Thinking about going flatbed

I'd say load securement is the most important part of being a good skateboarder. And, due to the sheer variety of loads, types of securement, weights, etc., learning the proper way to secure loads from the get-go is very important. In addition to the 2 you mentioned, there is also Melton Truck Lines. They were who I started with and taught me how to secure and tarp. Learned alot from them. Of course, you will still be learning securement on #### near every load you pull since, like I said, there's so many different types of freight and ways to secure it. The problem seems to be that each company has their own way they want it done, but few teach the actual regs themselves, so some book learning will be handy too, especially when you run into a load you haven't seen before.

And, if all else fails, never be afraid to ask other drivers or even the folks who are loading you. Chances are, you aren't the first FB in there loading their product so they'll have an idea how others have secured it.

 

Being a newbie in a new segment of the industry isnt really different than being a newbie at a new carrier. Your overall experience will still be valuable in your new position. I have been flatbedding for all but 10 months of a soon to be 20 year career. I'd recommend it over van/reefer, just my humble opinion. But I have actually been thinking of trying something new. Like oversize, or maybe hopper. Something besides plain flatbedding. I worked for TMC for nearly 17 years. And unless they have changed policies since I left, they wont train owner operators. I had a few trainees who left the truck they owned at home, hired on as a company driver for the training, and then pulled their own truck out of mothballs a few months later after they felt more comfy flatbedding. But back when I was a trainer there, we really did try to provide a good training experience that was both good on content, and relatively low stress.

 

In my own opinion depending on where you live and where you want to haul mostly(cold wheather pull covered wagon or conastoga) warm wheather pull flat or step. Chaining down a load is not rocket science so if it was me I would not suffer at the hands of being a temporary company driver and making pennies. Flatbedding has to much work involved not to make the majority of the profit. There are alot of flatbed companies that will train while you are at oreintation and teach you the basics of securing your load. Always remember flatbedders are more than willing to lend a hand when a newbie needs some help. I wish you good luck to whatever you do but I wouldn't drive for a company first as you will be highly disappointed I would think.

 

Are you leased to someone? Or operate your own authority?

 

I believe that mercer transportation will train you in flatbedding, tarping, and cargo securement they are a 100% o/o company you can take your truck over there but have u thought about what it will cost u to outfit your truck with a headache rack and all the securement equipment witch most companies want you to have b4 you can lease on to them

 

Exactly. Most companies will want you to have ALL necessary equipment on your truck before they'll release that truck to run for them.

If you decide you want to go the company route, I don't think that would be a bad thing. I went from driving a van/reefer for 5 years to Lone Star in Fort Worth. Did the load securement training in Houston. Company paid for a rental, hotel, one meal a day and the training for the week I was down there. I'm liking it here so far.