Flatbed Advice Please...Swift

If your just starting out you won't have a 2nd chance if it don't work out I have NEVER SEEN A SWIFT FLATBED TRUCK rolling down the road I would start with someone that has a proven reputation in the flatbed industry
As for as a team flatbed if you had good long runs than ya but in my operation it would never work most shippers and receivers are only open 8-5 Monday/Friday some places do start sooner

 

Like Bayou HS said, go with somebody with a reputation in this business. Maverick, Mercer, combined transport, etc, etc etc anybody but them so you can learn the right way not from a carrier that is mostly dedicated to cheap van freight.

 

Personally, I think you can do better than Swift. You might be able to find an o/o willing to train you providing you can prove to him that you can drive. Start calling companies and find out what their requirements are. If worse comes to worse, go to Swift and put in your time.

KH

 

There are some (not sure of all that do) flatbed companies that require you to take a physical again that will have you lifting bulky weights (to mimick tarps) climbing ladders, etc. Basically seeing if you are physically capable of doing flatbed. I know of two companies personally: Sherman Bros Inc out of Oregon and System Transport out of Washington, Just wanted to warn you so you can ask.

 

I don't know much about flatbed options on the West Coast. Most "traditional" flatbed companies don't even hire from the West Coast. The OP has no recent experience and no flatbed experience, so the options would be further reduced. I would research some companies that stick to the Western Region.

I don't see much value in running team pulling flat/step/RGN. There is not a lot of drop and hook. Almost all loads are live load/live unload. There is a lot of regional/short haul work. There is also little demand for this service.

 

Sorry didnt catch that you some exp. and the answer is yes you can make that. I couldnt get you hooked up with any of our O/O's as you would need 3 yrs verifiable in last 5 years and 1 yr recent flatbed. You could esily make that kinda dough even at 22.5% of line haul here.