Favorite Type of Trucking

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by farmerjohn64, Jul 12, 2020.

  1. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    Hi,

    What’s your favorite type of truck driving? I’ve got a long way to go, but I’d like to know where to go from here in a broad sense and this thread could help; I’m currently pulling a flatbed and I honestly enjoy it quite a lot. What’s the pros and cons of the type of trailer you pull? (Places you deliver, wait times and lack thereof, etc) How does your field of trucking stack up to others in terms of money?

    Best regards, John
     
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  3. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    I've done... Gee... Just about everything but flatbed.
    I could go through and discuss the downfalls of different ones.
    Lets just say...
    Right now I seem to have the best. Working dry van for a small company. Only two drivers out OTR/Regional. We take stuff out. He finds loads for us. Work our way back. We have the freedom to take time off. Usually get a few days. Then out for about a week or 5 days. He gets me good runs/miles. Right now have the freedom that I asked we sandbag this week because of the DOT blitz. We're doing that. Pay isn't the greatest. But I do take home $1K a week. Plenty for where I live. And I get time off at home.

    I think biggest problem is the companies.
    I've worked Regional that delivers where I live. Two companies. They end up having no consideration for home time actually at home. One decided to make my home there, at a truck stop. With lotsa time off there.
    I ended up getting the Head of Safety replaced at one company. He didn't have a clue. Hurt me professionally. Wouldn't give me their dash cam video on a bad ticket. Just plain libel on HireRight.
    All kinds of crazy stupid stuff. Administration that doesn't have a clue.

    I'd say to try to work for somebody small that you can communicate with. Regardless of the trailer.
    I don't think I ever want to go back to ReeferMadness. Just too crazy on time. Elogs make it worse.
     
  4. Lennythedriver

    Lennythedriver Road Train Member

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    Why do so many drivers seemingly put up with vengeful past employers dinging up their DAC hireright reports? You know there’s lawyers out there that will teach these scrupulous companies lessons they won’t forget for this crap? Trucking companies that ruin drivers because you quit etc should be taught.
     
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  5. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    All things considered, especially the fact that I don’t slipseat, I like my job in the LTL sector and it’s the best money I’ve ever made.

    On the other hand, the most enjoyable jobs were 5-6 axle lowboy work and hauling sticks and bricks on a flatbed. Unfortunately the money just wasn’t there.
     
  6. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    I should’ve also added the company aspect of my question to it since I’m sure some answers may vary depending on the specific company
     
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  7. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    I would say to try to get away, stay away from companies who are very interested in making the FMCSA happy.
    FMCSA doesn't have a clue. They changed things on my report to make me look bad.
    One) No DOT approved bumper on a pneumatic trailer? There is no bumper on most pneumatic trailers. FMCSA don't know that. The Officer wrote up that the mud flap hanger was bent.
    TWO) Violation of Local Law/Ordinance. When I never got any citation for this. The citation was on the company. They couldn't verify the temporary registration on a new trailer.

    I've had more than one DOT officer in a port of entry tell me they hate the FMCSA. One said: They're an unwanted brat of a stepchild.
    It is true. FMCSA has no comprehension of what they're doing.

    Go with those people who don't care what the PSP or DAC report has to say. They pay attention to your DMV record. My DMV is clean.
     
  8. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    I work for an electrical supplier, doing flatbed deliveries. We only serve one customer (I can't name any names per company policy).

    I load myself at the warehouse, then unload myself at the jobsite with my moffett. Most of the time, there isn't even anyone at the jobsite when I deliver. Then I turn around and head back to the warehouse to load up the next one. I never leave the state.

    I love everything about it. Equipment is good, the people are awesome, I have a lot of freedom with my schedule (no appointment times to deal with), and I pretty much do everything on my own so there is little contact with anyone.

    There seems to be a misconception that all local driving is either ltl, linehaul, or food/beverage delivery, all of which can pay very well but involve back-breaking labor and/or long crazy hours.

    Truth is, there are plenty of local gigs that are pretty awesome, and won't run you into the ground. you just have to do some digging and be patient.
     
  9. Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    I really prefer pulling a bullrack... But you really got to have that kinda thing in your blood to enjoy it. You see ALOT of miles off the asphalt, sometimes you get dirty... Like the kind of dirty that makes flatbedders cringe, and sometimes your cargo tries to kill you.
     
  10. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    That sounds pretty sweet, does it pay well?
     
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  11. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    What’s a bullrack?
     
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