Where should I start for flatbed? Company or O/O?

Your first step might be joining OOIDA. But even then, if you're thinking of going O/O with your own authority right out of the gate, you're setting yourself up to fail miserably.

 

I suggest company driver for a minimum of a year, but more is better. I would look into Melton or TMC. Personally, I like TMC and know several guys who retired around the time I did from the Marines who went there. I was going to work for them when I got back into trucking, but I have a back issue which worries me. I have driven several types of trucks and hauled lots of freight, but I wouldn't jump into O/O for flat-bedding without having done A LOT of it. It pays the most for a reason. You really need to know what you are doing. Just my two cents.

 

Unless you have securement training Melton has an excellent orientation with awesome securement classes, for company drivers... If you go O/O maybe check into LandStar which I hear has a really good securement training class for O/O...

 

I was just concerned about you diving in as an O/O without specialized securement training... There are a lot of fits for the person wanting to own there own truck, as long as you don't care about anything but that Truck and living on the road full time you can make a descent living... If you want more then that Melton or TMC 50 to 65 thousand a year... With a Life...

 

Not picking at you @Clyde07 but it can be done and this advice isn't good for everyone.

When I started I had my authority and my first truck before I even had my cdl. I lived somewhere I didn't really know anyone so I had to post an add on CL and pay some stranger $20/hr to ride with me so I could go pass my road test. I even had to have him ride with me to deliver a load because I failed my road test the first time. This was in '08 and I'm still going today. I've also had a stint pulling a flatbed and I did nothing more than read a securement handbook and ask questions here. It's not rocket science especially if you want to succeed and have some common sense.

To the OP I say go for it if it's what you want. Obviously having some money will help, can't be totally broke. I managed while being close to broke most of the time. The point is, it can be done.

 

I will second that if you want to succeed bad enough you will...

 

Good advice, and yes, join www.OOIDA.com to learn the business end of being an owner-operator.