I got my CDL locally and am in the process of setting up to go to orientation at Roehl. I will likely be starting week after next.
I'm running flatbed and am really enjoying it so far. I'm in the middle of my 2nd trip out in Phase 3 (Phase 1 = RDTC/Orientation, Phase 2 = out with a trainer, Phase 3 = first few weeks out on your own). I've been getting all the miles/loads I could wish for, haven't been sitting waiting for loads at all. In the initial stages of flatbedding I'm finding that I'm having to spend a higher percentage of my time on load securement/tarping (and the "un" afterwards) vs. driving, than an experienced flatbedder would be. This is because every load I've received so far has been new to me -- aluminum coils facing skyward, steel coils facing forwards or sideways, plywood stacked eight feet high all along the trailer, hardwood boards, roof shingles, and what we call "slinkies" -- 4500 lb coils of 3/4" metal rod). Each of these needs a different technique of securement and I've found myself taking more time than I see other flatbedders taking, but that's the way it is until I get my 2nd or 3rd one of each type under my belt. I'm currently starting a 34-hour "reset" because I ran up my 70-hour limit per eight days, in just over six days. I also need a strap winder (little tool with a crank that helps coil up the tiedown straps -- I ordered one during my last hometime but of course it wasn't delivered until after I was already out on this trip) because rolling up the straps by hand takes a lot longer than using a strap winder. So while I'm not racking up as many miles driving as I would if I'd chosen van, I'm still quite satisfied with the choice to go with flatbed. One of the major reasons I chose flatbed was the physical work and exercise that's involved. The last couple days I've found myself enjoying being outside in the nice spring morning sun, birds chirping in the background while I do my load securement. I'm losing weight and gaining lean muscle mass; this is just the prescription to get my 52-year-old body back in the shape I want it in, after sitting in a cube in front of a computer workstation for 30 years.
Hey Techno, i had to reset in week one too. It would have been nicer but I was stuck in Arkansas with drizzle, overcast and cool temperature. My first couple of days out i wasn't logging off duty enough, i.e. I would stop at a rest area for a short break and do a vehicle/cargo insp and just stay with that on duty. Now I'm logging the veh inspection and then logging offduty for the rest of my break. In addition, my backing, drop/hooks, customer checks in take some more time since I'm new. I just take a little extra time and make sure everything is right. I just don't want to make a rookie mistake like leaving with the landing gear down or leaving a lock on a relay. I am getting more comfortable in these area every day. I'm pretty impressed that you took on the flat bed roll right out of the RDTC door. Seems to me that driving van is an easier and less complicated start. Good to hear that your travels so far have been safe!
I had a veteran Roehl driver help me with editing my hours one day when I had screwed up and not gone off duty at shipper consignee or durkng a break after 10-15 minand learned a lot from that. Getting off duty or in the sleeper whenever possible is important as well as the breaks to preserve those hours for driving....well tarping and strapping in technorooms case. Have 20 hrs left after 5 days...10 hours a day? I must be working too hard.
Thought you I would be doing a reset this weekend but I'm dropping these Logan coils as a relay tomorrow and then picking up another relay.... Looks like I'm going to be doing the recap shuffle this week.
I prefer recap actually. Means you keep moving. Also if you don't like Canada, keeps you out of there. If no days off in 14.
I don't mind Canada.....my only issue with recaps is I have to watch my hours closely... Right now I have 7 hours for tomorrow and gain back only 4 for Monday which gives me 11 hours total to run this relay tomorrow and Monday . It's gonna be tight.
Once upon a time there was no reset. I try to run like there isn't one. I try to keep it at average 9 working hours a day. Some days more, others less, but average 9.
I use to run team, 5 on 5 off, no reset back then. Running like that can wear you down. I am actually glad they did away with it.
