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Questions From New Drivers Newbie White Line Fever. Forum/Message Board for new truckers or those wanting to become a trucker to ask experienced drivers a question, and get their advice. New drivers can post questions and experienced drivers can help.

Poll: Skateboard or Box..??
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Skateboard or Box..??

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Old 09.19.2008
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Thumbs down I wonder if I could make the transition to flatbed..??
Here's the lowdown..I've been pulling a box for seven years now..I used to be in good shape but the 7 years of swinging doors has made me overweight and out of shape..Add to that the fact that I'm 49 years old now and starting to feel old..I am wanting to try flatbedding and get my lazy arse back in shape but I am somewhat nervous about it as I haven't noticed very many middle aged and older people pulling skateboards..I really hate being stuck at docks and have been thinking about the benefits of flatbedding but am trying to get some input before making the jump..I have been out of trucking for a few weeks now and am getting ready to go back out on the road..I have offers from Maverick(flatbed) and OnLine Transport(Van)..Really strugling with this and would appreciate any and all constructive comments and ideas..Thx in advance..
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Old 09.19.2008
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Originally Posted by Sinner View Post
Here's the lowdown..I've been pulling a box for seven years now..I used to be in good shape but the 7 years of swinging doors has made me overweight and out of shape..Add to that the fact that I'm 49 years old now and starting to feel old..I am wanting to try flatbedding and get my lazy arse back in shape but I am somewhat nervous about it as I haven't noticed very many middle aged and older people pulling skateboards..I really hate being stuck at docks and have been thinking about the benefits of flatbedding but am trying to get some input before making the jump..I have been out of trucking for a few weeks now and am getting ready to go back out on the road..I have offers from Maverick(flatbed) and OnLine Transport(Van)..Really strugling with this and would appreciate any and all constructive comments and ideas..Thx in advance..
I am with maverick and we are about the same age. One of our drivers has been flatbedding over 40 years. Mav is a good co. I highly recommend them. I left them for a month and went to a co that has flat, vans and tankers. When I was in the main yard I would look at drivers and say to myself, well they sure don't pull a board. Flats will get you in shape. You will feel a lot better than dragging a box. I know I do.
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Old 09.19.2008
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There are drivers in their 50's and 60's pulling flats.
Get up and at it and be happy.
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Old 09.20.2008
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This may sound stupid but can you pull flatbed if you are afraid of heights. I mean, is it common to have to climb up on top of the load and how high is it?

P.S. I am not a trucker yet
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Old 09.20.2008
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Originally Posted by Sinner View Post
Here's the lowdown..I've been pulling a box for seven years now..I used to be in good shape but the 7 years of swinging doors has made me overweight and out of shape..Add to that the fact that I'm 49 years old now and starting to feel old..I am wanting to try flatbedding and get my lazy arse back in shape but I am somewhat nervous about it as I haven't noticed very many middle aged and older people pulling skateboards..I really hate being stuck at docks and have been thinking about the benefits of flatbedding but am trying to get some input before making the jump..I have been out of trucking for a few weeks now and am getting ready to go back out on the road..I have offers from Maverick(flatbed) and OnLine Transport(Van)..Really strugling with this and would appreciate any and all constructive comments and ideas..Thx in advance..
I voted that you get completely out of trucking and go sell some crack.

It is not de-regulated (yet). Being 49 years of age you are not going to be a suspicious character. Maybe go into hauling bulls, and hide the crack inside them or something?
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Old 09.20.2008
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I took the plunge, and am keeping up so far at age 53 working for TMC. You might want to get in shape first. I've seen other flatbed drivers in our age group, and we do get to load/unload quick in most cases.

Yes, heights are an issue and you will have to be able to work up to 13' or so high, sometimes on less than perfectly flat and solid surfaces. During our orientation, we had to climb (with a ladder) on top of a 14' container in the yard and stand at the edge. One guy took a look and decided to go home instead.
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Old 09.20.2008
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Some shippers have tarp stations where you must wear your PPG and put on a safety harness. Some don't, so always be aware of what you walking on or not. I have heard of drivers walking on "Air" between the loads forgetting the load was split. A fall 2' or 4' can hurt you too.
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Old 09.20.2008
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Originally Posted by Ron-MARS Trucking View Post
Some shippers have tarp stations where you must wear your PPG and put on a safety harness. Some don't, so always be aware of what you walking on or not. I have heard of drivers walking on "Air" between the loads forgetting the load was split. A fall 2' or 4' can hurt you too.
I was at one of those ate up yards where you had to wear a safety harness, that was bulky and akward... The kicker was this... the stupid leash was about 15 feet long. I was about 13 feet off the ground....
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Old 09.20.2008
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I was at one of those ate up yards where you had to wear a safety harness, that was bulky and akward... The kicker was this... the stupid leash was about 15 feet long. I was about 13 feet off the ground....
Yup, been "there" before...Don't slip.....
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Old 09.21.2008
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Originally Posted by Sinner View Post
I used to be in good shape but the 7 years of swinging doors has made me overweight and out of shape..Add to that the fact that I'm 49 years old now and starting to feel old..
I'm short,fat, old, and lazy... I did flats a few days a week last year inbetween hauling petroleum. It wasn't that bad. The main thing was you did need to be able to climb without killing yourself.

there's more to it than swinging a door shut but if you're willing to stick it out for a month or two, it really isn't all that bad.

I know the flatbedder's like to brag about the physical nature of it... but it isn't like they joined the airborne division or anything. Real physical is some of those nut case refer guys that stack boxes of lettuce bottom to top and front to rear instead of hiring the lumper....

now that's just plain silly...
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