I started with Arrow in 1999 and went through Arrow's version of training. It consisted of a five day securment, yard work and classroom followed by six weeks with a trainer. If you have never driven flat bed before, I can tell you that you will quickly get into physical condition. Straping, chaining and tarping loads will work you like a dog. If it is hot (read Texas in July) or cold (Chicago etc) you are in it while doing your load securement. Deliveries are to unimproved construction sites at times and your backing and driving will be greatly tested. One thing I learned is to bungee my mud flaps around the mud flap mount so that I did not back over it and rip it off on a rutted lot while delivering to a construction site. I don't know about Maverick as a company, but I do know that Schneider sold the flatbed division to them in '98 and Maverick was considered an excellent company back then. I liked dri ing flat bed and liked being in great shape from the work.
Actually Schneider sold the specialized division in 06, I wish I wouldve done specialized when I came aboard in 04. Most of the drivers went over with the equiptment, some stayed on. Who knew 12 years later, I'd be interested in flatbed. I probably would've gained so much weight(45 lbs) and gotten this far out of shape. I'll be starting my orientation with TMC. January 4th. They sound like a decent company, especially the employee stock ownership program, benefits sound alot better where Im at now...
Just a note on TMC. I ran into a driver in Texarkana a few weeks back who loves it, but he did say they were going automatic as well. Just thought you should know.
They just bought about 50 to try out. Some were it was mention an existing driver could request one. I do know for fact one driver that did that. He said he was being passed all day long by the TMC manual trucks.
Autos wouldn't be any fun tho..... I drove one auto Cascadia from Penske loaner for a day..... I hated it...
Good info right there.... What's the chances of getting a new truck anyway? I like those 579s.. I'll be content with a 389 tho...
