Prime PSD Training, From A Trainer's Perspective.

Is this mostly from the chains?

It's everything, really. Chaining, strapping, climbing, winding, tarping. The gloves just take a beating. I tried just about every set of gloves out there, and have yet to find some that give me both the dexterity and durability I need. Good old-fashioned leather work gloves have proven to be the best so far. But I still go through a set a month, it seems.

I've thought about becoming a TE for Schneider, they only require you to have 9 months of experience, and a few other small criteria. Plus it's different for Schneider, you're only with each student for a week or less.

Good old-fashioned leather work gloves have proven to be the best so far. But I still go through a set a month, it seems.

This has been my experience also. Flatbed work just requires a lot of work using your hands. Even just rolling up the straps can eventually rub a hole in a good leather glove. It's the cumulative effect of wear and tear. Heck, just cranking the landing gear on a trailer will start to wear your gloves out if you're doing it often enough. I've had bungees tear my gloves - I'll be in a big hurry securing my tarps with bungees and next thing I know I've got an "S" hook piercing through one of my gloves.

Good gloves are good investments and will help protect your hands from injuries. They will wear out quickly though. If they aren't wearing out, you're probably not getting it done like you need to. They should be showing signs of wear. It's a sign that you're making some money out here.

Turtle and Old School,

If I were to want to make a good impression on my trainer, in addition to a good pair of leather works gloves, what should I bring to the truck to show that I'm ready to work?

Turtle and Old School,

If I were to want to make a good impression on my trainer, in addition to a good pair of leather works gloves, what should I bring to the truck to show that I'm ready to work?

A "can do" attitude.

Seriously, I don't care if you only show up with the clothes on your back. If you demonstrate a willingness to wrap your mind around an obstacle and tackle it without hesitation, you're scoring big points in my book.

If you show up with nice shiny new work boots, then worry about getting them dirty, well then I've already made a judgment about you. Sounds kinda harsh maybe, but attitude is key.

Speaking of bungee straps...

Caught one hook of a strap that was wrapped around one of the tarps this morning as I was heaving it up on the bed to put away. Naturally the foot long horizontal tear across my crotch happened in Atlanta, so I felt justified to enjoy the breeze and finish the unloading before changing.

I totally agree with Turtle. Here a quite of a response I gave in an old conversation where somebody asked what were the top 10 things for a new driver to have on their truck...

Okay, here's the things that I think are important for a rookie to have with them when they are just starting out:

1) Make sure you have a great attitude packed away somewhere - you're gonna need it for sure.

2) Plenty of humility - yeah, you're gonna need plenty of that also.

3) A big can of whoop-ass - there are gonna be problems you are going to have to face - and you need to be able to "whoop" em.

4) A "can do" spirit. It's really tough being a new rookie driver out here, you'll need this two or three times a day.

5) A big dose of Independence - You're all by yourself out here - the last thing your dispatcher needs is you ringing his phone off the wall.

6) Lots of confidence - everyday you will be challenged by things you've never faced before - some confidence will go a long ways to help you.

7) A willingness to learn - I'm still learning stuff about how to succeed in this career everyday - if you stop learning you need to hang up your keys.

8) A willingness to help others - I do this everyday - there are a lot of clueless newbies out here - try to lend a hand when you see someone in need.

9) A Motor Carriers Atlas - I hope I don't need to explain that one.

10) A Merle Haggard C.D. - no self-respecting truck driver hits the road without taking the Mighty Merle along for the ride!

Yeah and gloves just get screwed up quick. I bought some Mechanix gloves before training and they made it about a week before the skin was showing in several spaces.

I did what Turtle said and found some leather gloves and so far they seem to be better but yeah it feels like a disposable item in this specific work environment. Be looking for those bulk deals on gloves in the future. I also have a pair for refueling as a barrier to diesel and DEF contact to your skin.

Spaceman, that's what I'm talking about. Those bungee hooks can do some damage! I always take a look at a rolled up tarp and position it so the hooks are on the opposite side from my body when lifting it. That's your free tip of the day from me.

Spaceman, that's what I'm talking about. Those bungee hooks can do some damage! I always take a look at a rolled up tarp and position it so the hooks are on the opposite side from my body when lifting it. That's your free tip of the day from me.

Putting that free tip in the bank, thanks old school.

As cool as a free vasectomy would be, I guess I should let the medically educated perform it.