Where should I start for flatbed? Company or O/O?

Chinatown · Aug 15, 2016

Unchained said: ↑

I was just concerned about you diving in as an O/O without specialized securement training... There are a lot of fits for the person wanting to own there own truck, as long as you don't care about anything but that Truck and living on the road full time you can make a descent living... If you want more then that Melton or TMC 50 to 65 thousand a year... With a Life...
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Virginia is one of the states TMC hires from for their cdl school also. They only recruit from a few states for their cdl school and VA happens to be one of them.

chris_karr · Aug 15, 2016

spax said: ↑

Not picking at you @Clyde07 but it can be done and this advice isn't good for everyone.

When I started I had my authority and my first truck before I even had my cdl. I lived somewhere I didn't really know anyone so I had to post an add on CL and pay some stranger $20/hr to ride with me so I could go pass my road test. I even had to have him ride with me to deliver a load because I failed my road test the first time. This was in '08 and I'm still going today. I've also had a stint pulling a flatbed and I did nothing more than read a securement handbook and ask questions here. It's not rocket science especially if you want to succeed and have some common sense.

To the OP I say go for it if it's what you want. Obviously having some money will help, can't be totally broke. I managed while being close to broke most of the time. The point is, it can be done.
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Wow! That is quite the story. I am trying to save as much as I can, but the insurance company that I am contracting for is bound to go under sooner or later so I decided that I should follow what I've always wanted to do.

Home time isn't the biggest concern. If you were to do it again, and could, would you go to a company to get the experience and save first?

I really want this for my small little family to be financially sound.

chris_karr · Aug 15, 2016

Chinatown said: ↑

Virginia is one of the states TMC hires from for their cdl school also. They only recruit from a few states for their cdl school and VA happens to be one of them.
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That is pretty gnarly! I am going to study them over when I get home in a little while! Thank you!

rodknocker · Aug 15, 2016

I started out O/O flatbed. It wasn't bad. Made lots of money. Hauled oversized loads from time to time. Didn't know a thing about it before hand. Just jumped right in and hoped the parachute opened. Glad I did it but would probably never do it again unless I was semi retired with enough money to buy a new truck and trailer with cash and just hauled for fun instead of profit.

Unchained · Aug 15, 2016

Just remember insurance requirements for an O/O are getting strict, most won't even insure a driver with less than 2 yrs otr

spax · Aug 15, 2016

chris_karr said: ↑

Wow! That is quite the story. I am trying to save as much as I can, but the insurance company that I am contracting for is bound to go under sooner or later so I decided that I should follow what I've always wanted to do.

Home time isn't the biggest concern. If you were to do it again, and could, would you go to a company to get the experience and save first?

I really want this for my small little family to be financially sound.
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No, I would find a way to do the same as I did.

chris_karr · Aug 15, 2016

rodknocker said: ↑

I started out O/O flatbed. It wasn't bad. Made lots of money. Hauled oversized loads from time to time. Didn't know a thing about it before hand. Just jumped right in and hoped the parachute opened. Glad I did it but would probably never do it again unless I was semi retired with enough money to buy a new truck and trailer with cash and just hauled for fun instead of profit.
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What king of budget did you start on? Did you finance?

chris_karr · Aug 15, 2016

Unchained said: ↑

Just remember insurance requirements for an O/O are getting strict, most won't even insure a driver with less than 2 yrs otr
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I imagine that is many cases that would be smart, weeding out inattentive drivers and all I suppose?

what happened · Aug 24, 2016

I've been doing it for 6 month

77fib77 · Aug 24, 2016

Listen to the webinars on ooida . It helps for buying equipment

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