Flatbed Tarp Test

I am just a naturally lean person and no matter how much I eat I cannot gain weight unless I start adding a lot of protein shakes into my diet. I do work in a labor-intensive field currently and spend my day lifting heavy parts all day long. I am still worried about this tart test though. I'm above average height but only weigh 150 on a good day. My physical strength is well above average but I have no idea how much I can actually lift. Should I be worried about this tarp test that some companies give on the first day of training? It would be pretty embarrassing to quit my job, show up and fail, and then have to come back to my family all because I couldn't lift 80-120lbs. For reference, I can sling a 50lb bag of dog food around like its a sack of potatoes. But a 50lb bag of dog food is not an 80lb-120lb tarp.

Hey Josh, it sounds like you're gonna be fine. They will demonstrate the technique they want you to use. They will also give some extra attention to anyone struggling. Typically you just need to put the tarp where they tell you. It's not like a contest on your style or how easy you make it look.

I remember at one company I was at they told us, "Put these two tarps on the trailer." The tarps were on the ground right beside the wheels. A girl in our orientation group stood the tarp up on it's end against one of the tires. Then she tilted it over against the tire, tipping it up so one end rested on the tire as she lifted the other end. She then just flipped it up onto the trailer. It was unconventional, but the man observing just grinned and said, "Nice!"

You've got a lot more things to concern yourself with than lifting those tarps. Have you started school yet? Do you have your CDL yet? Give us a little more information on how you're going to be starting your career. We will be glad to help you. There are drivers here who've started at most of the companies out there. We can give you helpful advice and knowledge of the process.

I've got a file saved on my laptop that explains the proper technique for lifting tarps. Later today I'll get it out and post it on here for you. Technique is more helpful than brute strength.

Havent started yet. Going to school soon. So far just asking questions about stuff that concerns me. Thanks for the reply!

Josh, are you considering Paid CDL Training Programs? We highly recommend them. People who are new to this don't realize the advantages they offer, but they really are the most successful programs.

We regularly have people in here who thought private schooling would be the best way to set themselves up for success and then they discover they're struggling and can't get a job. It's a completely different dynamic in these company sponsored programs. They have money invested in you which gives them an incentive to help you get to the point of being productive. A private school gets your money up front and has no incentive to stick with you if you're not doing so well.

Here's an article that might help you see our point of view on this...

Busting The Free Agent Myth