Embarking on a career as a flatbed driver with a company like Mcelroy Transportation requires more than just driving skills. Physical readiness is paramount to handle the demanding tasks associated with securing and transporting loads. Many transportation companies, including those focused on flatbed operations, incorporate physical agility tests into their hiring process to ensure driver capability. This article outlines a typical physical agility test, similar to what you might encounter when joining McElroy Transportation, providing insights into what to expect.
The physical agility test is designed to simulate the essential duties of a flatbed driver, confirming your ability to perform these tasks safely and effectively. The assessment typically begins with a check of your resting blood pressure and pulse to establish a baseline. Following this, the test progresses through a series of stations, each targeting different aspects of physical fitness relevant to the job.
One common station assesses balance. This involves standing on one leg for 30 seconds, and then repeating on the other leg for another 30 seconds. Good balance is crucial for drivers when maneuvering around trucks and cargo, especially in potentially uneven environments.
Next, you might encounter a station testing agility and lower body strength. This is often represented by a table exercise where you are required to squat down at each corner of the table and identify a number placed underneath. Repeating this sequence twice evaluates your ability to repeatedly squat and rise, simulating movements required when securing straps or chains. Your pulse will be taken again after this activity to monitor your body’s response.
Another station often involves a step ladder and table climb, further assessing lower body strength and cardiovascular fitness. You might be asked to ascend and descend a couple of rungs on a step ladder, followed by climbing onto a table on your knees. Repeating this cycle ten times tests your stamina and ability to handle repetitive physical tasks. Again, your pulse will be checked afterwards.
Tarping is a significant part of flatbed driving, and the physical agility test often includes a tarp folding exercise. This station simulates the physical demands of handling heavy tarps. You might be required to unfold and fold a blanket or tarp on the ground. Furthermore, weight machine exercises, involving pulling and pushing approximately 100 pounds over a short distance, may be included to assess upper body strength needed for tarp manipulation and securing cargo.
The final, and perhaps most challenging, exercise is typically tarp lifting. This station directly replicates the task of lifting heavy tarps onto the trailer. You will likely be presented with a series of tarps of varying sizes and weights – small (around 25 lbs), medium (around 50 lbs), and large (around 110 lbs). The test usually involves lifting each tarp first onto a waist-level shelf, simulating the height of a truck tire, and then flipping the tarp up and over onto a higher shelf, mimicking the trailer height. This exercise evaluates your lifting strength and technique, crucial for safely handling heavy tarps in flatbed operations at companies like McElroy Transportation.
Beyond physical tests, certain routes and cargo types, especially those involving port access, may require a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). A TWIC card is a biometric identification card issued by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. It signifies that you have passed the necessary security clearance to access secure areas, including shipping ports. For drivers at McElroy Transportation who service port locations, a TWIC card may be a necessary requirement.
In conclusion, the physical agility test, while potentially demanding, is designed to be achievable for individuals of varying fitness levels. As demonstrated, even individuals who don’t consider themselves to be in peak physical condition can successfully complete it. Preparing for a career in flatbed transportation, particularly with companies like McElroy Transportation, involves understanding and preparing for these physical requirements. By understanding the components of a typical physical agility test, aspiring flatbed drivers can better prepare themselves for the demands of the job and confidently pursue their career goals within the transportation industry.
