Comments By omapilot

Thanks! Yeah the short distance that I tried was enough to know that the dolley wanted to do its own thing. Didn't want to get close to breaking anything so that was all I needed to learn for that moment.

I agree G-Town, it's different but it is likeable! Just paying allot of attention not getting into a spot that you can't back out, I mean pull out of. I got clever and tried to back the dolley while connected to the lead, just saying I'm glad it was 2am and nobody was around. I've seen it done, but I'm far from that point! Hahaha

I am out of Omaha,Ne. Yes they are quite "fun"! Nice that the roads were dry. Don't want to think about the snow... yet.

Single axle day cabs are quite the interesting unit! I do like the rear visibility and the turning. I haven't had one out in midwest weather with a set, but good to know that you had a good first trip!

Hello Again, I first introduced myself about 9mos ago. Since then finished CDL school and started work with TMC. Great place to learn flatbed for a newbie. It didn't quite go as planned and ended up back in my old trade of HVAC. I quickly realized why I got my CDL in the first place. After kicking around furnaces all day I took the chance and applied to Old Dominion. I was very fortunate to receive an opportunity to work for them!

I just completed my first month and a half running line haul extra board. I have been able to have a steady route to cover and with the exception of a couple weather related cancellations at my drop point have had wonderfully consistent miles. I have nothing but great things to say about the company and the terminal for taking a chance on me, and getting me the training I needed to pull doubles. (still a work in progress to get my process down, but coming along). Especially pulling two empties up I29 yesterday in the wind... :) I just found a comfortable space to roll and the two cooperated pretty well.

Anyway, I have seen many double drivers on here and have read prior posts from them. Great information and look forward to learning all that I can with this new opportunity. OTR was always an option, but I am glad that I took the chance on seeking out LTL work. Look forward to getting back on the forum!

Ryan

Thanks for the replies! That is great to hear about TMC and how well he is liking them! They are known for running an organized and disciplined operation.

I also agree that if you are going to do flatbed right out of school, going to one of the companies mentioned above gives you the best tools for success.

Thanks for the replies! TMC is my first choice, home weekly appeals best for the family. I have heard more than once to stay away from the Dollar accounts. I think that getting quality flat bed training is key. Good skill to have and know we'll.

Hello,

Great information on this site! I finished my first week of CDL school and got my permit with all endorsements. I have several pre-hire letters (Werner, TMC, Schneider etc). There are also quite a few local companies here in the Omaha area that will take recently graduated drivers as well. After reading through all of the information I am thinking that the first year is your most important year in trucking. I have been an HVAC Tech for the past 10 years so my first thought was flatbed because that is the kind of work that I am used to. But after reading I am starting to think that going Dry Van Regional for the first year would probably be the best way to get this career going in the right direction. (I dont want to be back in HVAC this summer!). Werner has the Dollar accounts here along with some Bi-Weekly OTR routes. I keep hearing the words Minimize Your Risk. My hobby for many years has been flying, and I remember when I got my pilots license the examiner said this is your license to learn.. I think that the CDL can be taken the very same way. Keep the first year clean and see where the road leads. Anyway just wanted to jump on the boards and introduce myself and thank everyone for the information presented on this site.