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Questions about Flatbeding

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by trucking_along, Dec 8, 2011.

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  1. Dec 8, 2011 #1
    trucking_along

    trucking_along Bobtail Member

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    Dec 3, 2011
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    Hi Drivers, hope you can help me out with some answers and advice.

    First off Ill mention the 3 companies I have sort of narrowed it down too based on research. [Transport America] [PGT] [TMC] (leaning heavily toward TMC). So feel free to offer specific advice for each company if you like.

    So a bit about me ..
    After taking a break from the fiasco, that was CR England, I am looking to hit the road again. I have 9months solid Class A, and then 5months Class B (W/Trailer) OTR. Despite CRE driving me from a job I enjoyed, and still arguing with them over money, I do miss it. It was good money, and I took a since of pride in knowing I had a job that required considerable skill at times. While I am content to bump a dock,(lord knows there are places which present challenges) I have been looking at a couple of flatbed companies. Id like to do something out of the truck on occasion, and would like to take on the challenges of flatbeding its self.


    So onto the questions..

    (1) Are flatbed loads scheduled with common sense?

    (With CRE I was pushing my 14 every day, driving 11hours only stopping for fuel, and still had issues. Considering you have to Tarp and secure, do they at least give you a sinceable buffer to do that safely and properly?)


    (2) With flatbeding, how much overnight work is there? IE When do you generally load and unload?


    (3) What Advice could you give to a future flatbeder?



    Thanks for the advice.
     
    trucking_along, Dec 8, 2011
    trucking_along, Dec 8, 2011
    #1
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  3. Dec 8, 2011 #2
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,670
    12,209
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    It depends on the company. I worked for SMX (1 yr) and Arrow (1 mo). Different as night and day. SMX never gave me a hot load, occassionally, I had an appointment to deliver because the contractor was hiring a crane to unload me. Arrow had me doing N.Ca. to S.Ca. and return. Spend the day unloading/reloading and then drive all night to the other end.
     
    Allow Me., Dec 8, 2011
    Allow Me., Dec 8, 2011
    #2
    trucking_along Thanks this.
  4. Dec 9, 2011 #3
    trucking_along

    trucking_along Bobtail Member

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    Dec 3, 2011
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    Thanks for the reply. I sort of figured it was a company to company difference. So with flatbeds are there normally not set appointments? With reefers there was a time i was set to be backed into the door.
     
    trucking_along, Dec 9, 2011
    trucking_along, Dec 9, 2011
    #3
  5. Dec 9, 2011 #4
    Old Tom

    Old Tom Light Load Member

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    Sep 22, 2010
    SW Ontario
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    Flatdeck loads often have appointments, and as always, it depends on the shipper/receiver if they stick to them.

    As for running nights - generally, no. My schedule is generally 5am through 7-8pm and I'm done for the day. I run to my schedule, not someone else's, so if they take 5 hours to load me, then don't expect me to make it up unless you want to pay me more.

    My mantra has always been: "A #### up on your part does not necessarily constitute an emergency on my part."
     
    Old Tom, Dec 9, 2011
    Old Tom, Dec 9, 2011
    #4
    KenworthComeUp and trucking_along Thank this.
  7. Dec 10, 2011 #5
    trucking_along

    trucking_along Bobtail Member

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    Dec 3, 2011
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    I think I may have to adopt that mantra myself. I dont mind doing my part, but if I have been up all day waiting to be loaded, I'm not driving through the night, never again. Its just not worth the risk.
     
    trucking_along, Dec 10, 2011
    trucking_along, Dec 10, 2011
    #5
  8. Dec 12, 2011 #6
    trucking_along

    trucking_along Bobtail Member

    31
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    Dec 3, 2011
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    If anyone else has any tips or advice about flatbeding or PGT / TMC would love to hear it.

    Thanks
     
    trucking_along, Dec 12, 2011
    trucking_along, Dec 12, 2011
    #6
  9. Dec 12, 2011 #7
    miz860

    miz860 Medium Load Member

    539
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    Aug 23, 2010
    Philadelphia, PA
    0
    TMC nice trucks but jerks for people, PGT ok trucks nice people. You will be treated with respect at PGT, TMC they think they are better then you. All said they both have ups and downs I have not heard many complaints about PGT they are a smaller company of about 900 trucks, TMC has a whole thread fuul of complaints so you can just go read that if you like. The decision will be yours to make do the research call the companies talk to drivers and weight your options. Good luck.
     
    miz860, Dec 12, 2011
    miz860, Dec 12, 2011
    #7
  10. Dec 13, 2011 #8
    trucking_along

    trucking_along Bobtail Member

    31
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    Dec 3, 2011
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    I have found it very difficult to find anything negative about PGT. I think a couple of people mentioned their older trucks have the smaller sleepers, but in the grand scheme that is sort of trivial.

    Hopefully Ill get some good news from PGT this week, and have a good start to the new year.
     
    trucking_along, Dec 13, 2011
    trucking_along, Dec 13, 2011
    #8
  11. Dec 13, 2011 #9
    miz860

    miz860 Medium Load Member

    539
    94
    Aug 23, 2010
    Philadelphia, PA
    0
    Yea I'm going to orientation on the 3rd of Jan. Hopefully I will see you there.
     
    miz860, Dec 13, 2011
    miz860, Dec 13, 2011
    #9
  12. Dec 13, 2011 #10
    bamanation

    bamanation Heavy Load Member

    797
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    Jan 22, 2009
    Muscle Shoals ,AL
    0
    Ive never worked for either company. PGT seems to treat their drivers really well. Dont worry about them smaller old trucks. I have been seeing more new pro stars that PGT is passing out. TMC can keep their shiny overpriced very slow peterbuilt. Id rather work for a company that wants to keep its drivers.
     
    bamanation, Dec 13, 2011
    bamanation, Dec 13, 2011
    #10
    volvodriver01 Thanks this.
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