3yrs OTR, looking into flatbedding

I like the company I drive for now, but if I stay here all I'll ever do is dry van & reefer. I want to learn flatbedding.

Here's what I want:

• SOLID flatbed training
• Lower 48 (no regional or dedicated)
• Canada
• 4-8 weeks out(or more) /3-5 days off when & where I want it
• Good health insurance
• Take my truck home to Ohio when I'm off

Here's what I'm considering (for now)

• Melton
• Central Oregon
• ATS

I feel like if I go with these companies, I'll be doing myself a disservice. I've gotten used to taking home around $1100/wk, a DM that lets me stick to the hours I like (start at dark, in bed by 1600), & respect for my hometime requests (not just WHEN I want it, but WHERE I want it). I don't want to give any of that up.

I don't want to start dealing with a bunch of nanny crap like inward-facing cameras, or getting called into the office for taking a downgrade at a safe speed that's higher than the company likes. I wouldn't mind being governed at 65, but it would be nice if they had the ability to go faster on the pedal. And I'd like the possibility of occasionally pulling dry van/reefer.

I guess I just want to try to move up a rung while learning a new skill, without having to go back to being treated like I just got out of the puppy mill. (Hell, what I REALLY want is for my current company to start a flatbed division and let me go into Canada, but that ain't gonna happen.)

Am I asking for too much?
Anyone got any insight on these 3 companies, or any better ones?

 

@Chinatown is always the man to ask. Good plan learning a specialty, though.

 

Thanks. There's just something about flatbedding.... bad weather & exercise, a sketchy-looking load that you know is secure, the chains & straps, tight tarps with no billowing or flapping edges.... I want that. I want to go to bed at the end of the day knowing that's what I did. It's gotta be satisfying.

 

It's all about finding your niche. Excellent plan.

 

There's Builders Transportation out of Memphis, TN. I used to run a lot of Ohio when I worked there. Last year I found out that they are apart of Daseke from a driver that's a trainer there. It's been several years since I worked there but the money was good, and I was home every week. I could stay out if I wanted to but I enjoyed my time there. I've got a friend who works for P&S Transportation and he's done well there. I dont know about the safety features in terms of cameras and speed governors though.

 

Jones Bros. Trucking out of Missoula, Montana runs 48 states and Canada.
Home - Jones Brothers Trucking
https://jonesbrotherstrucking.com

 

Daseke owns about 15 flatbed companies; check it out and maybe have what you want.
~
Home - Daseke Inc.
https://www.daseke.com

 

Great stuff, Chinatown. Jones Bros sounds like it's exactly what I'm looking for, too. I'll be looking into these. Thanks!

 

I drove for Melton six years ago. They have nice equipment and apu’s. I saw pretty much all 48. They reemburse for showers and parking. It was an okay company.

Have you thought of Long Haul Trucking?