I have many of the same questions as you. I have been driving for ATS for less than a month.

I did ask about the pilot cars and was told the company will handle all of that. They get you the permits, the first couple of states are sent to you immediately. After getting accurate measurements of your load they will send you the remaining states.

The following are the Load Classification Guidlelines:

Overall Overall
Weight Width Height Length Value

Class 4 Legal - 55K Legal - 10' Legal 80' Up to $125,000

Class 3 56K - 60K 10'1" - 12' 13'9" 85' Up to $200,000

Class 2 61K - 65K 2'1" - 14' 14'3" 90' Up to $300,000

Class 1 66K - 70K 14'1" - 14'6" 14'4" Plus 95' Up to $400,000

Class 1A 71K Plus 14'7" - Plus 14'7" Plus 95' Plus $400,000 Plus

Everyone starts at Class 4, unless they have verifiable experience and then an evaluation will be made on a case by case bases.

Drivers haul at least five loads in each classification before they are eligible for the next classification. You, then, fill out an applicaiton with your fleet manager. A decission will be made based on several critera. For Class 2 and above you will need to take a test.

Moving from Class 4 to Class 3 could take as few as five loads, afterwards it will take longer.

Hauling blades slowed down for a while and is still slow. I hear it will be picking up soon. I, also, hear we just landed an account hauling to Alaska.

Well, my chart didn't turn out the way it was typed, I think you can, still, understand it.

My Passport Book and Passport Card, finally, came in. Now, maybe, I can get some loads into Canada.

Good you can drink a Molson for me.

I missed this one.

You come to ATS with experience. You should know what you are doing. I forget which day it was, but you discuss a few things in class, go over the regulations and then go out to the shop securement areal and secure a few prearranged loads. There is nothing you haven't seen before. It doesn't even take half a day.

Some examples were, coil, steel beams, flag pole, box, barrels, forklift, granite slabs and I am probably forgetting a couple. Everyone was on the same page, we didn't have to discuss anything. We had it all done in 30 minutes and went to lunch. After lunch, one of the safety guys critiqued us.

My thing is I love pulling flats. It seems like everyone has dropped off frieght wise but flatbed has been hit really hard. How are you guys doing as far as miles. Especially company drivers. I may go with a L/O but not right now. Company drivers go where the load is, so I was wondering how they are holding up.

I can't say about Company Drivers, my only experience with ATS has been as a Lease Operator and for only one month.

I have seen only one Company Driver in a month. I have talked to other O/O and L/O and they seem to think they are laying off a lot of Company Drivers.

Most of us are getting 2,500 plus miles per week. Yes, flatbed loads are hit first and hardest, but are the first to start picking up again. I do see signs and hear rumors that loads are picking up.

I like being a L/O because of the load selection and the freedom to do pretty much what I want to do. Company Drives have to do what they are told. There are, of course, disadvantages to being a L/O. No insurance and I am taking considerable risk. Pay is better with the O/O and L/O.

teampitts3, you said you want to haul windmills? You know Anderson drug tests right? Just jokin, good luck

LOL Yeah I know your right. I swore I would never go back to draggin Dry box down the highway, but you have to be able to pay the bills. I have been pulling flats since 03 and I really want a company that can provide more of a challenge than building materials.

Flatbed freight slow? Not for me. Got suspended in April. Safety was "concerned" about my miles. Fleet manager got nervous and told me to be sure to keep my ducks in a row cuz 'Safety is watching you.'
The first time they put me on SafetyHold, I was pissed...I had just left the house and they shut me down from the 12-15 in Winnemucca of all places. Now I'm not satisfied until they do.