Work smarter, not harder. I’d do that too if I were a flatbedder.

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stephenforbes@reddit

I ran Conestoga so never had to deal with tarps thank god.

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I always thought about making some kind of extendable pole with a winch and pully on it that I could use to lift my tarps to the top of a load in the event that the forklift guys wouldn't do it and I didnt feel like lugging them up a ladder.

Then I switched to Conestoga and that kinda solved the problem.

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CashWideCock@reddit

This normal. 31+ years of open deck trucking and the forklift always puts my tarps up.

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NoMasterpiece2063@reddit

My last company insisted on asking forklift drivers to lift tarps. To the point where, I called my dispatch saying I needed to swing by the house to get an injection in my back due to a previous back injury and the first question he asked was "you been picking up tarps?" Apparently, its become a big deal since I last did flatbed.

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UhOhAllWillyNilly@reddit

Please tell me about your injections. Do they help? (3 back surgeries here. Yeah, it sucks.) Is it called a transforaminal steroid injection?? I’ve had a few of these and most of them helped (some a LOT!) but the one I got in October did fook-all nothing despite the doctor claiming to have done thousands of them in the last 13 years.

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NoMasterpiece2063@reddit

Yeah it's basically just a steroid + muscle relaxer, gets stuck right in my lower back and I'm usually right as rain for a month or two. They've got me taking diclofenac as needed now and that pretty much wipes out the pain as long as i take it before bed. I haven't had to have surgery yet, but its on the horizon I think. I've got arthritis in my lower 3 vertebrae and a slightly bulging disc mixed in there. We're hoping that losing a bit of weight and working out will shore it up a bit but we'll see.

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UhOhAllWillyNilly@reddit

The injections I get they use a fluoroscope (real time X-rays) to get the needle in juuuust the right place and it’s not fun but the lidocaine-steroids mix they inject can sometimes help for 4-6 months. Have you ever tried SalonPas lidocaine patches? I get surprisingly good results from them (in fact I have one on my lower back right now). I also use diclofenac cream sometimes. Man, I encourage you to avoid surgery if at all possible. Core strength and flexibility are key. I’ve also found swimming laps to help a whole helluva lot but that requires pool access so it’s not always possible. My left calf started to hurt like the dickens and atrophy years ago so I had to do something (which turned out to be surgery #1). Good luck & be safe.

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genosx71@reddit

God bless the forklift drivers that do this

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Traditional_Ad_1360@reddit

You probably have no idea how hard truck drivers really work. When I began driving truck, they still had multiple sticks coming out the floor. Now days almost all the trucks have auto-shifts, air ride seats and suspension, a/c, stereos, and large sleepers. Today’s trucks are Cadillacs compared to early 60s trucks.

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RedlineM5@reddit

Talking with old timers I get a lot of hate. I have a chest freezer, 42" tv, game systems, wifi, disc brakes, auto trans, adaptive cruise, heated wipers, memory foam mattress, apu etc. My dad used to drive back in the 80s. He is jealous lol. I don't understand the drivers who are like "if you don't hate your life out here on the road you aren't a real driver".

Before the steering wheel holder comments show up I have no restrictions on my license. The auto does better on fuel then I ever will. I care about making money not impressing smelly dudes at a truck stop with stories of "how well I can work a stick".

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LoopDoGG79@reddit

I work local deliveries, meat, drive a 2018 Freightliner 10 speed. It's pretty basic,(no sensors to nag me as well, luv it) but do got air ride seats. The work itself is what can be grueling though

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RefrigeratorWitty986@reddit (OP)

I started in the 90’s driving a freightliner in international cab over. The only creature comforts they has was a cassette player, air conditioning, heating, and a bed. As well as air ride seat.

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Rasty1973@reddit

I haven't lifted a tarp in at least 6 months. I roll tarps onto the catwalk using the steps. I was doing 10 loads per week and lifting tarps was going to ruin my back.

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ShermanPanzer2@reddit

For sure, as a flat bedder any chance I can have the loaders put my tarps up for me I’ll ask. Most are more than happy to stone it only takes a few seconds for them instead of us killing our backs.

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Specialist_Usual1524@reddit

They also get to have another smoke and chill.

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Traditional_Ad_1360@reddit

Lucky you, I started out in a freight liner cab over with 3 sticks, spring mounted seat, and only a heater and coffin sleeper.

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budtokinbarber@reddit

Starting out in a bubble nose doesn’t put you in the 60’s hoss

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RuneScape420Homie@reddit

Uh huh grandpa. Let’s get you bed ok. Your nightly programs can wait ok.

Also , if what you’re saying is true. No one cares and there’s no need to bring that up with no context. No one cares that you trucked back when it was hard.

I’m sorry that it’s your whole personality. But there’s more to life than being a miserable old truck driver.

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LoopDoGG79@reddit

You sound like you barely got your CDL...

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RuneScape420Homie@reddit

Because I’m tired of old truckers who just spew shit out of their mouth all day ?

Yeah sure bud.

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spyder7723@reddit

He was trolling you. Dude is just talking trash and never even seen a true 3 stick transmission.

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TwistedAirline@reddit

Bro I feel like it wasn’t that serious. Who or what hurt you so bad that this comment struck such a nerve? Do you need a better company to drive for? You having a bad day? We’re there for ya pal, just ask.

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Fit_Hospital2423@reddit

Serious question, a cabover with three sticks….tell me more about the truck…what was it and what did the three sticks do?

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OGbigfoot@reddit

I used to lift tarps for flatbedders all the time. Some guys would ask if I could put them on a pallet, sure! I'd be happy to be rid of one more god damn empty pallet!

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Traditional_Ad_1360@reddit

I am not into the construction of any vehicle.

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Delicious_Peace_2526@reddit

Our divisional manager told us not to lift our rolled tarps. He said if the customer won’t lift them with their forklift to call him and he’ll send someone to help us and we won’t serve that customer anymore.

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turbotaco23@reddit

Damn good have that guy on your side.

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Delicious_Peace_2526@reddit

Yes and I suspect he realizes that injuring employees by requiring them to lift 100 pound plus tarps can cost the company more money in the long run.

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turbotaco23@reddit

I’m no professional trucker. I just have a cdl so I can haul around my own heavy equipment.

But from what I’ve read a manger like that is the exception and not the rule.

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