Career Choices

Hey everyone, I need a little insight and advice. Espically from the flat bedders here. I have been presented with a circumstance and am a bit torn in my own opinion.

I been here now a couple years. Worked very hard to reach this point and I have always tried to do what is right by my employeers and family. Those of you that know me already know I have got into this career as a second one just to make some extra money. My retirement from my prior life is my main source of income. I was a company driver, and lease operator for awhile. I went back to company for several reasons but mainly for affordable health coverage and less headaches. I have been very successful at all of it. I have pulled dry boxes, refer and now tanks. Through all of it I have managed to be home 2 days every couple weeks. My current job is the best one yet as far as work vs pay. However I'm still gone alot. I never have considered flatbed till now. I have been offered a position with a company in my hometown. The yard is 6 blocks from the house. It's a small company 25 trucks. They haul granite out and get a backhaul back. I would be home every weekend unless I choose not to. The pay will be the same as I make now with slightly more work involved. Health ins is very comparable also. They run 379 pete gliders and paper logs, at least for now. I guess my rub is the extra requirements and physical side to flatbed. At my age Alot of physical stuff scares the crap outta me. Any thoughts from the flat bed folks is appreciated. Ya'll be safe

Hi PJ,

I too am on a second career...though I drove in my first career it wasn't my first responsibility. But it has influenced my 'driving career' in that I had to work my way back to step-deck and rgn. Through the process I hauled pneumatic tanks (lots of physical work dragging, connecting, disconnecting, and putting away 20 ' sections of 4" and 6" hose. It also involved a fair amount of climbing. I move from that to flatbed throwing nothing but straps and tarps over bags of concrete. Of course what was thrown had to be folded/rolled up and put away. Finally I ended up with my current employer throwing chains, binders, and straps....thankfully no tarps! BTW I'm slightly over 50, slightly under 6', and mostly over 270lbs. Saying all of that I had to find the work that satisfied me. The rest was/is mind over matter. What you don't mind - doesn't matter. If you want to b home more and it is what you want most out of trucking then go for it. But if the road is your calling - stay put!

Old School, Pat or PersionConversion...if you guys are on-line, you might want to review this.

PJ, I somehow missed this the other day.

I can't really say if you'll enjoy flat-bed or not, but hauling granite means that you will probably not be tarping that load - no guarantee on the back hauls. I think you could just give it a try if you think you're interested, and see if you like it or not. I don't know what all you were responsible for in that tanker job, but usually there is some physical work involved in that job also.

Wishing you the best in your decision.

Thanks guys, I'm in great shape for my age and I want to stay that way. The granite is not tarped. The backhauls on occassion they say. They try their best to get loads that don't require tarping. They have 4' tarps on the trucks. I very much want to be home more. I meet with the guy wed and will let ya'll know what I decide. And yes OS the tanker stuff involves climbing and dragging hoses. It's not too bad. Thanks for your thoughts guys

Hey ya'll. Well I made my decision. I met with the man and he handed me a contract. I looked at him very funny I reckon but he asked me too keep an open mind and read through it. It's a 1 yr term but basically says they will pay me for 2500 miles a week wether I turn them or not. 41 cpm for 6 months then 42 for 6 months. 20 a stop and some misc safety incentive stuff. They pay 100% of my medical and 70% of my family. I have a 2015 Peterbuilt 579 sitting wsiting for me. I already did the prelimary stuff and I start on the 22nd. My wife and I are very excited. Oh and I will be home every wed night and weekend.

I have a 2015 Peterbuilt 579 sitting wsiting for me. I already did the prelimary stuff and I start on the 22nd. My wife and I are very excited. Oh and I will be home every wed night and weekend.

Congratulations PJ!

It's good to see your hard work has paid off for you.