Comments By Larry E.

What was said above.

Additionally, bring your best attitude and pitch your ego. No matter what you're up against, keep a positive, "can do" attitude. Not only are you being watched for how you handle the off the wall things, but being positive will help YOU get over any set backs you encounter - and you will encounter set backs. You will question your self or what is the training process, but that attitude will be what gets you through the rough spots.

The other thing to remember is to have fun and see the humor in what life is throwing at you. Enjoy the ride and keep us posted.

Careful about the mind set that pay is "much better". While the CPM (cents/mile) is usually higher to start, you may not get the same miles as dry van or refeer drivers. This is because you will spend a period of time both securing and un-securing a load, as well as time to tarp and un-tarp, if required. We get paid for the tarping, but depending on your speed (which comes with experience) and the load, it can take some significant time. Now if you are able to get into some of the specialized areas of flatbed, that is an entirely different world and takes a certain amount of experience first.

That is not to say that you won't make pretty good money, but it probably won't be that much different than other types of trucking. However, if you enjoy being outside, a little physical work and frequent stops for load checks, then it is a great way to earn a living.

That is how I'm doing this right now. I'm usually OK on my 10gb unless I start watching too many videos. The other thing I do on occasion is use the truck stop's wifi. With the points you get from fueling you can do it free when your connection is bad.

I'll take a low wing aircraft over a high wing any day. Much better visibility where it counts, in the pattern and much easier to grease a landing with that nice ground effect cushion at the flare. Been around civil aviation my entire life; airborne at 9 mo, flew on instruments first because I couldn't see out, soloed on my 16th birthday, bummed rides at the airport if some one was going out to do aerobatic and then flew in the Navy. My dad was an Air Force pilot and instructed on weekends. The memories of Dawn Patrol breakfasts. My eldest still remembers flying with me early on and playing in the clouds. Lots of pleasant memories, but it is a very expensive hobby to stay current and safe. Enjoy!

This my current load going to New Jersey and then on to upstate New York. One of these days I may grow up so I can play with the full size stuff.

Congrats!

Those heart rates and BP are pretty good. The other stuff, no clue. However, it sounds like you could do flatbed work if you wanted. The key in this line of work is pacing and efficiencies. You have to work smarter. Wrestling tarps is as much technique as strength most of the time. At a scrawny 150 I can get it done without too much trouble.

As for eating more, the simple answer is yes. I ended up at 135 due to the work, stress and not eating/missing meals. Wasn't getting sick or trouble with being tired, but my family and Dr. Got on my case. I think I'm south of 150, but working on it.

Outstanding Ernie! It is nice to get recognition even if you're "just" doing your job.

As Redgator said. Treat it like an extended interview where your actions and statements are being watched/listened to all times. We had to fill out paper work that had already been done on line or over the phone. Good chance there was some cross checking. Medical issues get some, too.

Be courteous, pay attention and follow directions and you should be good.

Way to go Old School! As usual, outstanding advice, too. The learning curve is steep in this business and more so, I think, in flatbed. That first 3-6 mo is absolute killer and frustrating. I'm coming up on that first year mark and feel like I'm sort of competent. I look at a load, have a plan to secure and tarp then execute in a reasonable time. Other days, not so much. Keeping a positive attitude is THE key in my opinion. That is with your DM, shippers, receivers, clerks, shower attendants, et al. Also be positive with your self, since that sets the stage. Some are worried about speed. But something I learned in a previous endevour sticks with me.

Fast is slow and slow is fast.

Take your time, do it the right first time and the speed will come. There is enough pressure without us internally adding more.

Again, great job and I still look ever time I see your company flatbeds.