I Single-handedly Ruined My Life Trying To Transition Into Trucking

Are you aware we have an excellent training course on flatbed securement? It's absolutely free too. You'll find it in our High Road CDL Training Program.

In addition to using the High Road, don't be afraid to ask other drivers at the shipper for advice. Even though some drivers will criticize your company, many drivers remember what it was like being new and will gladly help if you demonstrate professionalism with a desire to learn. Even if you had a flatbed trainer you'd still struggle initially as its impossible to cover all types of loads. Does W.E. have a number you can call for help with securing loads? I've heard of some doing so elsewhere. As you gain experience you'll see what does and does not work with securement and tarping. As long as your load is getting there intact safely you're doing great. The speed and efficiency will come with time. In regards to the overweight ticket do you understand why you received it or how to fix it in the future? Don't be afraid to jump in here with any questions regarding securement HOWEVER we have a much smaller community than you may find on Facebook or Reddit if you're into those groups. Overall I feel the information and advice provided in this forum are better, but with our smaller community it may take longer to get a response which isn't necessarily a good thing when trying to secure a load.

Have you looked at this thread about the Variety of freight our members have hauled? Don't be afraid to jump in!

Dre, I turn 48 this week and prior to getting into trucking a year and a half ago I spent the prior 5 years in the twilight of a 20 year career in consumer real estate finance smoking weed and drinking the distilleries in Scotland to historic lows in their single malt reserves, while my finances went to hell in a hand cart.

We ALL make mistakes. I am going to give you an invaluable nugget of sage wisdom I read from Jim Rohn (who mentored Tony Robbins). "Take personal responsibility for EVERYTHING that happens to you."

Not a comfortable concept to embrace and I realize you are less than half my age, but let me tell you man, if you embrace it it's a paradigm shift that will turn your life around in drastic ways! This concept and our Heavenly father catapulted me over the other side a sober and successful driver in his 2nd year.

Blessings and best of success!

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.