Posted: 5 years, 3 months ago
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I'm so sorry, but I laughed and laughed... lol
Posted: 5 years, 3 months ago
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I have talked to drivers who loved the simulators. They said it's like playing a video game.
I don't play video games... so the simulators made me uneasy and dizzy lol. But you might really like it. It's a good way to practice without hurting anything.
Why don't you give them a call and get the scoop? No reason to worry if it's not necessary :-)
Posted: 5 years, 3 months ago
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Good thread.
I'm guessing we chock the wheels because we have to release the brakes before we tap them?
Posted: 5 years, 4 months ago
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Western Express Flatbed Orientation Question
If you can get that it sounds awesome. The guys in securement training are very helpful.
Here are a few tips.
Make sure you are up early. Breakfast is at 0500 and be on the first shuttle at 0530.
Yes, you'll be very early. But it will speak volumes to your dedication to learn and your commitment to the job. Do it every day. Stay away from the complainers and the know-it-alls. Start your career by standing out in the beginning.
The hotel is not the greatest but it's a bed, a shower, and you aren't paying for it. Be thankful, don't be like some who whine and complain.
During securement training pay attention, take notes, and make sure you aren't hanging back and neglecting hands on training. DON'T BE LATE. If you're late they will send you back to the hotel and you'll be an extra day in training. It will not look good. You'll immediately start building the reputation that you can't manage your time and that you aren't serious.
You'll get phone numbers to contact securement when you're on your own, put them in your phone asap so you don't lose them.
When you get back to the hotel, immediately go to the front desk and have your key card reset. They turn off at 0900 daily.
The Walmart runs are not usually scheduled so if you need to go, ask the afternoon shuttle driver if there is one of them going.
There is a waffle House across the street, Subway next door, and a dollar store just up the road within walking distance.
Good luck and congratulations on your new career!
Posted: 5 years, 4 months ago
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Flatbed and driving help needed, long post
I finally did get a ladder. I was close to a Lowe's Thursday night so I emailed dispatch to see if I could stop by there in the morning since it was on the way to the shipper. They were ok with it. I made sure I left early enough to be at the shipper on time.
I forgot it was Black Friday...
Luckily I got there before the line was long and was able to get a much better ladder than I had budgeted for due to the sales. Ran in, ran out before everything got crazy, and headed on my way.
I haven't had a chance to use it yet though... I got to the shipper and they were closed. That was Friday morning. Contacted my DM who got in touch with the CSR and found that they are closed until tomorrow.
Four wonderful (sarcasm inserted here) days of sitting. But, I didn't complain and I said thank you for finding out for me.
I've watched TV, done my laundry, cleaned my truck, and had a shower everyday lol. Who knows, I might be running really hard the next few weeks so figure I better take advantage of it.
Posted: 5 years, 4 months ago
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You did well. The most important thing for any driver to remember, is when things are Rocky, maintain your cool, take a deep breath and think things through to figure out how to deal with the situation.
Best advice ever. It can't be said enough.
Posted: 5 years, 3 months ago
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New women drivers !
I'm 5' 1"... I never considered my height, in this case "shortness" until I started flatbed. I just never thought that being shorter made a difference lol.
I learned that not everyone can just stay be there and rest their chin on the deck of the trailer lol.
I can't always reach the d-rings to bungee my tarp so I bought a step stool and finally a ladder.
The first time I picked up a coil I couldn't reach the snap binders from the ground. I had to figure it out, so I got up on the trailer and attached my bar to snap binder. Then I bungeed a chain to the handle and ran it off the side of the trailer and then I could close the binder from the ground by grabbing the chain.
Throwing a strap over a really tall load is a challenge. I'm getting better but I envy those 6' something guys with their long arms.
Pulling a tarp off also poses a challenge because of the angle of the tarp to the ground because I'm so short. It's like pulling the dang thing straight down.
Getting lumber from my headache rack... I have to climb up to the top of my rack to get it.
I'm sure I look hilarious but I don't care, I just have to make adjustments. I've been really lucky to get some good advice from other drivers.