looking for some advice/opinions

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by nickicrocker, Nov 15, 2011.

  1. nickicrocker

    nickicrocker Bobtail Member

    24
    3
    May 28, 2008
    Farmington, Missouri
    0
    To start this off, I drove from 11/07-01/09 for Hogan out of STL. I came out of the truck to address a family medical emergency, and decided I would try a "normal" job again. Needless to say, I was pretty miserable. So here I am, happily divorced and "teaming" with my new significant other since 08/11. The reason I say "teaming" is because we work for JB Hunt and we are lucky to get solo miles and we're splitting $.41/mile.
    They offered us to get our own trucks and take a dedicated flatbed account hauling hay in the Midwest, which sounds dandy, except I've never tarped anything in my life, and it doesn't sound like a lot of fun in the Montana winter. I'm not skinny or anything, I'd say fluffy is accurate. I'm not scared to do some hard work, but I'm not sure its worth $.39/mile. If I don't take it, I'd just be running like we are now, only alone and probably won't get home at the same time, as their "regional" is east of I-35 and he's going to be west of I-35.
    We have discussed changing companies, but he doesn't have his full 10 year work history on hand. Nor does he seem to want to change companies. I'm at a loss. I love him, but I'm not sure about the flatbed thing either.
    Just looking for insight on being a female flatbedder. All advice/opinions are welcome.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. FLORIDAHEAVYHAUL

    FLORIDAHEAVYHAUL Light Load Member

    88
    48
    Jul 7, 2011
    High Springs, Florida
    0
    Not sure i understand. You have never done any flatbedding and JB is going to put you in a truck by yourself hauling hay? Years ago I hauled hay from New Mexico to Florida. It did have to be tarped but the guys loading it would put your tarps on top and roll them out for you. All I had to do was put the straps over them and bungee them. Won't JB train you? I would think you will go out with a trainer for a time. There is also a lot of hay that doesn't get tarped. I see it going down the road all the time. I also would not let my experience with hay be the final authority either. Just my experience. Don't understand the problem with your "other" getting his 10 year work history written down either. I would think JB already has that don't they? flatbedding will help you get "unfluffy" also. Best of luck to you.
     
  4. nickicrocker

    nickicrocker Bobtail Member

    24
    3
    May 28, 2008
    Farmington, Missouri
    0
    If there is one thing JB will tell you, its that they are not a "training" company. They prefer you magically know how to do what they are throwing at you. The whole work history thing I don't understand either. I know you can go to any social security office and pay $35 and they mail it to you. I just get the vibe he doesn't want to change companies, even though he is frustrated to no end with JB. One FM threatened his DAC when he tried to give notice before. Our FM seems to be nice enough, but they don't get the concept of teams. It feels hopeless to stay, but feels like I maybe shooting myself in the foot if I go.
     
  5. Ops85

    Ops85 Light Load Member

    97
    25
    Sep 10, 2011
    Madrid,IA
    0
    you don't tarp hay!
     
  6. nickicrocker

    nickicrocker Bobtail Member

    24
    3
    May 28, 2008
    Farmington, Missouri
    0
    When they called him, about the job, they told him he would be tarping it. They also have backhauls that won't be hay. They aren't giving much in the way of additional details either. That is pretty standard for JB though.
     
  7. Cudascious

    Cudascious Medium Load Member

    350
    148
    Feb 25, 2011
    New Mexico
    0
    If you love him, stay, make some money, get good at what youre doing. But always be looking for the better deal for both of your needs. :)

    I never noticed if I have ever seen hay tarped. But Ive heard stories of it bursting into flames if its too damp or something, cant remember. lol
     
  8. Ops85

    Ops85 Light Load Member

    97
    25
    Sep 10, 2011
    Madrid,IA
    0

    wet hay put away = shed for a day

    wet hay can be stored if handled correctly, salt, space, air flow

    large round bales are wrapped or netted, and up to 1 ft of outside is normal "loss"

    may want to tarp if going through RAIN, could double the weight
    snow doesn't matter
     
  9. Cudascious

    Cudascious Medium Load Member

    350
    148
    Feb 25, 2011
    New Mexico
    0
    Oh, weight, that makes sense. Would probably absorb water like a sponge.

    I believe wet hay can ignite because it ferments in the center, fermentation causes heat, then possible fire..? Sounds reasonable. Never seen it personally.
     
  10. Ops85

    Ops85 Light Load Member

    97
    25
    Sep 10, 2011
    Madrid,IA
    0
    the small morton building up the road burnt after wet hay was put away
    all it takes is a good warm day, just like a compost pile produces heat
     
  11. johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

    It's called "spontaneous combustion". Hay, straw, sawdust, wood chips, paper, coal, and others can all do it. It's like trying to make compost, and heats up. I've seen a few barns over the years burn down from this.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.