Too Old For Flatbed?

For what it's worth, I started with Prime last fall as a flatbedder at age 52. Their regular lumber tarps are heavy enough that I struggled to get them up onto the headache rack, so I invested in lightweight lumber tarps that I can sling up there like I'm 25 again. I had gotten pretty far out of shape working an office job for 10 years, so the first couple of months were tough sometimes, but 10 months in I don't notice the physical part of the job. So, in a word, no, you're not too old.

For what it's worth, I started with Prime last fall as a flatbedder at age 52. Their regular lumber tarps are heavy enough that I struggled to get them up onto the headache rack, so I invested in lightweight lumber tarps that I can sling up there like I'm 25 again. I had gotten pretty far out of shape working an office job for 10 years, so the first couple of months were tough sometimes, but 10 months in I don't notice the physical part of the job. So, in a word, no, you're not too old.

Thanks, that's encouraging. I'm real close to Prime terminal as well. Do they pay % of load also or just cents per mile?

Thanks, that's encouraging. I'm real close to Prime terminal as well. Do they pay % of load also or just cents per mile?

Company starts at $0.40 per mile. Lease pays 72% of load.

Larry,

When I started driving, I was 56. I was 58 when I started flatbed. So no, you are not too old.

I am presently at home dealing with health issues, but unless things go south on me, I plan on getting back into flatbed again. When that happens, I will have just turned 61 at that point (that being next spring).

Ernie

That is certainly great to hear about the age I'm starting my truck driving at age 57 Hopefully with TMC Larry and I seem to have many life similarities I hope it goes well for him and hope to meet him at the TMC School

For what it's worth, I started with Prime last fall as a flatbedder at age 52. Their regular lumber tarps are heavy enough that I struggled to get them up onto the headache rack, so I invested in lightweight lumber tarps that I can sling up there like I'm 25 again. I had gotten pretty far out of shape working an office job for 10 years, so the first couple of months were tough sometimes, but 10 months in I don't notice the physical part of the job. So, in a word, no, you're not too old.

I know this is an older thread but I was re visiting it and had a question. When you said you invested in lightweight tarps, did you have to buy them yourself and if so how much do they cost? Thanks

For what it's worth, I started with Prime last fall as a flatbedder at age 52. Their regular lumber tarps are heavy enough that I struggled to get them up onto the headache rack, so I invested in lightweight lumber tarps that I can sling up there like I'm 25 again. I had gotten pretty far out of shape working an office job for 10 years, so the first couple of months were tough sometimes, but 10 months in I don't notice the physical part of the job. So, in a word, no, you're not too old.

I know this is an older thread but I was re visiting it and had a question. When you said you invested in lightweight tarps, did you have to buy them yourself and if so how much do they cost? Thanks

All drivers at Prime (company and lease) have to buy the securement equipment.

Ernie

For what it's worth, I started with Prime last fall as a flatbedder at age 52. Their regular lumber tarps are heavy enough that I struggled to get them up onto the headache rack, so I invested in lightweight lumber tarps that I can sling up there like I'm 25 again. I had gotten pretty far out of shape working an office job for 10 years, so the first couple of months were tough sometimes, but 10 months in I don't notice the physical part of the job. So, in a word, no, you're not too old.

I know this is an older thread but I was re visiting it and had a question. When you said you invested in lightweight tarps, did you have to buy them yourself and if so how much do they cost? Thanks

All drivers at Prime (company and lease) have to buy the securement equipment.

Ernie

Ok wow. That's probably a pretty good chunk of change. Of course you would then keep it if you change companies?

I know this is an older thread but I was re visiting it and had a question. When you said you invested in lightweight tarps, did you have to buy them yourself and if so how much do they cost? Thanks

All drivers at Prime (company and lease) have to buy the securement equipment.

Ernie

Ok wow. That's probably a pretty good chunk of change. Of course you would then keep it if you change companies?

Yes it is about $2500 - $3000 for all the equipment. You can do payroll deduction so it won't hurt you too bad until it's paid for (about $100/week including interest). And yes it's yours to do as you want when you leave. You also have the option to turn it in for a refund (they do refund same amount that you paid) for the equipment that is allowed (bungies/some straps/etc not allowed). So if you keep all your equipment in good order, you do not lose any money on the deal.

Ernie

For what it's worth, I started with Prime last fall as a flatbedder at age 52. Their regular lumber tarps are heavy enough that I struggled to get them up onto the headache rack, so I invested in lightweight lumber tarps that I can sling up there like I'm 25 again. I had gotten pretty far out of shape working an office job for 10 years, so the first couple of months were tough sometimes, but 10 months in I don't notice the physical part of the job. So, in a word, no, you're not too old.

I know this is an older thread but I was re visiting it and had a question. When you said you invested in lightweight tarps, did you have to buy them yourself and if so how much do they cost? Thanks

As Ernie said, total cost for equipment starting out was around $3000. I have six more weeks to go at a little over $80 per week. I started paying on that last December.

The lightweight tarps I mentioned cost me $750. My FM let me make payments on that. Paid them off in about six or seven weeks. They replaced the standard issue lumber tarps I got when I started. They weigh about 20 pounds less and are longer so I can cover a high 48' load with two tarps instead of three. I got about 50% of my money back on the heavier tarps when I turned them in at the terminal , but they had some damage by then.

No doubt about it, flatbed equipment is expensive. Straps, tarps, bungees, and edge protectors wear out the fastest. Chains, binders, coil racks, lumber, and steel edge protectors don't wear out very fast. This is the real reason Pat only hauls stuff that can be secured with chains with no tarping required.

Some flatbed companies that train do not charge you for the equipment; e.g., Melton and TMC (I think). It's worth asking about and considering as part of overall pay when deciding where to start if you go flatbed.