Experienced Van Driver Wanting To Try Flatbed

I did well at Buchanan Hauling and Rigging as a company driver before I got my own authority. You may not be too concerned with hometime, but since you live at Crawfordsville and want to do flatbed, why not go to Nucor Steel at Crawfordsville and see who is pulling loads out of there ? talk to the drivers out in the lot and see if you find some who are happy with their company ? that's where I would start. their lot is outside of security, I don't think anyone would mind you spending some time and asking a few drivers questions.

 

check out lonestar,sharky or Sheridan logistics I no Sheridan looking for drivers

 

I work for lonestar, out of ft worth, Texas. I just started here not long ago but it's a great company so far. They treat you like a person with a name, not a number. It's a smaller company, you'd have to do a week of training on flatbed securement after orientation but I think you'd like it. I love flat bedding, I get to work outside and feel like I've actually done something with my day.

I've learned with flats the customers usually treat you better, more respect, and they need what you're hauling so they are usually quick to unload you.

 

would I have to have 1year experience to drive for lonestar someone told me u always half to have pilot cars is tht true

 

You need one year experience

No, it's not always true. It depends on your level, if you're a level 4 pulling huge oversize loads then yes, you'll always have pilot cars with those. If you're just a level one pulling a small oversize load, then no, you won't need it. It all depends on the size of the load and the state you're going through.

 

could I stay a level one an wat do u think about a private truck driving school r would u choose a company sponserd one r how did u get ur cdl

 

I'm sure if you're young they will want you to go up in the levels, that's because your pay is based in your level. There's an older guy who works here who was a level 4, he asked to be demoted to a level 0. He was just tired of doing those big loads for over 10 years, said he was fine with the pay cut, he just wanted something easier before he retires. So he's a level 0 now, but if you come here with a year of experience and none of it is flatbed experience then you go to flatbed training for a week then you'll start as a level 99, which is below a level 0. Basically you would get nothing but legal loads for 90 days or more, I can't remember how long the days are, then you go up to level 0.

I'd recommend getting your CDL through a school, not a company. That way you have no contracts with a company. I went to a school, paid $5k though. It was paid off in a year.