Flatbedding....Too tuff for older drivers?

Greetings to all you Flatbedders!

I've got this idea I might like flatbedding and I have a couple questions.

First off - I'm just out of CDL school and I'm grain haulin' for a farmer. I've seen the TMC rigs and I think I'd really like that outfit. But will they like me? I'm 55 years old and I've had a shoulder surgery. I'm not afraid of work and I take great pride in EVERYTHING I do! Even the tiniest details.
I could easily see myself fussing over the tarp job - not looking good enough.

The second thing is my driving history. All my bad stuff is old news. I've now got a clean driving record for over ten years. I talked to a TMC recruiter on the phone and he sounded like I could have a shot because my violations are so old.

What do you established flatbed drivers think? Does a 55 year old grey beard that takes real pride in his work have a shot at finding a job? Or will the work be to physical? I'm a bit out of shape, but I'm sure the work would get me fit again, as long as I could cut it starting out.

I worked at a fabricating company for a while and unloaded steel from flatbeds and I've got an idea of what it involves. Would I be able graduate from the TMC training without getting cut? I know I can live up to their quality and image expectations. It's the physical part that worries me.

Thanks for the helpful advice!

Buzz

 

Thanks for the honest reply,Allow Me!

Are you talkin' about lifting the tarps or the whole routine?

"....walk the tightrope..." You stumped me on that. I'm not up to speed on the truck talk just yet. What's walkin' the tightrope mean? Like walkin' along an I beam and keepin' your balance? I know flatbedding is much more dangerous as far as working on and around the trailer. One bad decision can have deadly consequences.

Thanks,

Buzz