Flatbeddin

I've done vans, flats, and tankers. The best paying job and the best job over all was tankers for me. But I got lucky and got on with a major oil company. I've only had to tarp a few loads. I mostly hauled heavy construction equipment. But I can tell you the hardest work I've done is flatbeds but that was only when I loaded. And there's alot of easy loads that go on flatbeds too. I think hauling drywall would be good. But I don't think anyone can tell what's the best for you. Others can only tell you what they've experienced. Only you can make the decision.

 

i've hauled cars, gasoline, and food grade tanks, but overall i prefer flatbedding. (probably has something to do with my backing skills - or lack of them)

i don't know that i'd want to make a steady diet of drywall though. the places i've loaded always had 20-30 trucks lined up, so it's a 'hurry up and wait' thing. plus, those loads are almost always as close to max weight as they can get them. worse, they must be secured exactly right (tight enough to hold them on the truck, but without breaking a piece of their precious sheetrock, and as with anything 'flat and stacked,' they can shift. and...they are ALWAYS tarped.

i do love the 'chinery though - quick to load - throw a few chains or straps, and you're gone.

 

If you are older,and bigger,and diabetic with back problems,you had better do no touch trucking like tankers,and reefers and dry vans,those type of jobs use lumpers and you know you can stay healthier that way. I have done flatbeds for over 25 years and quit them a couple of years ago,its too hot and hard on my knees and back at my age. I have diabetic friends that have done flatbedding and were alot younger than me,have to quit in the hot summer. The temps are over a hundred in the summers now,never used to get that hot. I would recommend it for a younger person as when i did it I could romp and stomp with the best,really keeps you in shape,but i have to admit,when you get older,climbing up 8ft loads tarping in the heat,wind and rain,it gets a little risky to my health,now pulling no touch dry vans,and happy and healthier.

 

What are some good flatbed companies out there? I've checked with TMC, but they are not hiring from my area (Michigan). Any suggestions?

 

i like davis transport out of missoula mt....heck i think everyone on here knows that by now.....lol
only problem i could see is we dont hual alot of frieght into michigan, but give em a shot if yer interested