TMC, Maverick and McElroy all have invited me to orientation, trouble deciding

McElroy, is okay. However, they're VERY strict when it comes to things like: dress code, foul language, haircut...ETC. You have to wear long pants and collared shirt, tucked-in, everyday. Normally, I would not have an issue with that. But as dirty as flatbedding can be, you don't want to be wearing your $30.00 polo shirt while you're strapping down a load.

MTL, does not just mean "McElroy Truck Lines." It also means "MUST TARP LOAD." Every single load, MUST be tarped. Also, that nice 43-46 (can't remember) CPM they baited you with, that INCLUDES your tarp pay.

Also, if you have any borderline issues with your DOT physical, get them fixed before you go. My blood pressure, was low enough by DOT regulations to qualify for at least a one year medical. McElroy, wouldn't clear me and sent me home. They said they wanted me to come back when I was on BP medicine, which i did... but they gave me so many hoops to jump through when I called back, I just went with another company.

 

Don't waste your time with McElroy, I once went to their orientation in Alabama and seen and heard enough from their experienced drivers to get out of there.
Also, bear in mind that lumber tarps weigh at least 100 pounds, even more when wet or icy. Most flatbed companies will test your strength to see if you can lift it up to your shoulder.
Good Luck

 

Company's are all very familiar with Sleep Apnea and most test for it. They will not have any issue with it as long as you are using your CPAP

 

If you'd like to know any info about Maverick, we have a forum here, there are lots of very active drivers on there that will answer any questions you have. They're a great company to work for, in my opinion anyways.

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/maverick/

 

With TMC sleep apnea will not be a problem as long as you're using your cpap. I also have sleep apnea and prior to giving me the green light to attend orientation, TMC asked me for my sleep doctor's info and faxed over a sheet for the doctor to fill out. They basically want to know when my sleep apnea was diagnosed, how severe it is, what my prescription is, my current blood pressure, and current usage download.

 

I drive for McElroy...or MTL...or "Must Tarp Load" as has been stated by another poster. While I obviously can't speak to his experience with the medical situation, I can address some other things he mentioned. Yes, we do wear long pants & collared shirts...at least most of the drivers do. However, I've seen many drivers wearing t-shirts while out on runs. Typically they're just plain colored t's, no logo or anything. As far as being tucked in, yes, the company wants them tucked in. Not a problem for me since I've always preferred mine tucked anyway. Besides, when I'm working, I don't care to look like a teenager anyway. I got mine at Walmart for under 8 bucks. My nicer ones stay at home.

As to the foul language comment, who needs it? Obviously, the folks at the terminals don't want to hear it in the hallways, but what decent company does? No one's with you in your cab, so who's to know what you're saying then? And why would anyone want/need to use foul language when dealing with shippers or consignees? Not very professional.

Yes, MTL wants the hair off the collar, & no guys wearing studs/earrings...at least not while on the job.

The pay for a new driver is 40cpm the first 6 months. Tarp pay is included that. There's also minimum rate pays on certain loads that are of lower miles. I've had a few of those during these first five weeks out solo. One minimum pay rate was $125 for a run that was only 134 miles, so I actually made 93cpm on that run. Sure, I had to tarp it, but no big deal. A lot of our loads already have the tarps draped across them when we arrive to pick them up, or the shipper has tarp machines that spread them over the load. Also, it seems that each week I've had a load that I did not have to tarp. Some consignees specifically request "Do Not Tarp Load" on the paperwork. So, while most loads do have to be tarped, not every single load has to be.

As I said, I've only been out solo for 5 weeks, but really have no complaints with MTL. My miles have been fine, ranging from 1563 (1st week, & my fewest) to 2258 this past week. With the minimum pay rated loads factored in, I've actually made more during 4 of the 5 weeks than just the 40cpm.

I know what you mean about the "information overload". I was there just a few weeks ago! I kept going back & forth in my mind on MTL & Maverick. You may have read some of my thread about my experiences since I've been w/MTL (titled "Start at McElroy on Monday!"). It seems like you still have some time to think it thru & evaluate which company is the best fit for you. Wish you all the best in your decision!

 

tmc gotta buddy been there over year gets home every weekend makes good money off percentage i be a tmc driver if was in to flat bed thats for sure now thats my opinion driver

 

Good flatbedding companies:

TMC
Maverick
Melton Truck Lines
Howard Transportation
Western Express(Nashville terminal)
Falcon Transport (Nashville terminal)
Hoge Motors (Springfield terminal)
Boyd Bros.

My first choice would be Melton Truck Lines. One thing to check with each company is where their running area is. If you want to run 48 states, focus on those companies. Some companies don't run all states and only hire from certain areas. Just depends on what you want; I always only chose the 48 state carriers because that was just my preference.

R.E. West has a flatbed division, I'm not sure, but I think they haul boats. Call their office in Lebanon, TN or Ashland City, TN and ask, if that interest you.

When you do the applications, ignore the "experience required", and apply anyway. That's how drivers get the best jobs right out of school.