Car hauler vs flatbed

The oilfield company I was leased to has several terminals in Houston, most trucks are pulling a flatbed. You need 4' pipe pins and at least 12 hardwood 4x4"s. That's for pipe or casing loads. Then 8 or 10 2' pipe stakes to control directional tool loads. Lots of straps, rarely chains (except for frack valves or blowout preventers), and exceptionally rare to throw a tarp.

 

Funny, but one of my friends in the houston area that hauls strictly oilfield freight in that area called about an hour ago. I hadn't talked to him for a few months, till I mentioned him ,on here and he calls within the hour. I was hoping he was calling because work was slow down there, but no luck. He likes to summer here sometimes, but is too busy at the moment.

 

Acme Truck Line.

 

All trucks at ACME are owner operators or fleet owners. They don't have trucks for leasing to you. You must bring your own truck and it must be outfitted to their specs (headache rack, dunnage, securement, etc). They require an annual inspection every six months.

You can become a "company driver" if a fleet owner has a truck available. You go through the normal hiring process and the owner must also approve. All new drivers do three unpaid ride alongs with an experienced driver, but often the owner will compensate you separately.

You also need all your PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) like fire resistant clothing, hard hat, steel toed boots, H2S monitor, etc.