Western Express Flatbed Equipment

So I leave for orientation with western express this weekend and I have some questions for the drivers that have worked or currently work for there flatbed division.

What equipment do they issue to you? Other then straps, chains and binders do they give you rubber mats, coil racks, doneage, 2" straps? Any info on that so I know the things that I will have to buy.

Also this will probably be a stupid question but I'm going to ask anyway. This is to all flatbed drivers. I don't mind the rain or snow I will secure when it comes to those and wind. Lightningstorms though is what the question is about do you guys get out and secure the load if your outside and there is Lightning in the sky?

I started my driving career as a Western Express flatbedder. I never bought any equipment. They issued everything I needed.

I don't know their current policies. I know they had some issues with drivers selling their equipment and then claiming it got stolen. I don't know if that activity caused them to make changes or not, but I suspect they will provide you with everything you need.

Avoid the lightning! Believe me, they don't want you to get struck by lightning.

Thank you old school I was hoping to hear from you about this because of your experience with western. Also strap winder If anyone has used em where other than online can I get one?

Some truck stops have strap winders.