Hello Everyone

They are, but LTL outfits keep their equipment a lot longer. So they want you to be able to drive a manual in case that's all they have for you.

 

The auto restriction isn't an issue with most companies but it will limit your opportunities somewhat. Most inhouse schools now only provide training in an automatic as it's more cost effective. Having said that, ABF I think is different and they may require the manual capability. You'd have to check their website or call.

If you think you may need the manual capability then it never hurts to if you have the option at school. All the Best

 

This guy went with TMC:
Starting Late in Life

 

Couple points to add. I am currently in the training pipeline at TMC.

Paid training - We receive a $500 advance every Friday while we are in school. When we graduate and are hired, the advance is forgiven.

Physical Condition - On Day 1 within the first two hours we had to take an agility test that consisted on picking up a 110 lb tarp, carrying it the length of the trailer, placing it on the trailer, then climbing up on the trailer, picking up that same tarp and placing on top of a load (Large steel coil), then going around to the other side of the load, pulling the tarp down from the load and lifting it off the trailer. I had no issues but a bunch of people failed and went through the line a second time. One of them went home as a result of this test.

 

Better go with a reefer outfit then.

 

Arguably the easiest way to start out in the industry (shortest, flattest learning curve)...is to start out doing dry van duty...with mostly (or all) drop & hook loads.

Also...to be fair....& for full disclosure....not all dry van duty involves rock bottom, poverty wages.

Some fleets pay rather handsomely for this service.

Easy examples: Fremont Contract Carriers....& Barr-Nunn Transportation.

Both offer excellent equipment, & good benefits as well.

-- L

 

Blood pressure is one of the eliminators on a DOT physical, flatbed or not.