Rookies, please read

Flat bedders tend to ban togather more than box pullers. Nothing against box pullers, I drug one around for years. Flat bedders are a different breed amongst themselves. That is one thing about maverick. I have had more drivers and shippers tell me you mavericks stick together and help one another tarp more than any other co out there.

 

hubby works for company they help each other and have seen arrow, ats flatbedders do the same & they are a different breed............

 

its a nice thinking ,I like it

 

I've been flatbedding for more than thirty years. When I started in the business you couldn't fold your tarps without some driver running over to help you with them. If you were tying down and/or tarping in bad weather it would be the same, Drivers would jump to help out and we would do the same in a heartbeat! While flatbedders are still a different breed and there is a certain comeraderie that seems to be missing in other parts of the industry...It has changed!
These days no matter how many trucks are lined up to unload I don't anticipate getting any help folding my tarps (though I will always get out and help another driver with his) I've seen guys sit there and watch you get the job almost done and then get out and ask if you need help...I always just smile and say "No thanks, I've got it" I still enjoy trucking as much as I did in the '70s but I'm a little dissapointed with the way some guys are these days!

I still wave at every truck I pass but I don't get as many waves back as I used to.

 

yes blackw900 iv seen the same i started trucking with my father in the late 70-early 80s it was nothing to flash your lights or a quick wave,breakdown on the side and the cb or a driver would stop to lend a hand,but with the times things have changes people have money problems ,home problems,dispatcher problems,or just plain old personal problems,its a tough job we do and a good attitude and positive out look is the way to go, (if it was easy everone would be doing it )lol but then again for the millions of drivers trucking and trying to make a buck ,sometimes there minds not on the job its in the clouds and that makes for a dangerous combination ,so keep it safe and take it one mile at a time

 

i hear what your saying i believe a little common courtesy goes a long way im a newbie im trying to find a good starter comp thats why im glad alot of veteran trucking brothers are trying to give good advice its funny ive checked out alot of companies your right you have to be the utmost careful and do your homework thanks guys

 

I always thought the one finger salute meant "OU #1!!!"

 

Current student here with one week to go before testing time: I appreciate all the advice and will continue to check the posts weekly. I want to give a big THANKS to all those truckers out there that honked their air horns when I encouraged them as a child. I do, however, have a question. How does one acquire a CB handle? Is that something that the 'old timers' give the newbies? I want to be considerate and make sure I don't have someone elses name.

 

Often on the cb the other driver will just address you by your company name ie "Hey Swift, you've got it" or similar when you first start talking to them. If they strike up a conversation they will usually ask you what your handle is so just pick something you like.

I wouldn't worry about taking someone else's handle... there are probably 40,000 different guys out there called "Lone Wolf" or "Maverick" or "Outlaw."

 

Truck Driving is new to me, but I have to admit I have a new respect for all truck drivers. I can't believe the constant disregard from 4 wheel drivers when I'm behind the wheel and I'm not out of CDL school.
This can be a dangerous job for the unfocussed and untrained as well as the people around them. My teacher is a highly qualified 30 yr. driver that talks about there is always something to learn and tells us to find a mentor when we go solo. That being said I would like to thank everyone on this sight for all your input, knowledge, and opinions. I will be trying to live up to your expectations and earn your respect when I go on the road. I am all ears.