Lonestar Transportation drivers.. Check in!

I have read this whole thread really enjoyed. I have been trucking for 24 years but have only pulled dry van and reefer thinking about making a change next spring,how did you guys learn all about load securement,tarping,etc,

 

I started with Roehl, in vans and then switched to flats. Had to go through securement training with them working with a local driver. Picked up various loads and learned a little about tarping. Though I learned the most by myself.

With lone star I think if you don't have any experience in flats you go to Houston for a week of load securement training

 

Glad to see it working out for you Mystikal. Pay's important but sometimes a little sacrifice is necessary for a better work environment.

Lone Star will train you for a week in Houston. They'll provide you with transportation, money for fuel, hotel and one meal a day. A lot of it is common sense. They won't really train you to tarp, but one you see guys around you do it, you'll get it. Permits pretty much tell you everything you'll need to know about what to do with that load. If you're dead set on hauling OD, pickup a book called "Oversize/Overdimension and Pilot Car Directory". It's like $15 at most truck stops. It has every regulation for every state.

My current load going to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan from Laredo. It's 12'7" wide. I'll need a pilot car in Arkansas and Missouri. I'll meet my guy tonight in Texarkana.

 

As I understand it, the training in Houston depends on what they have on the yard and what comes in. For the most part securement is learned as you go. But reading the securement manual will help a lot. its basically a simple math formula for the "easy" loads, you have to secure for at least 50% of the weight of the load, then take into account how long the load is, and have a securement device every 8ft (10 by dot rules). The great thing about flatbedders and opendeck drivers is that if you have a question, somebody will almost always help you out.

Of course, when you get into machinery and oddball pieces, you have to be a bit of a magician and be able to think outside the box. Remember, when in doubt, add more securement...

 

Some ************ cut me off on 30 and my second tank shifted a foot to the left and almost a foot back. One of my straps almost tore completely. I didn't have enough padding or tension on it, obviously. Took a chain and a binder and got it back in line on the trailer then I tied them both down with chains instead of straps.

 

Its about time someone started a new thread.... ive been on here for years
and finally decided to open an account. Been with LST one year this september.
Ive been hearing all this talk about Tex buying out the Peterbilt lease and going
To an all KW fleet. Anyone know anything about this? Just curious...

 

i do know all the new trucks have been KW's. when i was in gainesville turning in my hood for my kw, the pete guys there switching out the elog system told me Lone star was switching to all Kw's

 

Red Racer I see you from Texas. I am planning to come LST soon. How often do you get home time? And how good is LST about getting you there? I plan on staying out 4 weeks at a time and taking 4 to 5 days off. I live in the Bryan/College Station and sometime take home time in the Houston area with my girlfriend.

 

Question for LST veterans. What do you guys think, should I start orientation in November or wait until January 2014 based on the freight and the holidays. I almost finished taking care of some things I need to do before orientation. But I am positive about coming to LST.

 

Youll have no problems getting home. I had a place but i got rid of it. So me and my girl pretty much live in the truck now to save all that hard earned money. But when i had a place i got home every 3 weeks no problem. If you wanna go home theyll get you home. If you wanna run theyll run the crap outta you. Youll like it here. And they pay top dollar. You wont be able to spend it fast enough.