Going Flatbedding need info please?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by motomack, Jul 6, 2010.

  1. motomack

    motomack Light Load Member

    104
    10
    Jun 27, 2010
    Rock Hill, SC
    0
    Ok decided on going flatbedding now I need more recent information on a few companies please? So I would love for some drivers from the following companies to please input info.


    The companies are Mavrick, TMC, McElroy, and BTC

    Info requesting?
    Driver respect
    Equipment
    Mileage
    Pay per mile beginner
    Tarping

    Have read a lot on here but need to know before I start cdl school in a few weeks please. McElroy and BTC I really need updated info on these two. Thanks drivers for your time!
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

    2,129
    1,027
    Apr 27, 2009
    0
    Maverick pays the best...McElroy actually pays 1 cent more per mile, but with Mavericks fuel bonus...its easy to get the penny back on that. (I'm referring to top out pay here...not beginner pay. Look ahead, way ahead...because often whats right in front of you doesn't tell the whole story)

    Driver respect...I have heard good things about McElroy, but I know Maverick will treat you right if you treat them right (work hard, work smart, be honest, and do it the way they want it)

    Equipment...I like TMC's truck better.

    Mileage...likely no difference whatsoever.

    Tarping...at McElroy, they tarp everything, but many are preloads already tarped...which is not as good as it sounds. I hate preloads...

    Maverick tarps almost everything too, but some things don't need (or require) it. IMO tarping isn't that bad, I've even come to enjoy it because it gives me some time to move around.
     
    ozzspeed, Baack, Fratsit and 1 other person Thank this.
  4. motomack

    motomack Light Load Member

    104
    10
    Jun 27, 2010
    Rock Hill, SC
    0
    thanks ridgerunner
     
  5. dieseldon

    dieseldon Light Load Member

    155
    51
    Feb 14, 2010
    Detroit, MI
    0
    Motomack
    I'm a flatbeder and just remember this. Whoever you driver for don't be lazy, pay attention and be safe then you will do just fine. The pay with come with time/experiance. Flatbeding is alot different the dry van we don't just bump docks. You will ether love flatbed or hate it it's one of those things.

    Hope you the best be safe on the road

    Don
     
    Rossccoo Thanks this.
  6. motomack

    motomack Light Load Member

    104
    10
    Jun 27, 2010
    Rock Hill, SC
    0
    dieseldon
    Thats true! Thanks for the input and hope to see you out on the road soon!

    Ridgerunner
    Cant reply to im but I will definately. Thanks again for info! Good luck be safe and hope to see ya soon!
     
    Ridgerunner665 Thanks this.
  7. ozzspeed

    ozzspeed Bobtail Member

    14
    5
    Jul 8, 2010
    Kentucky (central)
    0
    Hey guys, im xtremely grateful you all are here and willing to hand down knowledge and the raw of it all and your personal experiences n opinions. I was gonna make an assumption about the "pre-tarp loads" and say is that not always beneficial to the driver for safety concerns and if i understand this some what, just for the mere fact its probably easier to sleep at nt knowing yourself tarpd the load?? Im interested in flatbed haul and just tryn to get all the personal experience i can before anything i decide is in writing.. Thanks guys n gals
     
  8. motomack

    motomack Light Load Member

    104
    10
    Jun 27, 2010
    Rock Hill, SC
    0
    Yeah I appreciate the info but still have not heard from some company drivers where are you?
     
  9. DragginMan

    DragginMan Light Load Member

    215
    41
    Mar 30, 2007
    north AL
    0
    Think of pre-tarped as pre-throwed over. I'm on my 2nd go-round with McElroy right now, and one of their biggest acct, LOWES, does the pre-tarp. They throw one tarp over to protect what cant get wet, but it makes it a pain to correctly strap the load. I tend to pull the tarp 1/2 back, strap what i can, then pull 1/2 back the other way and strap the rest. Most of the time its just one tarp up front. Another acct is USG Sheetrock at Bridgeport,AL. It is now full tarp AND securement FOR YOU, you just drop/hook. BUT you ALWAYS check their securement, more often than not I add more, resecure, or adjust. No load has ever been nor will ever be to my liking until i touch it myself.
     
    ozzspeed Thanks this.
  10. dieseldon

    dieseldon Light Load Member

    155
    51
    Feb 14, 2010
    Detroit, MI
    0
    Hi guys pretarped loads can be good. I have pulled loads out of USG and atlas tube in michigan and both pre tarp the loads. Most "pre tarped" means just throw the tarps on. I have always had and would check all straping/chains, tarps and bungees. To insure there put on right and to your liking. Remember it's your load no matter who loads, straps and tarps it. Your the one on the line. Always check it before you leave the shipper.
     
    ozzspeed Thanks this.
  11. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

    2,129
    1,027
    Apr 27, 2009
    0
    Thats why preloads suck...its my load.

    I wanna see it being loaded so I know its on there right, I wanna secure it so I know its done right (without having to untarp it first), and I DONT want to move all my stuff from one trailer to another...too much unpaid aggravation and work...preloads should pay the driver $50 just for looking at it.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.