Another Physical Demand Thread about Flatbedding. Specifically Height...

Yes, TDI (and other trucking schools here) are now 18 days or 180 hours. I went and just graduated from United Truck Driving School here in Murfreesboro. It was $1000 less expensive than TDI. Good program with worn-out equipment. TDI is down in Christiana now.

I prefer staying closer to home. Don't want to chase miles.... unless I really have to. Kinda of in a flux right now...... we just decided to move back down to Montgomery, AL. I retired from the USAF down there back on 03. Gotta sell our house here first. Not sure what the trucking job situation is down there yet.

I was pondering Estes, Averitt programs and actually visited a Hiring event with SAIA a couple days ago up in Lavergne. SAIA and Estes both have Dock to Driver programs. 60 dock work before sending you to their CDL school. I'm not sure yet how they view new CDL grads.

Right now, I'm leaning towards snagging a Switcher/Yard Dog position up at the Nissan plant in Smyrna. The position starts at $19.50 hour, Tuition reimbursement and oh yea, a $5000 Sign on Bonus. Hmm.... we'll just see about all that. Lol ! Gonna give it a shot though.

I don't know enough yet about the industry to make a good educated decision on which way to turn next. Now that we've made the decision to move back down to Alabama throws a monkey wrench in the process. So... I'll keep picking your folks brains. Lol !

I certainly appreciate all your help.

 

Thank you.

There's also Huff and Puff out of Bradyville here. 1/2 hour South. Their Recruiter (owner's son) came to our school and gave a presentation. As did TMC's and Maverick's Recruiters. All gave solid cases for their firms. Yes, I know Recruiters are full of BS as well. I'm Retired Military.... I KNOW about Recruiters. Lol ! The above companies all have good options.

However, now that my wife and I just recently decided to move from here (way too expensive for us here) back to AL changes the equation significantly.

My eyes, ears and mind are wide open at this point. Just a sponge right now.

 

Thank you for your support ! Much appreciated!

Yes, I'm learning about the different types of freight you flatbedders haul. I was researching a position with Averitt. They have a position that hauls steel from Birmingham up to a plant in Morris, TN. That plant makes suspension parts for cars. Averitt then ships those parts to auto plants across the region here. The pay freaking suck.... $16.50/hour....... and further reading showed they won't accept new grads for this particular position. Rightfully so.

I know hauling steel ain't no freaking joke ! I just moved here a year ago from the Dayton, Ohio area. Spent 25 years up there commuting twice/daily through the Crossroads of America.... the 70/75 junction.

I have personally seen SEVERAL flatbeds with steel coils flip over in that Intersection! All while coming down the hill from 70 Eastbound and "try" to navigate that INSANE 90 degree downward sloping loop to 75 Northbound! Drivers simply go way to fast and flip rigs like pancakes there...... I'd say a couple times a month. No BS ! Look at that intersection on Google Maps if you've never seen it.

 

Great lead ! I really appreciate it man!

There's also Alabama Motor Express out of Dothan. Not sure what they haul, but all the Reviews I've read show they are real Professionals that care about their drivers.... AND each other (like we did when I served in the USAF). That's very important to me. More so than the money.