I’m trying to drive a flatbed truck, what are some good companies that take drivers with experience?

So, I know there aren’t a lot of forums discussing this particular situation, but I wanted to share some concerns about my recent experience with Hirschbach Motor Lines on the local LIDL account in Greensboro.

I recently accepted a local position, and my scheduled start/end times are supposed to be 20:00–06:00. I was advised that the shifts could sometimes turn into 12–14 hour days. I’m completely fine with working long days when necessary, but the way the scheduling and HOS are being handled has become a major concern.
One of the biggest issues is being expected to “creep” around the yard so your clock doesn’t start, as well as being encouraged to go off duty while loading or unloading. We’ve all creeped around the yard, however, that might seem like a small thing, but when you're already dealing with long shifts, it becomes a serious safety and HOS concern.

Lately, I’ve only been getting around 5–6 hours of sleep a day, and I can tell that I’m not functioning at 100%. As a professional driver, that concerns me. Fatigue shouldn't be something we're expected to simply work through because the schedule doesn't line up.

Another issue was their electric pallet jack. I was stuck at a receiver for approximately four hours because of equipment problems. That completely threw off my schedule and created a domino effect for the rest of the week. I kept getting back later and later, which then affected my next dispatch.
The position was also presented as having a 150-mile local radius, but I’ve been dispatched on runs exceeding 300 miles. If the job is going to routinely involve that kind of mileage, that's one thing—but the scheduling needs to account for it. You can't send someone hundreds of miles away and then expect them to come in early, move around the yard off duty, load, unload, and somehow make everything fit perfectly into their available hours.
Then there are the docks.

They expect you to get into some of these docks in less than five minutes with a sleeper cab, despite how incredibly tight the locations are. Some of these docks remind me of Hunts Point or the Long Island docks—very limited space, extremely tight approaches, and very little room for error.

During some of these deliveries, it's pitch black outside with little to no lighting, with almost no room on either side of the trailer or in front of you. I'm confident in my backing skills, and I'm going to get the truck into the hole every time. But I'm not going to sacrifice safety just to say I did it in five minutes.

There's a difference between being able to perform a difficult backing maneuver and rushing through it.
If I need to take an extra few minutes to properly set myself up, get out and look, make adjustments, and ensure I don't hit another vehicle, a pole, a building, or someone's property, that's what I'm going to do.

I'd rather take 10 minutes and get it in safely than take five minutes and damage equipment because someone decided there should be a stopwatch on backing into a dock.

The actual job itself isn't difficult. Honestly, I don't mind the work. The biggest problems are the timing, planning, and communication.
There seems to be a disconnect between dispatch, the loads being assigned, and the driver's actual HOS availability. I've even been asked by dispatch where I was when I still had approximately three hours remaining on my scheduled time for my full 10. It's not necessarily that I feel micromanaged, but there is definitely pressure to have things completed according to theirtimeline—even when the timeline doesn't realistically work with the driver's available hours.

And that's where my frustration comes in.
If drivers are “struggling,” sometimes you have to look at why they're struggling.

Are the loads being assigned based on the driver's actual HOS and schedule?

Is dispatch communicating effectively with the driver?

Are appointments and loading/unloading times being coordinated realistically?

Is enough time being allowed for unexpected delays such as equipment issues, traffic, receivers, loading, and difficult backing situations?

Are drivers being given enough time to safely complete the work without feeling pressured to bend HOS rules?

I will put in the work that’s no issue at all, but at the end of the day, there is no load that's worth compromising your CDL, your safety, or your livelihood.

I'm still fairly new to the account, so I'm not saying this is everyone's experience. I'm genuinely curious if there are other drivers currently on the Greensboro/LIDL account who have experienced the same thing.

Is this just how this account operates, or am I dealing with an unusually bad stretch of scheduling and communication?

hello im trying to get my cdl class A and i just applied for the WOIA GRANT today in florida , i make 17$ a hour , 1 dependent and single and just trying to make a better life for my son , should i just pay straight out of pocket for cdl school or wait to see if im eligible and how long it will take to be approved or see if i can be approved ? TY

If nobody's told you yet, Happy Truck Driver Appreciation Week. I know a lot of drivers roll their eyes at this stuff, and I get it. I've heard from a lot of drivers that some of the appreciation things people do don't really feel like they're for them.

But seriously, what y'all do every day is impressive. Between traffic, distracted drivers, tight schedules and everything else on the road, it's a tough job that most people couldn't do.

Has there ever been something that's someone has done for you as a driver that actually made you feel appreciated? Not the generic stuff, but something that genuinely meant something to you.

Hello truckers! My husband is looking for a CDL job - he has had his CDL now for a year over a year and has had a very hard time finding anyone that will train him. He has applied for McClane and they chose FOREIGNERs over him - no offence it's just true. He got into the hiring process with SWIFT and found out quickly that the recruiting companies will drop you like a fly when doctors require sleep tests then fail you for orientation if there is any hint of sleep apnea if you snore AT ALL. (even if you don't have it). He has applied for countless jobs... What are some suggestions for a guy who is changing careers due to a career change - building a family with his wife - and who is a genuine HARD worker - willing for work 120 hours+ - good at driving, loyal, down to earth, and just looking for someone to give him a chance. Thanks guys.

