Better than Average

I wonder if R&L / Walmart from that video ever spoke on what they did differently. Probably just a matter of driving through there in those conditions often... seen the same thing in PA this winter.

 

You run open deck like me (kind of), so you already know the types of guys in our sector, so I don't have much to add. But I will say I was pretty surprised. Almost every flatbedder I've met so far is so...mediocre. I've taught several how to throw straps the way I do. They think it's some kind of black magic, and it's just something I learned on YouTube. I have yet to meet someone that has ever even heard of a dump valve. I think my view of the flatbedding world got skewed by this site. I had a preconceived notion that flatbedders had tip top load securement, tight and smooth tarps, and a lot of pride. Turns out that only describes the top couple percent at best. The rest are bare minimum securement, no chokers, and tarps flapping in the wind held down by ten straps and two bungee cords.

 

^^^ No doubt. Hanging around on this site has made me start paying attention to flatbedders more. Some of the stuff I notice now is scary.

 

I’m always amazed at how much this industry has changed every time I see a video like that pileup.
Not saying that there were no wrecks but, when drivers had and used radios and there was some professionalism wrecks that severe were few.

 

True indeed. I seen guys come in to load coils & didn't even know what a coil rack was. I'm like who would send you out like that. I instructed him you definitely don't play around with not knowing how to load coil. It's all in being trained properly.
I pass this on some of us think we are super man/woman (a lie) on the road because we drive a big truck, fast car lifted 4x4 etc. We are the most fragile thing on the road. Truck & cars can get recycled or repaired. Our bodies don't operate that way. I try to take care of myself in & out of the truck my personal wellbeing. I believe by doing that I will make it better for me & you. All the best on your journey through this life.

 

I think that some of us are "better than average" 90+% of the time. Just paying attention to what is actually going on ahead of you and not messing with your phone at all currently makes you better than average.

Whenever you see a driver get over a 1/2 mile before he gets to some hazard on the side or seeing multiple trucks entering the highway, he's at least better than average in that moment because you know what usually happens. They wait till the last second, you've already gotten over behind them and started to pass, now they want you to let them in.

Of course even those that are better than average occasionally have a slice of pizza in their hand while driving or get a phone call from dispatch at the wrong time and answer it anyway so not many are always 24/7 better than average, IMO.

I know I've had a couple close calls where I was talking to my wife who is in the truck with me and didn't realize that I was coming in kinda hot on a curve in the snow and ice and had to clench the buttcheeks as I carefully took the curve forcing myself not to apply the brakes even thought I might have needed to.

 

Majority of the companies out here want to hire the "brain dead", flip flop
wearing deuce bag driver. They don't want drivers that might ask embarrassing
questions of the computer educated company "expert".

 

Some in my area think it’s a fashion show. You gotta have the whole outfit to do it. Some are just here because they are in hireable in other places.



My jeans are never pulled over my boot tops, nor are they tucked in neat. A button down shirt or a pull over depending on the day. Clean clothes is a must. Never without a belt or a dirty ball cap that’s usually crooked. Be surprised how a ball cap can change a fightin heifers mind when you whoop her in the face with it cause she has kicked your paddle or stick out of your hand.


It’s a hard thing to judge a man by his appearance, lot of times that will fool you. There have been times after 3 days straight of 1000 miles a day with a load and unload per day and a dirty trailer I wasn’t in the best of shape. Had a job to do and I done it, fashion police be ######

very average look....don’t sell us short. You may get your feelings hurt


Edit The way the sun hits the bunk it can look creased......it’s not

 

Bullcrap ... Anytime there was fog on 99 back in the 70s, the next day would look like Kuwait Highway after a US airstrike, with all the trucks pushed off to the side.

Let's not kid ourselves ... There's always been jackwads out here. The difference is today they wind up on YouTube and shared over and over ... Back in day it didn't go any further than the driver's counter at the next truck stop.