Prime Flatbed Divison Info

Yeah, I thought alot of drivers would feel the same way when I heard him say it. I think the rearend gear reductions are only on the newer tractors they are getting in though so you and all the other current drivers should be good.

 

I like the closed ones with the 3 compartments TMC has, are Primes like that too... if things go well the end of July or beginning of August I should be in SpringMo to start everything. I still want to be on the flatbed side and am actually thinking about training like you did but it will depend on what trainers are available when I actually get there.
Semper Fidelis

 

It is page 33 of your thread to be exact... lol I like the 3 door ones they look more professional IMO. But being in the military for 22 years teaches you how to make do with what you are given if nothing else. lol

Semper Fidelis

 

Hey Semper Fi, devil dog.

I was stationed at camp pendleton with 11th marines, and just recently ended a contract with the army as a aircraft electrician.

I will start training next week on the flatbed side so if you have any questions shoot me a pm. Always happy to help a brother.

As for the headache racks I prefer the open ones. The reason is you can get to your stuff a lot easier. All the 2012 & 2013 trucks have the skirts that go all the way to the back and you can't put a side box. The closed racks allow you to put all the extra stuff in.

 

I have a 12 now. It has a small step box instead of a large side box. And with a 2 door rack on the only way to open the doors all the way is to dump the air. They put the rack too far back, it's just over 1" from a cooler mounted on the back, and the trailer corners will snag cornering on uneven ground. There are a few shippers that will be a real treat getting into without tearing stuff up. I'll probably have to back out the entrance.

I like the two door box better though. Just need to remove the chain hangers on both side so they won't chew up the tarps.

 

Just read your thread. Finally able to get some computer time while my trainer is on hometime. I PSD in reefer and came to fb after I got my CDL. I walked in and talked with the fb FM and had a TNT trainer that afternoon. Highly recommend getting a fb trainer if you want to go to fb. I am learning a lot (locations, securement and running a fb truck). IMO there are a lot of differences and challenges. IF you can wait for a fb trainer for PSD I recommend it especially if your goal is fb in the end.

My first back into a dock w/ fb was into a garage with about 1" clearance on the trailer. Did not see any backing like that on a reefer. Really meant I had to have my straight backing on the spot. Loaded roofing material and were out of there.

One finally note, I have been on the my trainers truck for 5 wks not sure on the miles but the training has been top notch and non stop. We don't stop very long and getting load after load. I have seen everything from EMT tubing to large AC units and still feel I have more to learn. I would rather learn it with an experience driver there to guide me than making mistakes and costing money.

Sorry for the long post but thought you would like to hear it from someone here doing now.

 

Haven't gotten around very much, have ya?