Update And Possible Inspiration Flatbed

I just felt like throwing an update and sharing some of my experience into this blessing of a career change.

Before trucking I worked in law enforcement starting at 23 but I wasn't responsible enough to handle my position or the amount of money I was making. Long story short I fell into addiction 2.5 years into the job. Besides a dui that was pleaded down I have a clean record not that I deserved one alcohol wasn't my issue.

Trucking helped me stay a productive member of society when I desired it deep down inside but was struggling to win against my unwanted demons.

The dept of labor in my state helped me get my cdl. I went out applying everywhere I could waiting for the one company that would still give me a chance. Western Express was the winner.

I am very thankful for Western Express for giving me the means to begin learning this career. Not only did it help me provide for myself and repay some debt it allowed me the time I needed to let my brain heal and find myself again. Or start working on who I wanted to be in the future. During my first 6 months of trucking I was with western express I will admit the hiring process didn't give much hope, nor the securement training course but once solo in my own truck its what I made it.

I worked hard everyday, I would research load securement or specific tarping techniques to make sure I was ready and confident for the load i was about to run. I will admit I always tried to stay positive and be polite and just work hard but sometimes it seemed that their was alot of down time despite good communication, being early to appointments never late. Eventually I let it get to me and for lack of better words created a disodence between me an my dispatcher.

During the very beginning of covid I was sitting alot and that idle time was hard on me because I still had bills, debt and other people depending on me.

Eventually research and communication led me to another company. I'm not saying switching company's at 6 months was my best move i had full intentions of staying at least a year as recommended by many successful drivers. But i was the decision I made. Pre covid I was making a standard expected first year wage and have no complaints with western express. I only wish my ignorance of not understanding how things really worked didnt deteriate the work relationship i had with my dispatch. Think I had alot of stupid questions.

Anyway I found a new home with a company that is with in walking distance from my apartment. Its not a company I ever see really talked about on the forum so I thought i.would give a little insight.

Hmd LLc started as a dry van and two years ago they opened a flatbed division and they currently have 60 flatbed trucks. I literally have no complaints im treated like family, all my equipment is brand new literally brand new, and the pay is very good for my exp.level. The whole situation is alot better than I deserve. They are a northern macedonia company but they do offer company drivers which is what i am. Also can easily say my dispatch is becoming a very good work friend.

This isn't by any means a recruitment post but I want to be more active in this forum. I'm mostly a silent assassin reading threads keeping to myself up till now and I felt It was best if I gave an update on my situation.

Overall western was a blessing to me and your own productivity to an extent will determine your experience just like it will at any other company.

Nov 27 this year will make 1 year of otr exp. This will be a milestone i cant wait to safely achieve.

But also wanted to relate that I was at my lowest point when I started seeking a cdl career and found a new love out of what it has to offer. Which has helped me in many more ways then just an income.

If anyone has questions feel free to ask.

If another flatbedder has a brand and size type coil bag they find most universal i would appreciate guidance as i reinvest some funds back into trucking luxury.

Tarpstop in Gary Indiana for your coil bag. They can custom make them or have lightly used ones for a reasonable price.

Jbh thank you for that update. You seem to have learned alot about life as well as yourself. We all need a boot in the a$$ now and then. Your young, that is when we are suppossed to make those mis steps of life. Congrats on getting through it and moving your life in a positive direction. Many don’t.

This industry is very diverse. We offer sound advice for getting started in general. There are several members who have choosen different paths and done well. There are others that didn’t. As you recognized it is what you make of it. We all have different wants, needs, and desires. You just have to find what fits you. It sounds like you found yours.

We look forward to having you around more. Thank you

Congratulations. I love hearing about people successfully overcoming addiction. Keep it up.

I appreicate the kind words and coil bag advice it does mean alot to me.

I dont think I need to state this but will for any possibly new person. I am always 100 percent sober when operating a cmv.

What It did allow me to do was turn months of sobitety into 1.5 years with little hardship.

What It did allow me to do was turn months of sobitety into 1.5 years with little hardship.

That's a great point. Life is indeed much easier sober.