New Driver Interested in Flatbed

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Azdezem, Jun 1, 2013.

  1. Azdezem

    Azdezem Bobtail Member

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    I recently attended C.R. England's school in Richmond, IN. I obtained my CDL on 05/15/2013. I am now in my student driver training and have a little less than 20k miles left until I complete both my Phase 1 and Phase 2 training. In the brief time I have been with CRE I am not overly pleased with what I have encountered and do not believe this will be a long-term home for me. I am very interested in flatbed and eventually specialized loads. I am currently based in Calhoun, GA, about half way between Atlanta and TN on I-75. I am interested in any reccomendations pertaining to good companies I should check out once I finish my student driver training. If I stay with CRE for 9 months my school is free but if I leave I am required to pay for it so I suppose I'm looking for information pertaining to pay, benefits, ease of arranging hometime for my area, training to for load securing and tarping as well as future training for specialized loads. Also any additional information that I am simply not even aware that I need to ask about would be greatly appreciated.
     
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  3. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    You're in Calhoun. Tennessee Steel Haulers has a terminal or (or is it just a drop yard?) right across the street from that Kobelco plant where they make the dozers and escavators. I cant remember the hwy...I believe it's 53 (the one that goes to Rome). Off i75 (cant remember the exit), go west towards Rome, left at 2nd light, go south and that Kobelco place is on the right and TSH is on the left. If that ain't cool for you, I know that Brewton Express out of Louisiana pulls out of there and Chattanooga every day of the week. That way, you can have your fun and get by the house too.
     
  4. Azdezem

    Azdezem Bobtail Member

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    Thank you for the information. I will conduct research on both companies. Truthfully, the home time issue isn't so important as I only need to make it by there 1 day a month but I have to do that every month. I'm on First Offenders probation in GA so it doesn't show up on any manner of background check so it shouldn't impact my employment possibilities. Though I do have some 5+ year old misdemeanor charges for shoplifting, if that might matter to the company.
     
  5. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    I don't go home but once every 3-4 months, but when I do go home, I go home.

    One more thing: If you are wanting to get into more specialized hauling, those loads began to get really expensive. The most valuable thing you bring to the game is your name. The difference a name can make can be as much as $150000 more than a similar driver, pulling the same setup. Those run-ins with Johnny Law hurt bad in the high end freight game. Whatever it is that causes you to have run-ins with the law, lose it. Friends, family members, booze...whatever.
     
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  6. critters

    critters <b>Late For Dinner</b>

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    To add to that on specialized side your work ethic,dependability and good attitude even on bad days will help make your name a good one.
     
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  7. Azdezem

    Azdezem Bobtail Member

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    I went to rehab for a year and a half and do nothing illegal anymore. The first offenders charges will be expunged when I complete probation and I'm going to see about getting the old misdemeanor charges expunged as well. I think I can handle the work ethic and professional aspect, but I will be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you.
     
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  8. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Best of luck to you, trucker. Let us know when you get your open trailer gig.
     
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  9. critters

    critters <b>Late For Dinner</b>

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    May as well warn you now driver,,, if you thought driving got in your blood wait till you get specialized and doing big hauls on 2+3+2 trailers it gets a little deeper in the blood stream. Good luck.
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Watkins Shepard has a terminal in Calhoun; dry van hauling carpet.
     
  11. mistermino

    mistermino Medium Load Member

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    You should be in Maverick's hiring area...
     
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