Comments By Jonathan Q.

Okay...if you go through with this though, that’s in your past. And becomes irrelevant to your employer.

Most, if not all of the major carriers forbid a driver from doing anything major; not much beyond changing a bulb, topping off fluids, replacing a gladhand gasket, or changing wiper blades. Different mindset.

Besides, (knocking-on-wood) it’s usually not an every day, weekly, or even monthly occurrence.

I gotcha, was just was wondering and thanks for your answer, and I’m sure you will be hearing more from me soon.

Some good points have been made here. As a Prime flatbedder myself, I'll add this just for the record, regarding home time.

Some months ago I was offered a NE regional position which would have me home the occasional weeknight and most weekends. I wasn't interested at the time so I didn't look into the details. If memory serves it came with a $1200 minimum weekly guarantee. I live in NY, so I don't know if other parts of the country will have the same opportunity.

One other thing hardly worth mentioning, but it was a factor for me:

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think all Maverick flatbed trucks are mid-roofs. With my wife traveling full time with me, it was important to me to have a full size condo for the extra room. Just throwing that out there.

Hey turtle nice to meet ya! Watching your training forum was what steered me into the direction of prime you seem like a straight forward dude, and was very detailed. So how are you liking trucking life now? What kinda mileage you averaging?

Maverick’s hometime is pretty dependent on your location. Tmc, Roehl, and weirdly Crst all have better flatbed hometimes in my area.

Either choice will be fine. I’m biased toward Maverick, but if I ever leave here, prime would be the second place I’d call.

May I ask your bias on maverick?

Seriously? Why do you want to perform a task like that? Picture this; sub-freezing temperatures with a 15 mph head wind and you are changing a tire? No thanks. Not my job, nor do I want it to be.

Perhaps insurance has something to do with it, common sense and overall safety is more like it.

Training, certification and basically gaining enough experience to repair and mount a tire correctly is definitely a consideration.

I’ve done it 40 years ago...want no parts of it now.

Been there done that lol. Did this for 11 years and ran a service truck a couple years, so yea I know where your coming from. I don’t mind it and It would beat sitting and waiting on a service truck. Outside tires are easy to do on the tandems and rear truck tires 2 tire bars and tire hammer and a spray bottle of diesel, and two 2x6 made into a ramp for the inside tire. Thanks for the reply g-town.

Just my two cents...

Both companies are great, but I see that you have a very cute little girl in your life. My wife and I raised three of them, so I'm a little partial to girls!

Were I in your shoes, I'd go with Maverick. That little girl is the reason. In most cases they can get you home on the weekends, and still have you making some great money. Remember these weekends will be short, not your typical home on Friday by 5:30 and back to work Monday at 8:00 a.m. They will vary on when you get home and when you need to leave. Typically they will only be 34 hours, but that's 34 hours each week with your family that you won't be able to get at Prime.

Thanks old school you bring up a very good point about maverick! This pic is a few years old she’s 9 now, but still want time with her. Thanks a lot for your reply.

Most companies will not allow a driver to change a tire. And trust me you won't want to anyway.

I would if they allowed it. I’ve literally changed thousands of tires on and off the truck and trailer. You would think they would allow this and save money also.

Followed this forum and got a lot of info from it thanks for posting and great luck in your new career!

Company drivers are typically NOT permitted to change their own tires.

Is this because of insurance?

Really the only importance is top notch training and of course pay. I’ve worked 11 years in core trans shop and have backed thousands of trailers into the bays, and the yard I know how to drive them in the yard but never tried double clutching which makes me a little nervous to learn lol. From what I’ve read is chances are I’ll probably be testing on a auto anyways. Flatbed is what I’m leaning towards also.

Thanks for your service. Maverick has a small refer division, flatbed and glass divisions. Their trucks always look good. Prime is a much larger company with refer, flatbed and food grade tanker divisions. Prime has many perks. Both companies are top notch. What is important to you?

My question is does trucking companies let drivers change there own tires out if one blows? Just asking because if so then I would figure less wait time for a service truck.