Anyone use flat trailers now?
Discussion
In particular with sheets and ropes.
I was brought up in general haulage, though it's the best part of 30 years since I've driven a wagon either in anger or just playing. When I was involved though, apart from a couple of taut-liners, mainly for specific jobs, everything was loaded onto flats and sheeted/roped down, with the exception of a few loads which had to be chained.
Even travelling up and down the motorways I seldom see a nicely sheeted load nowadays, with most stuff being in covered trailers. It was something that most drivers used to pride themselves in, ensuring there were no flapping sheets, even trying to get the dollies at exactly the same height and the loops pointing the correct way. We had a few high/bulky loads which needed 5 sheets; a back sheet, then two down each side to the chock rail, left side first, with a drip sheet (flysheet) going over the top of the lot, yet there was no movement once done correctly.
I'll admit it was hard work, but it kept you fit and, once relatively experienced, wasn't that bad a job. The other big thing was that when you were empty you could tell just by looking in your mirrors, no massive headboard in the way.
Possibly just the ramblings of an old man, but I do miss seeing well sheeted trailers. Oh, and the Scots (for some reason) always seemed to have the tidiest ones. Apart from mine of course.
I was brought up in general haulage, though it's the best part of 30 years since I've driven a wagon either in anger or just playing. When I was involved though, apart from a couple of taut-liners, mainly for specific jobs, everything was loaded onto flats and sheeted/roped down, with the exception of a few loads which had to be chained.
Even travelling up and down the motorways I seldom see a nicely sheeted load nowadays, with most stuff being in covered trailers. It was something that most drivers used to pride themselves in, ensuring there were no flapping sheets, even trying to get the dollies at exactly the same height and the loops pointing the correct way. We had a few high/bulky loads which needed 5 sheets; a back sheet, then two down each side to the chock rail, left side first, with a drip sheet (flysheet) going over the top of the lot, yet there was no movement once done correctly.
I'll admit it was hard work, but it kept you fit and, once relatively experienced, wasn't that bad a job. The other big thing was that when you were empty you could tell just by looking in your mirrors, no massive headboard in the way.
Possibly just the ramblings of an old man, but I do miss seeing well sheeted trailers. Oh, and the Scots (for some reason) always seemed to have the tidiest ones. Apart from mine of course.
Seems it's a dying art then 
I've been out a bit longer than you Harvey and, as you say, wouldn't go back to sheets if I had the option.
I packed it all in when I was due another medical on or about my 50th birthday. I was working in France and hiring cars on a constant basis so needed my licence to show the hire company. I also worked out that I'd not actually driven a wagon for over 5 years since the previous medical so it just seemed a waste of money.
Can't say I miss it to be honest, especially with today's traffic...
I've been out a bit longer than you Harvey and, as you say, wouldn't go back to sheets if I had the option.
I packed it all in when I was due another medical on or about my 50th birthday. I was working in France and hiring cars on a constant basis so needed my licence to show the hire company. I also worked out that I'd not actually driven a wagon for over 5 years since the previous medical so it just seemed a waste of money.
Can't say I miss it to be honest, especially with today's traffic...
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