Mcelroy or TMC

Yes, you're making a good choice going with flatbed.

TMC would be the best for annual pay.
If TMC doesn't work out, try Howard Transportation or Melton Truck Lines. Howard has 3 terminals in the USA and one of them is in Kenly, NC.

 

TMC offers percentage pay.. meaning if they jack you around with short runs that usually pays a lot more than longer runs percentage wise.
Although do they pay you the rate they receive honestly?
Mcelroy pays .43 CPM BUT that rate include tarping, you don't get paid extra to tarp.
If it were me and I only wanted flatbed I'd go with TMC because they are the king of flatbed companies and will train you right.

I originally wanted to do flatbed myself.. thought it would be nice to get exercise.
Then I realized I'd be responsible for securing loads and tarping in weather from -20 to +110.. rain, snow ice etc AND not really get paid much more than with a good van company.
Flatbed drivers don't get paid enough in my mind.
If I can make over 40CPM doing van under a year.. flatbed drivers should be at 55CPM at least but they're not.
Car Hauler.. yes they get paid a lot more for their work.

It really depends what makes you happy.

 

TMC has the best training, (driving and securment) Drivers from other companies are told to ask us if they don't know how to strap a load. TMC will get you home most week-ends. We have decent freight in NC. Dry van sucks, its kinda boring and doesnt pay as well.

 

on tmc's % package, they make around .48/mile. (all miles) Not many van companies pay .40 for new drivers on all miles (including empty).

 

TMC has strict rules on truck cleanliness, proper tarps, proper tie down and proper grooming. I was with Watkin Shepard and we shared loads with them. Liked their drivers, mostly military back then and their trucks would run 70 or better. Now I think they are 65 MPH, not sure of the HP or transmissions.

 

They both tarp too much and drive too slow.

 

I'm training now with McElroy and for what its worth everything has been first class...the first two weeks was fast paced and long...but the training is worth it. ..McElroy is a very honest company and I'm happy with my choice. ..I've heard great things about tmc and their training program. ..it's usually about best fit...home every weekend is what sold me. ..good luck....be safe

 

TMC is limited to 62 or 63ish if your lucky. The old trucks are c15 (cats) with 13 speed od trans, 3.36 rears. The new ones are Cummings with 9 speeds. Not sure about rear or HP. At TMC your paid % of load. Since miles don't matter as much speed isnt as important. TMC is a bit stricter, but our customers pay up better because we are a more professional team thent he average trucking company. Is it ti much to ask that you take care of the equipment?

 

If your gonna do flatbed, your gonna tarp alot. Customers require it. TMC doesn't just make us do it without customer requesting it. As for to slow...in% pay speed isnt as important. They can afford to pay you more if you get better mpg, so going slow makes you more money. Since you actually get a higher pay rate with better mpg, the driving slow directly shows on your paycheck.