MY EXPERIENCE AS A Mercer FLATBED DRIVER

I've tried to tell others that flatbed does better here than step but no one listens to me, I think cause I have a step. So many times I wish I could scale more.

I'd consider selling my step to purchase a flat, but I don't think I could sell it for any decent money.

 

Thats because they all want to haul all those big wide and heavy oversize loads that we get that pay the same as a legal load. But I guess most people only hear what they want to hear, the rest is some fasination with ice road truckers and the "I want to haul the big stuff" I wish everyone would get steps, there would be more flat only freight for me. When I told my coordinator that I was going to sell my step and buy a flat he tried talking me out of it. Said that I would be competing with more trucks for less freight? I told him he needs to look at the board a little closer, the only time I sit now with my flat is when I want to, before with the step I sat around alot more waiting to get to the front of the line to get a load.

 

You would be surprised, I think used trailers are still bringing a premium.

 

If I sold my step, then I'd have to look hard to find a good flat for a decent price. So many of the flats are quite heavy.
Mayby somebody with a nice aluimium flat would come along and offer to trade.

 

Thanks to everyone who replied to my post about Flats and Steps. I have was running through WVA and VA last week and stopped to talk to several Mercer OOs at Tamarack and White's in Raphine, VA. All had good things to say and a couple even told me things that the Inspectors look for as 'Gotcha" items. Currently, i'm getting a few little things attended to on my Tractor and will be combing Craig's List for used equipment. I've been speaking with Chris Swank from Mercer and he has gone above and beyond in answering my questions. Again, thanks for the info. Much appreciated!

 

Any new info? I'd like to see how the two of you are still doing. Skateboardman, flatbed?

 

They been posting on another mercer thread. Just do a search for Mercer on here

 

Thanks for the information.... this blog is great

 

Met my first Grumpy Mercer driver today. He was actually mad and yelled at me lol. I'm not complaining just sharing a laugh.

We both load at the same place of roofing supplies. I pulled in he was already loaded almost strapped and vboarded.

I check in and back into dock 1 and immediately they start loading me. (scotty let me stay in the dock, I was last truck) So I go and throw my vboards 1st then straps. Then I see he goes to the gate and he is having a hard time getting out lol. the load numbers never work. That's the only reason why I noticed him.

by now y'all who've been there should know where I am.

Point of it all that is I end up leaving about 20 mins after he did. 1260 mile run from Mid Monday to deliver 10am today. So I knew I had to keep my door shut and drive late. I don't speed btw ever.
I go to the petro take a shower and hit it.

This Morning with out much effort I arrive at 930am. Which is on time for me. (if you ain't early you're late)
I see him roll up 25 mins after me and never thought much of it. I didn't know another truck was coming and who cares anyway. lol

He had 2 trucks including me in front of him and the other driver let him go after me. so he pulls behind me gets out and walks right by me I look at him and he ignores me,,, I thought hmm ok.... On his way back I see he was gonna do it again so I stop cleaning up and walk over with my hand out and say "Morning Mercer!"
He starts yelling at me..lmao... "YOU NEED TO SLOW IT DOWN! YOU CAN'T GO SO FAST! MY FUEL GAUGE IS STILL ON F. YOU SEE WHAT I'M SAYING? I DIDN'T SEE YOU ONCE ON THE ROAD, NOT ONCE!" and he walked away. I was taken back and frankly I didn't reply to him. I respected my elders.
Man! was he mad for beating him there....I didn't know I was in a race..

Anyway a boring story struck me as funny.

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BTW anybody else got followed by unknown retired DOT for Mercer? I've had 2 reports sent in on me in a 3 month span.

I was clocked 61 in 70 my lights on 6sec following distance in TN.
Then clocked 59 in 75 my lights on 15 sec follwing in TX. Moderate traffic.
got 5 points each towards safety score. Nice! I'll take it.
Just wondering............

 

My Boss umm i mean my wife is coming on the road with me for the first time ever next week! lmao wow ! This August will make 6 tears I mean years driving and not once has she gone on the road with me. I better clean my truck.... lol I was gonna go home for the 4th but since she is coming I took a load to Houston and going to the casino in Lake Charles baby! I love that place.