TMC policy for a 40k coil is 6 chains and 6 binders. The 19 steps is just a literal breakdown of everything used in the securement in order that they want it secured, starting with coil racks then coil mats etc..
In the end, you made the right call to leave. I say that not because the company is subpar to work for, but because it seems what your touch points are just aren't a mix with the company culture. The company is a very no BS company, and very direct. But, the industry is like that as well, if coarse language and demeanor is offensive or appalling to you, maybe rethink the industry, because the personalities you'll endure with your trainer, and more so when you're looking for a spot at a 95% full Pilot gets more intense, especially when you are tired or nervous and other drivers around you sense it. It's a rough and challenging industry all around.
It was not classy to call out individuals by name on the internet. These men have families that look up to them and you belittled them with out their presence. I never had formal securement training and my first load was an oversize. You would have been fine if you would have just brought your A game. Be a pro and think about what you do and the outcome of your load securement action. If I had a Marine teaching me securement I would have been darn thankful. TMC took the time to teach you and would have put you in a shiny truck even though they don’t know you from Adam. What an opportunity wasted. I know I sound harsh. I am. You can be a driver or an outstanding open deck professional that others will look up to you. The one they give a nod in respect when they see you pull into the truck stop pulling something that most will never. Mouth shut, eyes open. Work hard, be tough, keep it tight. Seize the next opportunity and be the best rookie flatbedder. You can if you want. It’s too easy.
Wow, and I thought I did overkill on a coil! Many thanks! I don't even consider setting up the bunk as a step (or series of steps) anymore. That's just setup prior to loading. Many thanks!
Thin skin . Low self esteem . Quitter. After one bad day . Trucking isn’t charity . It is well known that TMC has a boot camp program . Next time research if it isn’t for you
Melton requires 10 chains, 10 binders on a 40k coil. The thinking is that the rub rail is the weakest link in the entire securement. The rub rails are said to have a WWL of 4k lbs.
Learn and move on. Keep moving. Don't let anyone discourage you, the next company doesn't have to know how screwed up that experience was, don't even mention it unless you get personal with them and want to spill it, but you'd be better off not doing so. And you really didn't need to write all that up, just keep looking, all transportation companies suck, just in different ways. Find the one with ways of suckage that you can deal with. I had a road test this past week, the guy was kidding me, pretty nicely, about my downshifting in the lower range. Then he took over so we could go into a customer facility. He shifted a lot worse, grinding up and down in both ranges, claimed the trans must be worn out. From my limited experience I knew it was the opposite, it was new and tight. All the sudden I didn't feel so bad. Suggest local companies, hit 'em all (cement, bulk, ag stuff like hay or milk, furniture, whatever), talk to them, show yourself, put in the apps and keep putting them in. Show up dressed for a road test, every time. Nice and clean and ready to go. Be ready to do a pre-trip and ask questions if you don't know something. Find people you connect with, that do things the way you'd do them, that take care of their stuff. If you don't feel welcome and happy and safe, why would you work there? If they suck, move on without hesitation. They likely already know it. I learned about as much just doing road tests as I did in school, not that I've done very many. The good testers will offer helpful info if you're open to it. I always tell them that I know I'm pretty new and if they have any advice for improvement I'd appreciate it, have gotten useful info. I ask about anything that comes up that I'm not sure of, it's their truck and I'm demonstrating respect and consideration for their stuff. That's part of what they want, most places don't need supertruckers. And by being open about who I am, I'm relaxed and do better than I would if I was trying to prove something. I was concerned about the first road test, had never done one and it was a bit cowboy the way it was set up. I just went with it, paid attention to what I was doing, tried to make it fun. Later one of the office people doing my paperwork (hired on the spot) said I must have had experience somewhere because I "drove so good"... coulda knocked me over with a feather, I thought they were talking to someone else at first. I just nodded a little and smiled. They are looking for drivers. So be one. Without a big sad story around your neck.
