What To Do If I Dont Think I Would Like Flatbed

Ok so its been about a month now and Im just not sure Im gonna like this flatbed thing. Some parts I do and some I just dont. Im outta school and straight into this job and have heard to stick with that first company for a year before you switch. What do I do if I am not sure I wanna do flatbed for a year first? Is it bad to jump now to something else? Really confused right now.

Troy,

As a fellow flat bed guy and from the GR area (Middleville) what is/are the aspect(s) you don't like? If I remember correctly you went with Modular; lot of coils. Flat bed is tough, but some types of loads are more difficult than others, especially with the weather we are currently experiencing.

Is your company straight flatbed, or do they have other divisions?

Dave

Just seems overwhelming. Im having a hard time figuring out where my loads need to be placed on the deck. Good thing is a lot of the loaders know what they are doing. I think its just this weather is just getting to me. I should of possibly waited till It was not winter. Its nice having a trainer with me right now but even then I would just like some time on dry roads or even rain to at least get use to driving. This snow is CRAP!

Is your company straight flatbed, or do they have other divisions?

Dave

Its a flatbed only company.

Is your company straight flatbed, or do they have other divisions?

Dave

Its a flatbed only company.

Sorry. I can't help you, only to say stick it out for about a year. You could try going to another company, and they may take you, but you don't want to get into the habit of jumping companies at the drop of a hat.

Dave

Troy,

The issue you are having is one of the reasons I chose Prime over some other companies. They have reefer/flatbed/tanker divisions. So just in case I didn't like where I started, I could at least try a different division & still stay with the same company.

I was in the reefer division from Oct 2011 until Aug 2013. At that time I switched to flatbed. So far, I really enjoy flatbed (not being out in the cold mind you, just the challenge of it). But in case for whatever reason, I can still change if I want/need to. That is the beauty of a multi division company.

Ernie

Troy,

The issue you are having is one of the reasons I chose Prime over some other companies. They have reefer/flatbed/tanker divisions. So just in case I didn't like where I started, I could at least try a different division & still stay with the same company.

I was in the reefer division from Oct 2011 until Aug 2013. At that time I switched to flatbed. So far, I really enjoy flatbed (not being out in the cold mind you, just the challenge of it). But in case for whatever reason, I can still change if I want/need to. That is the beauty of a multi division company.

Ernie

I was actually just looking at Prime. How does their training work for someone with only a month experience. I dont think Im gonna move on because i wanna last at least a year there because the company is AWESOME. Just curious.

Troy, It sounds like you are going through a rough patch. Being new to driving with the weather that is going on in your area makes for some pretty stressful days all by its self.

Each time I get a new load it becomes "Am I doing this right?" Placement for me starts with determining the center point of the trailer (the side light on the 48' and 22' on the 53' trailer). Then using that point, work the product out from that point. Single coil/piece is centered the point. Two equal distance based on the center. Three combination of the first two.

Tarping is a pain. It takes time. It is an art form. You WILL get better and quicker at it. I am still slower than snot, but I like the challenge. Got another pointer from a fellow driver the other night that had a light bulb go off - finally.

I would recommend that you give it a minimum of 3-6 months before you make a final decision. That should give you more time to get your driving down and your loading technique down. If you are anything like me, I tend to be much harder on myself. Finally, have a discussion with your trainer on where he thinks you are at for a new driver new to flat bed. Bottom line, only you can make the final determination.

Good luck in your decision.

Thank you Larry. Yeah this weather is not making it easy on me. If only I had a few days to just drive on dry pavement. Jeez thats all I want right now lol.