Well Failed My Work Related Physical For Flatbed

What was strange to me was that I had explained to this guy that I was going to do the things he wanted me to do, but I was going to take it a little easy on myself because I was still recovering from the surgery that I had just gotten for this job. I got the tarp up and set it on top of the six foot tall coil just like everyone else did, but he decided that I showed weakness the way I did it. I got sent home again because of this guy who was clearly exercising his authority, and not one person at TMC was willing to go against the comments that he had put in his report, for fear that if I ever got hurt it would come back on them.

hey Old School, sorry to hear about your hernia stopping your TMC bid... I'm planning to go with TMC soon and want to know the total weight of the tarps they require drivers to lift? Also what's the best way to prepare for it?

Joe, a lumber tarp with 8' drops is usually around 135 pounds. You will need to be able to get it up on your shoulder. As far as preparation, I'm not sure what to say other than be mentally prepared to be challenged. They will show you how they want you to lift it, and if you go to the TMC web site they have a video on there somewhere showing guys going through this very exercise of lifting the tarps and setting them on top of a trailer and a steel coil.

Hey there! I'm glad I found this thread because I found a flatbed company that will hire right out of school. I am also concerned about lifting the tarps (thanks Old School for posting how much they'll want to see me lift). I know they're going to want me to do the physical strength test and I have about a month and a half to prepare. Needless to say, I'm going to have to hit the gym because I think I can do about 70 lbs but not 135. Any suggestions for how to/what exercises I should really by hitting at the gym? I'm going to google it too, but advice from people in the industry is always better. :)