Comments By Steve_HBG

Hopefully I can then go into their fast track program and go TNT almost right away.

I think you'll do fine, Miss Myoshi! I've got my fingers crossed for you.

Maybe the driver was listening to Boston's Second Studio Album, "Don't Look Back," released August 2, 1978 when that blunder happened. A few additional songs from that album also apply to this scenario, like... "Don't Be Afraid," and "Used to Bad News." I highly doubt he was "Feelin Satisfied" after that experience, though.

On a more serious note, I hope the Driver changes patterns soon and has a safe, rewarding career in this industry.

I was wondering how long it took for y'all to get a call from a recruiter. I have 3 apps in for Prime, Roehl, and Swift. Prime was 1 week ago. Does it usually take some time?

i heard from Prime in a few days, Roehl within the hour, and Swift the day.

But... I also subscribed to Tenstreet, the app that lets people view the status of their applications submitted to participating trucking companies. Both Prime and Swift participate.

If you would like to view the status of your applications, The app is available for both the android and iOS smart phones.

I hope all goes well in your search!

Pixel:

My answers are based on what I did when I pulled a flatbed from 1979 - 1991.

Given that flatbed drivers will be out in the elements often, getting dirty / sweaty while securing loads, I'm curious if anyone's come up with a combo of clothing that works well for them (one for hot weather, another for cold)?

I wore short-sleeved shirts in the summer, and long-sleeved shirts in the winter, along with a good coat, long johns, and insulated boots.

Do you change into a loading / tarping set of clothes you'll get dirty, and then back into something clean when you're ready to drive? Or do you wear coveralls over the same clothes you secure a load and drive in?

I had coveralls ($40.00 at Tractor Supply).

What about rain? Do you carry dedicated waterproof rain gear (like a motorcyclist would), or do you just change into dry clothes later?

I carried rain gear, but I seldom wore it. Hauling steel that could rust and lumber that needed to stay dry generally kept me indoors for loading and unloading.

Footwear? I keep hearing steel toe boots are a must...but do you change into something more comfortable when driving? Do you wear rubber boots when it's raining / snowing?

I wore steel toed boots when I worked around the trailer.

Do you carry extra pairs of gloves and hats for when it's wet outside?

Yes. Two extra pairs of gloves, but only one extra hat.

Tyler noted:

The whole process truly varies. For me I applied and heard back within a week. The time to be set up for orientation will depend on division you pick and trainer availability upon completing orientation.

Thanks for the information, Tyler. I know someone who reportedly filled out the application for Maverick's TCD in Mid-December 2015 and hasn't been scheduled for Orientation yet. I was hoping that was more the exception than the rule, and it may be...

Stay Safe!

Joe_W asked after TMC turned him down:

Would two tickets, one in 07 and one in 08 be a reason for them passing on me? Also had a PI in 06. The tickets were for 15 & 16 over the speed limit. Would stuff that old really be a factor?

I don't know if TMC turned you down with that driving record, because I do not know how far back TMC looks at a driver's record.

In general, companies look back five years. For "serious" traffic offenses, companies may look back 10 years, like Melton.

So, "stuff that old" could be a factor.

Fatsquatch said:

Personally, I knock the excess dirt and such out of the bristles after sweeping out a trailer, and keep the broom in the empty upper bunk.

Is it possible to keep the broom handle in the empty bunk and store the bristles in the side compartment? If not, could the bristles be wrapped in plastic and stored somewhere other than inside the truck?

I also carry a tire pressure gauge and a 2.5 pound hammer.

I'll keep a video documentary rolling on youtube once I'm done with training, and post occasionally on general forums to keep those who care updated of the shenanigans. Deuces!

I look forward to watching those documentaries on YouTube. How do we find them?

Sunrise wrote:

3. Pick up your dog ****. I've stepped on a few of those landmines.

Especially in the Horse Shoe Pit Area! Petros (and other truck stops) are adding them for Professional Drivers to exercise, but I don't think they want them being used as a Pet Relief Zone.

Errol reported about Swift's speed policy:

Swift has a policy against "over speeding", meaning faster than 68 mph.

Does that apply to L/O and/or O/O as well?

Thanks in advance, and I apologize for temporarily hijacking this thread.