Diary of a current Swift flatbed driver

Ouuuch.... I'm thankful I took the weekend off, my arm finally loosened up last night and I'm. Feeling much better. Hopefully this little spit of ice/mix weather doesn't make the roads slick for when they give me a preplan in the morning...

 

Regarding Swift's 2 extra days of load securement in FB orientation, do you flatbedders believe that was enough time to give you a general understanding of how to do it safely?
Also, what have you flatbed guys (and ladies) been averaging each week during this "slow time of the year"? I'm still considering Swift after my cdl school.

 

.26 for West region; .27 East? Really doesn't matter because I would want to go all lower 48 so would probably end up with a .26 cpm rate anyways.

 

I was wondering the same, is 2 days enough time for this training? I have 3 weeks left in school and running FB for swift is high in my consideration for employment. Not to taken with TMC and I want to make sure that the oppritunity to experiance all or most of the 48 states is there. Soo cant wait to get to work and start a new experiance! Trying to narrow down my choices this week as to where I will be going.

 

Two days of Load securement is just enough to get you pulled behind the Coop for a full write up. When I started at TMC we did 4days load securement. But they sent you out with a trainer for 12 weeks. After the 1st week I did all of the securement and 90% of the tarping. When you go out with your trainer you should be the one pushing to do the load securement. a good trainer will be your coach/drill sgt not your buddy. I think the biggest risk is guys coming over from vans and refers, they only spend a short period on load securement and then are pushed out on their own as they are expirenced drivers. I actually got my own truck after 6 weeks, but in 1999 they went to 12weeks period no exceptions. I heard they are down to 8weeks now.

 

hi! my hubby is a new grad and has his first hazmat load on a TMC flatbed. He is having problems securing it. 48 barrels of some liquid flammable stuff. any suggestions? he is stuck in iowa cuz he refuses to move it as it is currently secured. (he doesnt feel it safe)

 

papi1960R,
Hubby just finished orientation with TMC. He was only out with his trainer 6 weeks and is already in his own truck.

 

if the barrels are of the 55 gallon type, put another layer of just pallets on top, then strap across the center from side to side. Then at the front and back of the load, strap down a 4x4 so it won't move front to back.

That will secure up to 8 barrels if your lining them up 2 pallets wide.

 

Gosh I cant seem to navigate theses threads! lol
he doesnt have anymore pallets to put on top. TMC sent someone to help secure the load but he is still not satisfied with it. They are 55 gallon barrels just sitting on pallets. He said that some of the plastic straps holding them together have already broken. He is calling TMC to refuse to move.