Dressing appropriatly

Look professional, you can't go wrong.

 

There are plenty out here who dress sharp most or much of the time, depending on their job requirements and the day. If you're talking about flat-bedding, there may certain compromises need to be made, coveralls will certainly come in handy. Nothing wrong with trying to present yourself in a "more presentable" manner when it's practical.

 

I often throw on coveralls, to load and tarp, then change back when I'm ready to ride.

 

You'll eventually figure out what you need and can carry on the road. Flatbed work is typically dirty work so you might want to pack a jumpsuit to tarp in. Driving for TMC you're gonna go to the higher volume shippers which are probably the grocery warehouses of the flatbed world. You'll surely need steel toe boots, hard hat, high vis, safety vest, multiple pairs of safety glasses. I don't know if your employer will provide any of this stuff. You might also score a set of FRCs with googles if you go into refineries. Having the right safety gear would be more impressive than a button down shirt at most shippers. If you want to clean up after wards while crusin down the road more power to ya. Carry some baby wipes cause you can't always get a shower after loading. Might look at some insulated overalls or jumpsuit for winter work. I carry multiple pairs of gloves, some insulated. Besides my steel toe and my pull ons I drive in, I also carry a pair of old fire boots for those muddy lots you sometimes have to load in. I can throw them in the headache rack if they get too muddy and clean them later. I do not, nor will I ever carry sweat pants in this truck. Nothing will cement your standing as a "steering wheel holder" faster than holey sweat pants, tank top, and flip flops with socks. On a related note, if you wear Addidas pants you will be pigeon holed as originating from eastern Europe.

 

I generally put on the steel toe boots when loading. Some places require them, although they never check. I dropped a ratchet binder on my toes one day when I was in a rush and forgot to put on safety shoes. Just like slamming your finger in something, except you need your foot to drive. I don't remember what a binder weighs but dropped from 3 feet or so, it hurt.

 

Some shippers and recievers require steel toes, no ifs, and or buts. I bought mine at Walmart, they are sneakers. Cheap, but satisfy the requirements.

 

Not sure where you are but BOBS Stores has them. There is one in Manchester, CT. Also check with some of the uniform companies in Hartford area that supply uniforms to large companies and do the wash service. They sell their stuff when it gets "too worn"

comfy boots with bad feet I like Double H for everyday and have issues with my feet from frostbite (missing a few pieces of toes, no feeling in many of the / last quarter of my foot if it gets cold) BUT if you are willing to spend some change I would recommend you give CREECH SHOES a call, they will Taylor something to what you need and by far are the most comfortable. Let the. Know your former military as I'm sure they have a discount. Google "creech shoes" they r the first website and specialize in industrial boots. PS don't get sticker shock they last forever.