Rookie right here

If you can afford a truck specific GPS then get one if you want to. Not sure what they cost now but mine was 500. I have not ever heard of a company that required you to have one. If they supply it I still would always refer to the map for weight restrictions and truck routes and possible low bridges. Exercise is going to be a constant challenge for you if you are a reefer hauler. Flatbed drivers for the most part are in much better shape due to the physical requirements of securing the load. I lost 60 lbs in 6 months when I got of the road last time.

 

That is VERY good advise on the GPS. Too many times people believe the GPS because the box said over "5000 truck specific routes" and then they get nailed for being on a non truck route. Always check the GPS route against the map. I will also say being good with directions to call shippers or consignees for directions as opposed to listening to the gps. Missed the 435N turn last week in independence MO off hwy 24. Looking for a spot to turn around came up to a 12ft bridge. Had to turn around in a shopping center parking lot at 1 am. Things like that happen but I would've been screwed at a different time of day. When you get lost and it will happen don't panic regain composure and find a safe place to turn around. I don't like GPS at all don't trust them I carry a map and that's it. If #### hits the fan I use Google maps to get a general sense of direction and hit the map to check the route.

As for exercise and staying in shape. Laps around the truck works well for reefer drivers. I went back to dragging around a skateboard so guess the cheap $5 meals are going to turn into $10 meals to pack a little more weight on haha. Eating healthy is the main thing. Don't sit down at the truck stop restaurant and pig out. If nothing else a couple of them hot dogs that have been on the rollers all day works. Not the best tasting food but hey it works. And its cheap.

As for rewards cards I carry a pilot card and a loves card make sure they're the professional drivers card as well. Those are my 2 main fuel stops although I will 2nd getting every one you can. There are a lot of perks with them. And using points for needed things is also nice. Now if I could just find a truck stop that sells monkey made antennas, and Texas star kickers I'd have a reason to save my points lol

 

Given you meet the company requirements and are in their hiring area yes rookies can run flatbeds. I started out dragging around a skateboard. Flat bedding takes a special breed and you WILL get hurt. You can ask any of us what we go through and how many times we have been hurt on the job. It is definitely physically demanding no need for a work out at the end of the day. You lug a lumber tarp out of the tool box 10ft onto a skid and you're sucking wind. Takes 2 to cover the load each tarp is over 100lbs if they're 8ft drops and 18oz vynal. Steel tarps are about 50-75lbs a piece. Get used to throwing straps around and using all your body weight to secure loads. Carrying chains and throwing chains to secure loads.

I usually carry 4 chains off my headache rack at a time and 4 binders. Each chain is about 25lbs plus another 30lbs with the 4 binders. And walk them back drop them and start securing. Climbing on the load or the trailer to place corner protectors, ladders to tarp lumber and don't be afraid of heights. Haha. Its a rough demanding job. Remember what I said about replacing fuel filters in the winter? Stand out in -10 with a -30 wind chill rolling up a frozen tarp for 2 hours. Its part of the job. Wind when tarping is a royal pain. Sucks but it has to be done. Forget about closing doors and driving for 1000 miles you HAVE to baby sit your loads. Stop every 150-180 miles or 3 hour and check everything make sure its tight and not going anywhere. Picking up a load tomorrow that I'll probably stop and check 4 or 5 times and its only going 100 some miles. More straps more can go wrong knowing what you're doing is a necessity! Companies will train you but when you're pulling a box you don't have to worry about your cargo falling off. With a flat you do. To date I have NEVER to my knowledge lost anything from a load.

Empty in the snow and ice during the winter forget it! If there's snow and ice and I'm empty that truck don't move! And busting ice and snow off in the winter is a ##### and. a half let me tell you. It will keep you in shape but tuff is beyond the word for a flatbedder. I've smacked my self in the face with a winch bar, slipped and fallen, cost myself a $300 corotozne shot to my knee from one fall, crushed both feet god knows how many times dropping chains or binders on them (steel toes are a must send that's with steel toes) fallen off my trailer, bout been blown away with the wind a few times, been smacked in the shin with a snap binder that sprung back, had a winch bar ripped from my hands releasing a snap binder, there are more ways to get hurt or killed running a flatbed than I care to talk about. If you want to know a little more on it check out the flatbed forum you can PM me as well. Might want to get ahold of bullhaulerswife as well. She can give you the run down on flats as well and what we go through. She's a great lady lots of wisdom and she knows her stuff too!!!

As for hazmat eh its a toss up finger printing $100 and a couple weeks. Opens doors for you though. Company should pay if they require it otherwise I wouldn't screw with that or a twic card. Doubles triples and tank are what I have for endorsements don't touch hazmat so no sense in having it. Testing every 2 years can be a pain, but it may he worth it. Hazmat loads are a whole different ball game though and in my personal opinion they're Kore headache than what they are worth. That's just me. And one screw up and the fines can be enormous. Load an explosive with flamables and you don't even want to know what you can be fined if you get caught. And keep in mind as well fireworks are explosives all explosives have to be plackarded regardless of amount. Might have 1 piece that is 1/2 a lb and the Packard has to go on if I remember right. I would have to check again but I believe that's how the law is written. Just too much headache for me. I'll take tarping in the wind and getting hurt any day haha.

 

Good that you know better than to trust a GPS. As for the laps around the truck eh just one of those things but I can understand why you don't want to be the laughing stock of the truck stop. Might be able to walk around it if you get there early enough or park in the back row and walk a long way. I park in the back row "parry row" all the time there are things you deal with back there occasionally faith cauh lot lizards but I've never encountered one. Might be able to do some pull ups or something on the dot bumper on the trailer really don't know to be honest. Never thought about it usually I burn enough calories not worry about it or sweat enough of it out. Other drivers might have better ideas...check that I'm sure they'll have better ideas haha.

As for the hotdogs there are other choices as well I do those because they're quick and easy. I run different than most drivers I don't like hanging around the truck stop to eat or b.s. I wanna keep moving so I usually go the hotdog route. However there are other choices. They have little sandwiches for like 2.89 they're small and its always cold however they are pretty darn good don't know about filling usually takes about 2 or 3 but they're also quick and a healthier option. I have seen them at every truck stop I have stopped at so they are an option as well. Keep in mind not everybody is like me in the aspect of in 15 minutes I can fuel, get food, something to drink, and hit the road again that's how I manage my costs and how I run my truck. I know if I sit around the truck stop its going to mean spending a lot of money so I do my best to stay out of there. Or spend as little time in there as possible. Keep in mind that is how I run you don't have to be the same way by any means. I also don't have creature comforts like a fridge or anything like that. I have a Queen sized bed and that's about it. So I cannot bring my own cold healthy food on the road with me. I do carry some canned stuff that can be heated up on the exhaust manifold but it does take some time and when a can explodes cleaning the motor isn't fun at all but it helps cut costs as well. If its a concern with exercise you may want to check into some flatbed companies in your area that might bring you on if my last post didn't scare you off. Flstbedding is brutal at times I won't sugar coat it but it also pays better if you can be careful and not get hurt all the time it may be a good option and its definitely a work out. I'm going to sleep well the next few days I can sure tell you that much lol