Profile For Todd C.

I have been spending time reading threads here on flatbedding/tarping and many more hours watching youtube videos of other guys tarp loads of lumber and steel like it's luggage on the roof of a Honda. I haven't yet watched anyone carry a tarp to the top of a load and put it on top of the freight. I'm 6'1", 225 lbs. Comparable in size to many of these guys and in better shape than some of them. That said, I'm very nervous about lifting the tarp. 120 lbs is heavy for me. I can lift it, but I'm really struggling to do anything with it, let alone get that over my shoulder then climb a ladder. I understand most of the time, shippers help out getting the tarp up there, but it's no guarantee.

Should I not consider moving forward until I can condition myself to confidently lift 120 over my shoulder and climb a ladder without much huffing and puffing? I just don't want to waste mine or anyone else's time if that's a deal breaker.

I'm going with Verizon's "unlimited" plan, pre-pay with auto-pay, and bring my own Samsung S7 from a previous Verizon account. $75/month. Not too bad for Big Red's speed/coverage. If I use more than 22GB a month, something's wrong.

Hi Patrick,

Might want to check out TMC, they extend benefits after 30 days. It's nice to see another IT person in here. I'm noticing more and more as I read through older threads.

Well, there is a chance Cookie will succeed, and I do hope he does. Either way, his current employer will be looking for someone to fill that spot.

Not yet. I'm currently learning the materials to get my permit and researching the options I have available to me in companies to choose from. Be it TMC, Roehl, Prime, etc, I would plan on signing with a company with an in-house training program, not just a sponsored program a lot of carriers offer. That's not to say I think one is more effective than the other, I just like and appreciate the "turn-key" approach most. For one, it demonstrates to me a level of commitment the company is making for the these new drivers. It also means I will have a jump on the company's expectations of me and I'll be able to focus on that right from day 1. Hell, if I could spend a day or two in the office with the dispatchers before I even begin training for the CDL, I would. I'm glad to hear the TMC you guys run into have good things to say. They are #1 choice at the moment.

Building up stamina makes sense. I'm actually relieved. It's something I can control and improve. Thanks, guys.

Hello Everyone. I've been lurking here for a couple weeks and gathering info. I would first like to say, this place is amazing. What an awesome resource. My hats off to Brett and the moderators and the rest of the community for all your continued efforts to make this place as great as it is.

I am, as so many others here, seriously considering a new career in trucking. 40 years old and soon to be unemployed, I've been in manufacturing and distribution for the last 20 years and need to switch gears. A career as a trucker is exciting, challenging, and rewarding. Other than my girlfriend, there really isn't much more to keep me missing home on a daily/weekly basis, but that will be enough. I've been reading a ton on this site, started the High Road training program, contacted recruiters, stared to compile and analyze my options if I do decide to pursue this.

Currently, I am leaning towards starting out flatbed with TMC. The physical demands of this job appeal to me. I would like to stay in shape without having to dedicate much time to exercising. The variety of flatbed loads and locations also appeal to me more than the typical dry van/dock loads and I would like the option to be home weekly if needed. Lastly, of course, the trucks. TMC's trucks are beautiful. Who wouldn't want to spend their road time in one of those rigs? I am also considering Prime for the training, starting pay, mileage, and my house is only 20 minutes from their terminal in Pittston, PA (between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre).

My biggest concern over time is driver fatigue. I know that probably will not be an issue at first, while learning the rig, but now, after only three hours on the highway in a car, I often find myself needing to take a break. Add to that very unusual sleeping patterns and worried that it will become unmanageable. I'm not a good "napper," and I'm often a light sleeper. Any advice on how to overcome or cope with this?