Ask A TMC Driver

That's not bad at all compared to my normal 20 hour sits...

 

Food, snacks, and this time of year make sure you have several pairs of insulated winter gloves. Don't buy the best because they will not last. Get a pair of insulated rubber gloves for winding straps and rolling up your tarps. Any type of clothing to keep you warm and the wind off of you. Remember you have to get the load secured and tarped before you go anywhere regardless of the weather.

 

I know, I keep telling myself that. But that's not the way I roll. And It's not the flatbed way.

 

It's the main reason I'm leaving bulk tanker... Money isn't made sitting... And I'm down for load until I get new hoses (4/4 of my hoses failed today while unloading...

 

Alright. Is there any chance I get a trainer less than 2 weeks? I'm very proud of my driving. I take great pride in it. The only thing I stuggle at is backing... And who doesn't struggle now and then on backing?

 

I think you will be out the two weeks. Remember you have to learn flatbed work and that's securement and tarping. I don't know what it pays now but two weeks will be fast. Don't worry about backing, we run 48' with 10' spread axels. You can't back them into the same spot twice LOL. (Just having fun)

 

One thing to think about. You may consider getting a trainer out of Des Moines. He can bring you back to test out and then you can be on your way from there. Another thing to remember is It's a hurry up and wait type of deal. I never had the patience I have now,before I became a driver.

 

I drive bulk tankers (48" 7000gal) I have put down 20,000 miles so far... I have done securement on flat bed when I ran a 40" flat bed in the army, I've just never tarped. Honestly tarping is the biggest thing I have to tackle... Oh and axel weights.... Can't keep liquid in one place.... So we just go by gross.

 

You will learn a lot more about securement than the army taught you due to the enormous diversity of the loads we haul. The army doesnt haul 47,000 lb suicide coils or double stacked rolled roofing. Tarping is the least of your worries. Go into this as though you know nothing.

 

Well said.