Well, having been a "Box boy" on and off for the last thirteen years (got my CDL in 199, I've decided to give flatbedding a try. So I signed on to Western Express, did orientation and securement training in Nashville (got sent home due to lack of recent experience in the last three years, grrrr!). And my primary thoughts on the whole load securement experience was "what the heck was I so concerned about?! Heck, I worked harder than this some days pulling and unloading a van!" Any van driver who has had to deal with a driver unload floor load, like a K-Mart or similar knows exactly what I'm talking about. 4 hours to unload, thanks to the uselessness of the "help" I got on the dock. Four store employees to "work" the truck, only ONE of which was worth a ####!

Now I'm working on getting a refresher course so I can come back out and work with the rest of you clowns (and I mean that in the best possible way...or do I?), and the only companies I'm looking at are flatbed. Western Express is still high in the running, cause I liked what I saw at orientation and had a chance to talk to quite a few drivers at the main yard. Away from the office people, ya know. I'm also looking very seriously at PGT, since they are relatively close to the house for me. Based in Monaca, PA, which is less than two hours from the house. Decided against Maverick, since they only hire glass division out of my area and I prefer to do more steel. Got turned down by TMC, figured it was due to my lack of recent experience. Am also considering applying to Boyd Bros.

I've got a decent idea about how to chain down (or strap, depending) a load. Basically boils down to throw everything you got at the load, and make sure you "feel good" about it before you move it. Aced the Alabama coil test, and got certified when I was in Nashville. I just have a bunch of questions, primarily on tarping. Like how the heck do you get the blasted things tight enough to not flap? And is it better to "tent" or "shrink wrap" your coil? Also, are you allowed to use the stake pockets on the rear end of the trailer to secure chains? Or are they just for sidekits?