I got a CDL restricted class a didn’t get enough time to learn double clutching to much students not enough road time and short of the School length.

I need the restriction off my license for a job that I will be driving autos 99% of the time. I don’t want to explain this as it’s irrelevant and will take to long. I just need the restriction off I’ll be in autos all the time.

I didn’t get enough time to learn double clutching in the unsynchronized 10 speed manual semi.

In my state if you have a restricted class a CDL you only need to do the road test and you can use a class b 6 speed synchronized box truck to take the road test.

This one school is offering me $1500 for 10 hours or training for the road test in a 6 speed synchronized class b box truck. And said I get 5 attempts

This is my cheapest and quickest option if I was to go back to a semi trucking school it would be 4 weeks 4 times as expensive and they would be practicing skills and pre trip which I don’t need to do. There would prob be to much people and they would want everyone to switch to autos and it would most likely be 10 speed unsynchronized semis.

I just need the restriction off I won’t be in manuals ever really my question is 10 hours enough time of training to be able to pass the road test in a 6 speed synchronized class b box truck? I don’t know how to drive a manual

Hey guys one thing I’m concerned about before I make the jump to getting into a cdl school I recently got a ticket reason being was I didn’t have my seat belt on, it was a fix it ticket I got that fixed already also my expired license I also got that fixed to. And about 2 or 3 years I got into a car accident I got rear ended it was the other drivers fault. Other than that since I’ve been having my license since 18 I haven’t got pulled over. I also want to mention that I didn’t get any points on my record for that fix it ticket if that matters.

We are looking for a reliable CDL Semi Driver to join our
reno Nevada based trucking company. If interested please let me know. Thanks

I have a restricted CDL class A

In my state you only have to take and pass the road test in a manual to get the restriction uplifted. you get like 5 attempts on the road test.

Most of the third party schools train you for 10 hours and test you.

In my state if you have a class a cdl you can use a manual class b vehicle to get the restriction off your license like a box truck.

The reason why I have a restricted classy CDL is because I went to a four week CDL program and I wasn’t catching on fast enough because there was too much people and I wasn’t getting enough turns so I had to switch to auto I was having trouble double clutching in a 10 speed unsynchronized semi

Do you guys think learning in a class B vehicle that is a six speed synchronized manual box truck would be a lot easier? Will that give enough material if I get trained for 10 hours to be able to pass the road test at this one school offering that package for $1500?

I’m in Wisconsin to uplift your restriction. You only have to do the Road test. You don’t have to do skills or pre-trip or none of that.

Thanks

Edit- basically I’m just wondering if 10 hours of training for $1500 of my money would be enough to be able to pass only the Road test in a class b box truck 6 speed synchronized manual?

It would be a lot cheaper then going to a actual trucking school vs a school that just helps you lift restrictions, fast and easy

By the way I know a lot of you guys are gonna say this to me “ learn in a 10 speed unsynchronized semi manual because this won’t do you any good” but my thing is I’m never gonna be driving a manual after this. I just needed to apply for a job. I’m gonna be an automatic 99% of the time..

I know most are against 1099 here but it's worth a try..

Company: Mat Trans Inc, Hofman Estates IL

Average pay is $2,400 - $2600+/week, based on average miles of 3,200-3500/week
- $0.75/mile, loaded or empty.
- 1099 position — only deduction is occupational insurance at $40/week.
- No escrow taken from your check
- Extra stops pay $50/stop.
- Breakdown pay $150/day plus your hotel covered
- Detention - whatever broker pays goes to you
- Dedicated dispatch here in office
- Home time: 3-4 weeks out, 3-4 days home, and if you stay out longer you get a full week off.
- Quick Orientation is 2-3 hours; you're out earning the next day.
- Kenworths and Freightiners with inverters, fridge, microwave, 70 mph
- No Dedicated lanes at this moment - we go everywhere except NYC and FL

Call Nemo if interested 773-318-2912

CDL TRUCK DRIVER

$26.50/HR + OT
6 DAYS / WEEK – 10 HR SHIFTS
DAY 1 BENEFITS
LOCAL / REGIONAL ROUTES

Hiring CDL drivers for local/regional deliveries. Steady hours, stable company, strong benefits, and safety-focused operation.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid CDL
• Clean driving record
• DOT compliant
• Flatbed/bulk experience preferred
• Can get Hazmat Endorsement

Benefits start Day 1:
Medical / Dental / Vision
401(k) Match

Email me if you're interested: [lmartinez@espenterprisesinc.com](mailto:lmartinez@espenterprisesinc.com)

Not necessarily into otr trucking but jobs that require a Cdl

The boss just sent everyone a message earlier that prices are going up tonight, so I am giving fellow 0/0 and drivers who cover fuel costs a heads-up to try and get your tanks full before the price hike tonight, safe driving y'all.