Switched from flatbed to dry van at Swift, thoughts?

Today, Magnum has more than 950 employees and operates terminals/offices in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Its corporate headquarters are located in Fargo, North Dakota.

 

3 hours to tarp lumber...that probably didnt even need to be tarped? If you're complaining now at what Im guessing is less than 6mo into this, flatbed aint for you.

Getting mileage pay and running flatbed is not conducive to making good $. Driving for Swift on top of that makes it even worse.

 

This guy is right. Flatbed does pay #### well but not at swift . Check out some places that pay percentage, you can actually get paid for your work .

 

Swift likes drivers that are uniformed and ignorant. They want people who don't question what they're told. Just do.

Common sense goes a long way in flatbed. 1st off, know your material. Some lumber does need to be tarped if there's a chance it'll get wet. Ive had lumber loads in the past where I was told it needed tarped, yet I show up to the mill and its all sitting out on the ground, usually wet from rain. So I usually ask and get told no. Strap and roll in 15 min.

Also if you're paranoid that your load is going to fall off that means your training in securement isnt great. Now, learningthat stuff takes time and experience. I remember being nervous the 1st 50mi or so after loading.

Flatbed isnt just a job. You gotta want to do this stuff. You have to be okay with some manual labor and sweating, getting rained on, etc.

Go run for a better training co like Melton or TMC. learn some better ways to strap, tarp and secure and get paid a decent rate. Then you'll enjoy what you do.

 

Some guys like it. Some don't.

I worked for 3 companies. No tarp pay. And tarping in the heat SUCKS.

They all averaged around 3500 miles and home on weekends.

And yes. Some loads suck in general. Specially when the shipper won't listen to how you want it loaded.

 

I haven’t been there in a couple years and they have changed the way the pay is calculated. From performance pay to a CPM pay structure... their thread would give a more accurate answer about that.
But that would be the range I would guess

 

Nothing like open decking and pulling a skateboard. Nothing wrong with van or refer just not for me. Taking pride in your securement and good efficency at shippers makes the days go by quick.
Tarping in the winter is the absolute worst & makes summer feek like a breeze.

 

Yes, Magnum is a good company to work for

 

It takes time to get good at skateboarding. Like others mentioned turn around times at shippers and receivers are the biggest hurdle. If your at alot of fcfs places at the wrong time of the day its going to make it a bit worse waiting to get in and out.

You always have to be proactive with your loads. Sometimes helping other drivers gets you a return hand. Whether it be folding your tarps or tarping a load. There is a thing called karma, works well in flatbed. Theres been times i got somewhere to late to get loaded and since i was going to camp out at the shipper for the night i’d help a guy or two tarp. Then other times id get loaded late and others would help me tarp. (Different times and places)

I know swift isnt highly smiled upon in the industry however if you have a good attitude hold yourself to a decent standard. Theres drivers out there that are willing to help some way shape or form.

As for winter? Sure, it can be a pain. If your properly prepped for the temps you'll be just right or still breaking a little bit of a sweat. I remember being bundled up in -5 degree Minnesota weather at a menards DC with the wind whipping around good. I still broke a sweat. Tarps frozen and hard to fold and windy.

I still miss it a little. There will be times bad weather and traffic will keep your miles short. Once you get comfortable and a routine setup. The miles will come with it and the paranoia will diminish. Just don't shortcut or half arse it.