I did it, dellivered my first two loads.

Fantastic! Well done. Your trainer is doing it right letting you do your thing and then providing guidance after.

You will be in your own truck in no time!

 

Even though I do tanker duty--I have no issues with admitting....

FLATBEDDERS ROCK!!!....

--Lual

 

Congrats!

It’s always refreshing to see someone new who is eager to learn the trade. Good luck!

 

WOW didn’t expect all the responses.

i’ll get to yalls replies once i’m done for the day. currently waiting to see if tomorrow loads are ready. then heading back to the yard

 

well i spoke a little too soon, needed up getting busier than expected.

but that’s everyone for the kind words. i’ve had some doubts over the past couple weeks but each day it seems to be getting…….. easier lol

I’ll be honest i’m glad i went down the flatbed route starting off, nothing wrong with the van drivers but it was something that never interested me.

Now don’t get me wrong it’s nerve racking driving down the road and wondering if i secured everything like it’s supposed to which i know i did but dang lol.

It rained yesterday when we picked up our load yesterday and had to secure it and tarp it while it was raining but oddly enough, didn’t bother me at all.

Driving in the rain, while i had my concerns, wasn’t an issue as i just slow down to a safe speed to conditions and everything was kosher, though the wind is something that still bothers me. But that’s due to the lack of experience.

Today is pay day, and yea….. That puts a smile on my face and while it isn’t $1500, it’s a lot better than where i’m coming from (selling auto parts) and the work to pay ratio makes me happy.

Since everything seems to be in track for me to test out of training next week, and as long as everything goes well, once i get my own truck i’ll start my own thread on my adventures and contribute more lol.

worse case is i end up somewhere else ( i hate job hoping) as eventually i want/going to end up doing tanker (which this company i’m with has a tanker division), best case i end up staying flatbed. only time will tell

thanks again everyone

 

Sounds like your doing it the right way with somebody actually training you, congratulations!!!!!! You will great!

 

Develop systems or patterns to do things. As an example, I never set my winch bar down and walk away from it while loading or unloading unless it’s laying on the catwalk of the tractor. Once I’m loaded I walk around the entire unit and glance at the catwalk . Helps me make sure I’ve secured my winch bar in the equipment box and didn’t leave it laying on the deck or ground. Not saying you have to do what I just said I do but if you develop a routine it’ll help ensure you do things the way you’re supposed to. I left LTL to come open deck at 51. I enjoy it but have transitioned to a conestoga for the most part. It still has its moments but it definitely beats dealing with warehouses and lumpers

good luck and safe travels

 

Congrats man. You'll never forget your 1st load. I still remember mine like it was yesterday

 

I still remember my first flatbed load. Carrier AC units. I was staged waiting to be loaded next to another truck. He came over to mine and said “Hey man this is my first flatbed load, please let me know if I’m doing it wrong.” And I laughed because it was my first flatbed load also. Good times.

 

1st off congratulations!

Just take your time and pay attention, if you have to get out and look before moving, nothing wrong with that.

There will be days that try your patience, and days that everything falls into place. Just keep pushing forward.

I still remember my early days, old Cabover with no power steering, but I was just as happy as you are….