Best Flatbed Company that has CDL School?

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by T. Hooghouse, May 20, 2015.

  1. T. Hooghouse

    T. Hooghouse Bobtail Member

    Alright so it's been a few months since my last question about schooling and what route I should take, I decided to pass on my semi local trucking school mainly because I didn't have the cash to pay out of pocket, or want the hassle of a personal loan atm (my two credits cards are bad enough lmao).

    However In the past few months I have come to conclusion that I want to drive either Flatbed or Curtain Side. But I have the dilemma of where to go get my cdl for a company that offer flatbeds to start of other than Roehl and Prime.

    At the moment I do currently have my concerns about these two companies. From what I've been reading Roehl doesn't have a lengthy course about load security (but what they do teach is good). And when I was last doing my reading on Prime they're wanting people fresh outta school to go on lease?? (not sure if 100% accurate or not...) and to be a company Flatbed Driver you have to buy your on straps and chains?

    So if I could get a little more background information on the two companies listed above that would be great, and I would also like to know what other companies will help me get my CDL A and then get hired on as a flatbed driver.

    Currently have about 20 days until I start making calls as I will then be 21 so I can actually start OTR.
     
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  3. mtgmaker

    mtgmaker Light Load Member

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    Jacksonville, FL
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    You can go flatbed with Prime and not lease. That being said, going flatbed with them you will probably have a long wait for a flatbed trainer. Most of their students go reefer.
     
    T. Hooghouse Thanks this.
  4. A_C_Cooper

    A_C_Cooper Light Load Member

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    Gilbert, SC
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    Depending on where you live in Lansing you may want to look into Maverick Transportation. They just started doing sponsored training with a school in Arkansas but you seem to live right on the northern edge of their hiring area. I've heard good things about maverick both on here and from my uncle who currently drives for them. they are pretty strict on their requirements and you have to have a pretty good MVR but i cant think of a better flatbed company to start with.

    Hiring map:
    http://www.drivemaverick.com/driving-jobs/flatbed-division/hiring-map

    Training Info:
    http://www.drivemaverick.com/driving-jobs/student-program
     
  5. skellr

    skellr Road Train Member

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    The Village, Portmeirion
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    Prime doesn't push leasing in general. But there are exeptions, if you are not in their hiring area they may tell you leasing is your only option. Yes company drivers pay for their equipment.
     
  6. T. Hooghouse

    T. Hooghouse Bobtail Member

    Thanks mtgmaker and skellr for the info will still keep them on my list now that I know I won't be 100% forced into lease right out of school.

    A_C_Cooper Thanks for telling me to look into Maverick from what I have read so far, and even a Vlog I was watching about the Company it does seem like a great starting company and i'm bumping that up to my #1 spot with Prime in my #2.
     
  7. A_C_Cooper

    A_C_Cooper Light Load Member

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    Jan 21, 2012
    Gilbert, SC
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    That's about how my list looks. The only thing to be worried about with Prime is if you have a long period of unemployment where you weren't in school they will disqualify you on that alone. That's what got me when I was your age about 2 years ago. Otherwise I'd have 2 years under my belt already. Maverick is a good company with good people. They have some quirks but so does every company. And if you go Maverick DO NOT WALK ON THE GRASS. Its a test to see if you follow instructions no matter how insignificant they seem. They will send you home over it.

    Also here are some good questions to ask recruiters when you talk to them
    http://www.truckingtruth.com/truckers-forum/Topic-1351/Page-1/list-of-questions-to-ask-a-recruiter

    OOIDA recommended questions
    http://www.ooida.com/EducationTools/Resources/interview-CD.asp
     
    Last edited: May 21, 2015
    Reason for edit: add info
  8. T. Hooghouse

    T. Hooghouse Bobtail Member

    Well Prime shouldn't be an issue then, been working for over a year solid, so that should be covered. Thanks for the tip on the grass, does seem a little odd, but understandable it's about discipline. After doing more reading up Maverick it does seem like a great starting company, now I just need to find out more info on how they're doing the CDL training, and will defiantly be combing through those questions.
     
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