Thinking about flatbed - Truckers' Trucking Forum

supersnackbar · **^ Top** #1 01.19.2008

I have been trucking many years, counting the local chicken plant, close to 15 yrs., but almost all of my experience is in van/reefer. I have very limited flatbed experience, mostly pulling live chickens and/or forklifts for a local chicken plant I use to work for. Nothing commercial all their stuff was in-house. I was wondering what flatbed companies out there would hire a driver thinking about becoming a flatbedder? The only training I would need is tarping and load securement, I have plenty of all-weather driving experience. I would just have to get use to pulling spreads, since most of the flatbed companies I see out there today are pulling those.

krisjack · **^ Top** #2 01.19.2008

I don't want to do flatbed cause I want a job thats 100 percent no touch.I think u would have to load and unload the freight when flatbedding but maybe that won't bother since everyone's different.

Calitrucker712 · **^ Top** #3 01.19.2008

barely any yards will let you load an unload a flat bed trailer. no one wants you on their forklift. though you will have to strap and tarp yourself, which in a way makes it touched freight. can pay better than van and gives you a lot more variety though.

Iraqvet · **^ Top** #4 01.19.2008

They have flats.TMC is all flats.You can look into roehl as well.There is another smaller company called tandem transport that you could look into.Pulling spead axles isnt bad..The first set digs in a little on tight turns and does the same ally backing,but there is no 10' of overhang in the back.Thats one less thing to worry about.I drove flat beds in Iraq.It is challenging as far as how to strap or chain and bind some loads,but its a little sense of accomplishment when you do it right lol...I was with a flatbed company after I cam home,but they sucked so i left.I start a new flatbed job monday.I am pretty excited.I think you will like flats.Its not for everyone,but you could give it a go.

LadyTrucker99 · **^ Top** #5 01.19.2008

I did flatbed when i first started--hated it too! LOL Its really no fun tarping in the rain and them dang things are heavy too--of coure i think it helps if you weigh over 115 too! LOL In my opinion, flatbed is for the men -- although i dont believe in men/women jobs in general but flatbed is a lot of physical work depending on what your hauling. It definitely wasnt for me. It wouldnt be so bad if you didnt have to tarp it yourself. Ok , so im a wimp and refuse to work that hard! LOL Thats why they got vans/reefers--for ME!

notarps4me · **^ Top** #6 01.19.2008

Something about a flatbed that just makes it feel right. It has it's ups and downs, but there is a feeling of accomplishment knowing it is the driver that is in charge to supervise the load placement and to do the securement and tarp if need be. Something about climbing up on that deck and working outdoors that makes it a challenge. Not just backing up to a dock, swinging the doors and saying wake me up when you are done. It can be rough in the rain and cold, but flatbedders get the job done rain or shine!

LadyTrucker99 · **^ Top** #7 01.19.2008

You go with your bad self! I give you props for sure--I admire flatbedders! I just aint feeling up to "bein a man" like that! LOL I dont mind vans/reefers. Someone gotta run them too--its not so bad for little women like me ! LOL Its kinda cool haulin into a wire company where you see lots of flatbedders out there tarpin up! Especially in the summer--when the men are half dressed!

Lonesome · **^ Top** #8 01.19.2008

There's a local company here in town called Steel Warehouse. They pull mostly covered wagons regionally( Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin). I saw a sign up the other day that they hire students.

notarps4me · **^ Top** #9 01.19.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisjack

I don't want to do flatbed cause I want a job thats 100 percent no touch.I think u would have to load and unload the freight when flatbedding but maybe that won't bother since everyone's different.

You just shortened your life ten years and put on a 100 lbs.

dcedlr · **^ Top** #10 01.20.2008

I am a new driver for Arrow Trucking out of Tulsa, OK. They hire nationwide. So far they have been very good to me as far as miles and paying on time and accurately. The driver trainer I had sucked but other than that (which you would not have to deal with) it has been very good.

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