Dry to oversized loads?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by UkraineTrain, Dec 18, 2018.

  1. UkraineTrain

    UkraineTrain Bobtail Member

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    Hi guys. I have been a trucker for 3 years and an O\O for 3 months of that. As time goes by I start to regret more and more that I didn’t do flatbed.

    Im young, really hungry and want to do the most I can in this business. From what I see, it doesn’t get much higher than pulling those giant houses or enourmous turbine leafs ( sorry not sure on the exact term). Can any of you tell me how I would go from dry van to that? If need be, Im fine with buying a flatbed trailer and having both. But would I be able to immidiately start hauling?And if so, after perhaps another 6 months I can start calling companies specializing in oversize? Record is clean btw. Any help is much appreciated.
     
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  3. PoleCrusher

    PoleCrusher Road Train Member

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    Start with a flat or step deck, pulling normal freight. Simple stuff first, then move up as you feel comfortable.

    As somebody who recently switched from slamming doors to open deck myself, believe me it's a different ballgame. But depending on what you haul, it's a lot more interesting, and challenging.

    The people are better too, for the most part.
     
    blairandgretchen and cke Thank this.
  4. Zeviander

    Zeviander Road Train Member

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    Oversize, at least the mega loads, is invite only from my understanding. You can't just "get into it". You'll have to put time in at a regular flatdeck company to get your experience with a deck, get smaller OD loads (60 foot long steel or 10'+ wide stuff) and do a few years with that before they'll consider you.

    Making the absolute most amount of money isn't going to get you ahead, it usually comes with more headaches and restrictions. Give flat deck a shot before going head first into the deep end.
     
  5. SavageMuffin

    SavageMuffin Medium Load Member

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    A company I used to work for is where I did my brief stint in OS/OD at and they allow O/O’s to lease on to them and run their numbers. All the ones I met there seemed happy and if I were to go back OTR looking to get back into OS/OD, I would go back. If you’re interested in that I can shoot you a PM with the company name.

    Idk what requirements they have for tractors etc so you’ll have to discuss that with them. However, they won’t put you on anything they’re not sure you can handle OR you don’t think you can do. Being O/O though I’m pretty sure they didn’t force those guys to do anything since it’s your tractor.

    It’s an entirely different ball game running oversize vs running a van, so be forewarned. More experienced members will chime in i’m sure, more than a few on here.
     
    PoleCrusher Thanks this.
  6. Rooster1291979

    Rooster1291979 Road Train Member

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    If you go with ats you can pull oversize on day 1. Up to 10' wide so its baby stuff, but you get your foot in the door. Do 5 of those and you go to 12, wide and I think 14' 2 " tall. 5 of those gets you into class 2 and I think that's 14' wide. So on and so on. You can pull heavy at any class.
     
  7. UkraineTrain

    UkraineTrain Bobtail Member

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    If you could send me that PM Id really appreciate it. Thanks for the reply.
     
  8. UkraineTrain

    UkraineTrain Bobtail Member

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    So you could rent a flatbed from them and just start running right off the bat? Thank you.
     
  9. UkraineTrain

    UkraineTrain Bobtail Member

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    Thank you guys for the replies. From what I see, after 2027 we will be fully autonomous so not only will this make me more money but hopefully it will give me an edge in retaining my job if I choose to stay in the “game”.
     
  10. SavageMuffin

    SavageMuffin Medium Load Member

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    PM Sent.
     
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