Getting back on the road...orientation with Swift as a flatbed newbie 2/3/2014

It's going to be a long week! Time has seemingly frozen while I wait for the 3rd to get here. I do enjoy having this time to get my things in order and help the wife out around the house. I am also thankful that I will not have to carry a bag to live out of for the first few days as I complete orientation and phase 1. I guess it is a bit of a crap shoot as to whether I get a mentor immediately or have to wait but that's no big deal either.

So, plant (or any other flatbed driver) what would you say is/are must haves for cold weather? I am born and raised in the south east and 5 degrees is about the coldest I've ever worked in (though not for an extended amount of time). I have the usual suspects when it comes to cold weather but I am thinking it might be a good idea to pick up a pair or two of wool socks. Does regular thermal underwear do the job, provided one layers, or should I look for something else as a better base layer? I'm good on boots and gloves, I have several pair knowing that these won't last long. And as far as sleeping goes I will be bringing my Army issue sleeping bag system which is what I have that is rated for the coldest temperature, my other bag is a 40 degree bag.

I want to be as minimalistic as I can while on the mentor's truck and so I'm trying to work out how much I need to bring as far as changes of clothes and the frequency/opportunity to do laundry. It's a bit of a guessing game...ok, so maybe more than a bit.

Anyways, I hope all are well and stay safe out there.

 

Goodluck, I hope it works out for you.

Also, thanks witchinghour and plant for the advice. I appreciate it very much.

 

Well, it is almost time. I have my affairs in order as far as paperwork goes for orientation and have the things finished up at home that I wanted to take care of before heading out. Orientation starts Monday and after that I will do phase I of flatbed training though I do not know if that will begin on Thursday or the following week. Finally, I will then be assigned a flatbed mentor and head out with them. My recruiter called yesterday to confirm everything and see if I had any more questions. I am ready to get going that is for sure.

 

Cool deal. Van or flatbed?

 

Well, the first day of orientation at Greer ran from 0700-1330. I drove myself so as soon as I was done they told me I could leave for the day. It was a pretty standard and easy day as far as orientation goes. Drug test followed by a physical, and then my road test. Everything went smoothly and there was not a lot of hurry up, just a lot of waiting which is no big deal and something one must get used to in the industry. There are I think 14 of us at orientation with 5 of the 14 going flatbed, and one of the 5 is a husband/wife team. Everyone I have spoken with at the Greer Terminal has been very nice and gladly answered every question I have asked. All in all, I am quite happy after one day (yes I know, honeymoon phase blah blah blah) it is what it is. I know what to expect out of Swift and I will give Swift my all. I'm here to put my time in and do my job. Got to meet superek9 today, at least I'm reasonably certain that's who it was haha. Hopefully he will post some insight in as well. We will begin phase I next week so there will be no real info on the division until then.