Women doing flatbedding...

[JewelsnTools]

As some of you know, a few months ago, I took a serious shot at flatbedding. Granted, it was before I got hired on with a major company, but the experience has truly left its mark. I find myself leaning more and more toward going back and finding a position with a flatbedding outfit!
I'd like to hear from other women who have made the plunge into flatbedding, if possible. I know it's hard, dirty, challenging work--I did it. But there was a sense of accomplishment that came with doing it that I haven't gotten anywhere near in either van or reefer...and I'm finding that I've missed feeling it more than I'd ever have believed!
Of course, I'm interested in hearing all answers here. I found flatbedders unusually willing to walk over and lend a hand with a particularly sticky securement situation. That was cool! So, honestly, ANY insight you would like to share here would be appreciated.
I'm actually off for a few days, so I'll be able to get back on here before a whole month goes by!!!
Any thoughts? Advice? I'm looking at TMC very closely, these days...
Jewels

[JewelsnTools]

I just found that thread on TMC, and have fully changed my mind! Not about flatbedding--I liked climbing around on top of the loads, and securing them!--just about that particular company! No offense, just a change of mind...

Also, since I'd like to go bake in Georgia, any info about a SouthEast regional position with a flatbed company that's still in business would be greatly appreciated!
Jewels

[chain binder]

You might give Melton a call.They are a good outfit.

[JewelsnTools]

I spoke with a driver from Melton. He seemed relatively content with them, although like everyone, his miles had dropped some.
I need to get to their website, though, and take a look at what--if any--regional positions they offer. This OTR thing isn't for everyone! I need to re-establish some ties....I caught myself actually considering "road coochie"!!
Thanks for the idea!
Jewels

[4roses]

MELTON Drivers .... here's Meltons site .... their located in Tulsa ... actually just about 7 miles from where I live. I've talked to a couple of their drivers and they all seem to be happy.

[JewelsnTools]

Thanks, Roses! It's just that Melton does all 48, and as I get older, the cold's starting to take more of a toll than I can handle! I'd need to find one that had a defined southeastern territory before I'd feel comfortable signing on.
Appreciate the comeback, though! I miss this board!!

[Coilhaulr]

You can give Falcon Transport, Mawson & Mawson, PGT, Nick Strimbu, Maverick a jingle and talk with them. Ohio is a good area for flatbed because of all the steel hauling in the area and most of those companies will get you home at least on the weekend if not once or twice during the week. Hope this helps!

[Coilhaulr]

Great American Lines and PI&I are also hiring right now in ohio. Seems like one of the few places where companies are hiring drivers. Maybe I should relocate to there!

[dieselgrl]

Thanks, Roses! It's just that Melton does all 48, and as I get older, the cold's starting to take more of a toll than I can handle! I'd need to find one that had a defined southeastern territory before I'd feel comfortable signing on.
Appreciate the comeback, though! I miss this board!!

That's the one thing that's going to be tough to find. I love my skateboards, but reality is now that I'm looking to go back on the road, I'm finding dry van and reefer are about the only outfits running the lanes I'm looking for (like you, I'd prefer to stay out of the cold in winter I have no love for frozen tarps!)

I for one, am glad you reconsidered TMC. I found trying to get hired on as a woman with them was frankly impossible last time I looked at them.

Best of luck!

[DaveP]

I work for PGT and can tell you you'll still be in the ice and snow....

I would recommend McElroy Truck Lines, Inc. if you'd prefer to stay in the SE.

[TruckinMavrick]

I work for PGT and can tell you you'll still be in the ice and snow....

I would recommend McElroy Truck Lines, Inc. if you'd prefer to stay in the SE.

yes McElroy is out of Cuba AL on MS/AL border along us hwy 80 i do believe.

[jonp]

Mcelroy is just this side of the state line from Mississippi. I dealt with several female flatbedders while I was hauling a flat. there is no reason why a female can't do it and do it well. Once you learn the tricks strength is not required but using your head is. Flatbedders always seemed more inclined to lend a hand to anyone that seemed to be struggling with tieing down a load. A number of time when I first started i went into a place to pick up a load and had no idea how to tie it down. I just walked over to another drivers truck and told him I never had hauled that stuff before and could I help him tie his down to see how it was done. I was never refused that I can remember.
Heck, 15yrs later and I just walked over to a guy in NC tieing down some bricks and lent him a hand strapping it on the trailer. He was more than willing to let me help and shoot the breeze.

[JewelsnTools]

Thanks, first, for all the info! Dang! I ran out of time--and money--and had to go back to what I KNEW how to do!
I still stare, lovingly, at the straps & chains!
Got on with Earl L. Henderson, out of Salem, IL. Sort of cheap on a few policies, but I'm employed again!! And they've got those new-fangled electronic logbooks--so I'll be loggin' legal 'til my little heart's content!
Now, to get my official CAD stickers!! I've got a gorgeous wine-colored midroof that does full speed up hills!! Wooooohoooo---finally!
Thanks, again, for this info. If ever I find myself in that lousy unemployed position again, I'll know that such a thing as a SE flatbed fleet exists...and I'll be in hog heaven!!
Jewels

[JewelsnTools]

This idea still seemed worth investigating, so I gave them a shot. They're not hiring in my area (WS/Greensboro, NC) for now. Really pleasant woman there, though. Told me to give a call back in a month, and to keep my info updated.
One of these days, I'm gonna get to see if straps & chains are what work for me!
Jewels

[GMAN]

If you still want to pull a skateboard, you may want to check with Boyd Brothers out of Alabama and Tennessee Steel Haulers out of Nashville. Both seem to be more regional.

[JewelsnTools]

GMAN,
Between you and Orange, I'm going to be gainfully employed again before the ink dries!!!
Thanks for lookin' in!
Jewels

[Tonup]

Girl, if your desire for flatbedding gets worse, call CT Transport. They have a terminal in Mocksville. Weekends home, well maintained Mack tractors. I've talked to several of their drivers all were at least content with company.

They are one of the 3 fb companies I'll be applying to after I do my penance (for being out of a seat for more than a couple of years) with Swift fb.

[JewelsnTools]

I contacted CT Transport. Very professional recruiter answered my questions, explained what the company was offering, and promptly emailed me the application packet. Nice...

Here's the thing. During our rather pleasant conversation, Mr. Recruiter informed me that I would be required to lift a weight EQUIVALENT TO 2/3ds OF MY ENTIRE BODY WEIGHT in order for me to pass the physical. I'm feeling rather screwed, at this point...
ANY suggestions on how I might find a way AROUND this particular requirement?? I mean, I weigh 148#--he's saying I have to lift 100 onto the deck of the trailer. Can we say "Hiatal Hernia"???

HELP.

Jewels

[JewelsnTools]

It's amazing that even in cyber-space, flatbedders will offer to lend a hand! LOVE that!
Thanks for the lifting techniques and tips that you've been sending me. YES, they're all appreciated!!

I'm scheduled for orientation with CT on Monday, and I'm cautiously excited--and glad to be about to hit the road, again!
Jewels

[Tonup]

Jewels, we fully expect to be kept up to date on your experiences with CT. Especially me, as that's my priority target company after I get my time in with Swift (unless, for some reason, I decide Swift is worth staying on with. Stranger things have happened :-) )

Good luck, and be safe.

Oh, yeah, last weekend there were 4 brand new Macks in CT paint sitting at the Holiday Inn here in Salisbury. I'll wager they were on their way to the Mocksville terminal. So maybe you'll luck out and get a new one.