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Thinking about goin flatbed. any advice appreciated .

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by ArmyGuy, Feb 18, 2013.

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  1. Feb 18, 2013 #1
    ArmyGuy

    ArmyGuy Heavy Load Member

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    Jun 21, 2011
    Hudson, Florida
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    I currently live in hudson florida close to tampa and thinking hard about getting into flatbed. Ive been doin reefer for almost 18 months and am ready for a change. Im 6'5 300 lbs and ready to lose some of my gut lol. A question I have is florida generally sucks for freight and I was thinking of moving to gulfport Mississippi but not sure if its any better of a location? Would moving just to attempt a career in flatbed be smart? What if I didnt like flatbed but moved before testing the waters? What would you do?

    I did a little bit of flatbed in iraq but no tarping mainly pallets of water and concrete barriers, so i have a very slight idea of what it takes to strap loads, no idea of tarping. Im out of shape but im 28 and with some water, training and experience I do think I can handle it, although I will be sore for weeks im sure.

    I only have had a hos violation in 18 months, no moving violations no criminal record so I should be able to get on with any company hiring that has securement training. My goal is to get on with a company that runs the southeast or runs anywhere but can get me home for weekend or out 7 home 2.

    Am I hoping for to much? Im just getting sick of reefer hours and being gone so much from the fam. I
     
    ArmyGuy, Feb 18, 2013
    ArmyGuy, Feb 18, 2013
    #1
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  3. Feb 18, 2013 #2
    carrkool

    carrkool Heavy Load Member

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    May 10, 2012
    adah, pa
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    getting loads to your home area should not be bad. I did coils down around tampa and orlando all the time. Flatbeding here is alot different that in iraq or the army. i was in. Every load is different, you have to learn how to judge you loads weight and figure where to put it, how to put, and how to tie it down.
     
    carrkool, Feb 18, 2013
    carrkool, Feb 18, 2013
    #2
    ArmyGuy Thanks this.
  4. Feb 18, 2013 #3
    ralph

    ralph Road Train Member

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    At The Key Board
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    Moving any where would be better than living in FL>it's just such a bottomless pit for good freight with a few exceptions.
     
    ralph, Feb 18, 2013
    ralph, Feb 18, 2013
    #3
    ArmyGuy Thanks this.
  5. Feb 18, 2013 #4
    critters

    critters <b>Late For Dinner</b>

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    Jul 16, 2011
    traverse city,MI
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    ralph is right about FL freight living any where else is a good idea i think, out 7 and home 2 maybe a stretch,more likley to find out 12-14 home 2-3, not saying you wont find what you are looking for but chances are not.Good Luck
     
    critters, Feb 18, 2013
    critters, Feb 18, 2013
    #4
    ArmyGuy Thanks this.
  7. Feb 18, 2013 #5
    SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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    Feb 26, 2011
    Westville, IN
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    The good thing about trucking is you can get work anywhere you move. Just might not be exactly what your doing at the time, you may have to switch things up to make the most profit for the area you go to. For instance, Gulfport has lots of container freight, just might have to find a good company to lease on with. Also, reefer is a good choice for anywhere since EVERYBODY needs groceries. I have no clue about freight in the Gulfport area for flatbed, but it's not far from Mobile and there's plenty of steel loads around there. Just going to have to get in with the right people is all. I know a guy who runs Mobile to Pascogula, MS everyday hauling coils to the ship yard. Seems to do well.... Best of luck whichever way u decide to go.
     
    SHC, Feb 18, 2013
    SHC, Feb 18, 2013
    #5
    ArmyGuy Thanks this.
  8. Feb 18, 2013 #6
    fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    Tourist Town, FL
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    Cypress might be the way to go for you. Good luck
     
    fortycalglock, Feb 18, 2013
    fortycalglock, Feb 18, 2013
    #6
    ArmyGuy Thanks this.
  9. Feb 18, 2013 #7
    Chicken Legs

    Chicken Legs Bobtail Member

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    Jan 2, 2012
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    There are not much flatbed freight in Florida
     
    Chicken Legs, Feb 18, 2013
    Chicken Legs, Feb 18, 2013
    #7
  10. Feb 18, 2013 #8
    ArmyGuy

    ArmyGuy Heavy Load Member

    759
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    Jun 21, 2011
    Hudson, Florida
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    Ya i thought about goin to cypress just to get experience with securement and tarping and what not but i dont know if thats delaying the inevitable of moving. if i moved i could learn with a company that has better equip and benefits pay... But less risk goin with cypress. Alot to think about i appreciate all the advice so far.
     
    ArmyGuy, Feb 18, 2013
    ArmyGuy, Feb 18, 2013
    #8
  11. Feb 18, 2013 #9
    SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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    Feb 26, 2011
    Westville, IN
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    Are you going to be an O/O or a company driver???

    if your gonna be a company driver, it really shouldn't matter where you live to get a good paying job, as long as your MVR and CSA scores are good.
     
    SHC, Feb 18, 2013
    SHC, Feb 18, 2013
    #9
    ArmyGuy Thanks this.
  12. Feb 18, 2013 #10
    ArmyGuy

    ArmyGuy Heavy Load Member

    759
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    Jun 21, 2011
    Hudson, Florida
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    definately company so i can get some years under my belt. and i got under 30 csa points and spotless everything else
     
    ArmyGuy, Feb 18, 2013
    ArmyGuy, Feb 18, 2013
    #10
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