Maverick .... from a wife's perspective

I, too, learned the hard way about shifting like this--less than 2 miles down the road, luckily untarped, so could see the shift---shelving from somewhere in Illinois, turned the corner, and----####, the wood braces gave in, popped from the strap tension, and had 4" overhang to the curbside....was still so green, that I drove 15 mph back to customer. Had it rebraced, restrapped it & then was fine.....Still a nitemare...was about 15 degrees, getting dark, and the last thing on earth I wanted to be messing with that night!

 

Been with Maverick for about 2 months now. Lots of interesting stuff. As a former Tank Yanker this Flatbed stuff is completely new to me.

So far so good. Just got a permanent FM and hope to improve my hometime. The average has been 12 days out with 3-4 home.

Back out tomorrow.

Later

Dave

To Passing Thru. Some of the trailers that Mav has only have winches on one side. Not much else you can do other than using a couple of 2 inch straps.

 

Frustrating to me is some of our step decks on the specialized side have only 6 total winches. Metal plates over the spread axle that don't allow for a convienent place to hook a strap/ratchet binder. I carry six 4" ratchet binders to help in these situations---one cannot just throw a strap & expect you'll find a positionable winch on the opposite side! Makes me look inefficient & inexperienced to other flatbedders--if only they knew!

 

Yeah, I hear ya. I hate it when I have thrown a bunch of straps only to find out that I can't move the winch to where I need it.

Those new Rettenour(SP) trailers are kinda tricky. I think there are 4 on one side and 8 on the other or something like that. Really gotta plan when you are throwing the straps on those.

Dave

 

Looks to me like he tightened them a bit too tight...when the plastic pipe starts bending, thats tight enough.

That has always worked for me...overtightening pulls them further to the side. Most Mav trailers have at least 2-4 winches on the other side, but you have to plan your work and work your plan...think it through before throwing straps. (but we all get carried away once in a while)

 

When I get one of them messed up configuration (strap) loads. I set my winches first. Then plan where I will toss the portables. Makes it a little easier.

 

After reading Redcoats and Notarps and current Maverick driver messeges, I am going to go with Maverick. Sounds like one giant family. I was going to go with TMC but have not heard anything good about them here. I am starting from scratch, signing up to get my CDL, and then looking to go to Maverick now. Keep up with all the posts. This just goes to show that this is helpful to beginners and well as all seasoned vetern drivers. Thanks to you all.

 

Just remember every family has in-laws.....

 

I was almost heartbroken when redcoats wife ended her post and was SO excited when she reposted. I have been weighing which company I wanted to drive for, and after reading notarps and redcoats wife I have decided to apply with Maverick. I hope to meet redcoat and others on this post on the road. There are a few bad apples but for the most part 99% of the posters on here are great to talk and listen to. keep the wonderful post coming and I hope to meet some of you soon. If anyone is every around the Harrisburg, Marion, or Mt. Vernon Illinois area give me a holler and I will meet you with a thermos of coffee and a home cooked meal. best wished to you all.

 

What kind of weekly earnings can one expect with Maverick ?