3yrs OTR, looking into flatbedding

I like the company I drive for now, but if I stay here all I'll ever do is dry van & reefer. I want to learn flatbedding.

Here's what I want:

• SOLID flatbed training
• Lower 48 (no regional or dedicated)
• Canada
• 4-8 weeks out(or more) /3-5 days off when & where I want it
• Good health insurance
• Take my truck home to Ohio when I'm off

Here's what I'm considering (for now)

• Melton
• Central Oregon
• ATS

I feel like if I go with these companies, I'll be doing myself a disservice. I've gotten used to taking home around $1100/wk, a DM that lets me stick to the hours I like (start at dark, in bed by 1600), & respect for my hometime requests (not just WHEN I want it, but WHERE I want it). I don't want to give any of that up.

I don't want to start dealing with a bunch of nanny crap like inward-facing cameras, or getting called into the office for taking a downgrade at a safe speed that's higher than the company likes. I wouldn't mind being governed at 65, but it would be nice if they had the ability to go faster on the pedal. And I'd like the possibility of occasionally pulling dry van/reefer.

I guess I just want to try to move up a rung while learning a new skill, without having to go back to being treated like I just got out of the puppy mill. (Hell, what I REALLY want is for my current company to start a flatbed division and let me go into Canada, but that ain't gonna happen.)

Am I asking for too much?
Anyone got any insight on these 3 companies, or any better ones?

 

Thanks. There's just something about flatbedding.... bad weather & exercise, a sketchy-looking load that you know is secure, the chains & straps, tight tarps with no billowing or flapping edges.... I want that. I want to go to bed at the end of the day knowing that's what I did. It's gotta be satisfying.

 

Great stuff, Chinatown. Jones Bros sounds like it's exactly what I'm looking for, too. I'll be looking into these. Thanks!