Flatbed

Speed up? When i had been with em, they were governed at 62.5 (62-63 depending on how worn the tires were)

 

Pretty often I will pass them, and sometimes they will match my governed 65 speed as I get next to them.

We have PassSmart so I can bump it up to 67 when I need to for a limited time, but some of them will make it as hard as possible to pass them.
Rude, if you ask me.

 

They just want you to admire their nice shiney Pete for as long as possible

 

One of the better companies for a new driver getting into flatbed. They will teach you all the basics properly. And their support staff is a phone call away. Unlike most companies, they will actually transfer you to someone that will give you detailed info on any questions you have. You will work, but you will learn a lot.

They take care of the good drivers. They do some more advanced things than normal lumber stuff. But not real specialized

 

Go to P&S.

 

Maverick is also a good choice for a starter and training company. The program is very good. Do a search on then, you will find a lot of info.

 

Had a good run with TMC, as of May 2021 they have increase the speed of their company trucks to 65mph.

To answer your original question most high loads that require tarps will use some type of tarp hoist system. The larger shippers generally have strict safety standards regarding drivers on top of trailers and on top of loads.

most of the larger facilities will require you to wear a safety harness for fall protection or use walking platforms alongside the trailer to prevent bad falls. Doesn’t mean you wont fall..

the smaller less strict facilities don’t really care how you tarp and secure the load but some may ask that you not do it on there property which can be a double edge sword.

all in all i spent my first year otr with TMC and I would recommend them as a good foundation company for someone interested in the flatbed field. They do have a good ole boy system and are very extra when it comes to keep their equipment clean and securement presentation.

This can become a nuisance as you will realize you are over securing 90% of your loads compared to other flatbedders loading at the same facilities.

They have a good assortment of freight which can keep you on your toes. They also have a boat and john deere account. Good luck

 

I have a question for anyone that works for TMC (or any super safety Fladbed company).

What do they tell you to do when a load requires tarping but the shipper will not allow you on your load or to tarp on their site?

 

Never came up when i was there.

If the shipper requires it tarped they usually provided a tarp shed or some system or just let you tarp as needed.

A couple places had a tarp shed and i asked if i could go down the road and tarp at the truck stop, but not terribly common that they would let you do that.

 

Most people know the weather for their route before even picking up load. Some loads need something on it regardless just to protect packaging

Very few places are like that in regards to tarping on their property But most of those places have somewhere outside their gate to do it. And some drivers will put the tarps on top of load before hand via asking the loader and throw a 2” strap over them

What happens outside their property is on you