is why following safety procedures is so important.

Being a flatbed truck driver can be extremely dangerous at times. The job will expose you to a high risk level of getting injured, but the majority of mishaps can be avoided. In the past, trucking companies created a laundry list of safety reminders. These were often never enforced, which caused many truckers to become hurt and miss work.

If you have just started out driving a flatbed truck, it is natural to be nervous about the safety of yourself, other drivers, and your cargo. This means you’re taking your job seriously. Your goal should be to learn as much as possible and always get your cargo loaded and unloaded safely. To help you accomplish these goals, here are some basic safety tips you should know.

According to a report from the Trucking Safety Council of BC, falls from stationary vehicles account for about 46 percent of all falls experienced by truck drivers. This means that falling from a non-moving truck accounts for almost half of all falls that truck drivers experience. In total, falls from stationary vehicles account for 12 percent of all trucker-related injuries and $2.8 million in damages.