Flatbed vs. Reefer

flat bed is a lot more physical and the pay can be alot better with some experience. over dimensional and heavy haul can be a long range goal.

tipping can happen but % wise its not a big deal. more guys driving in the ditch asleep than actually blowing over in a wind storm.

refers are at the warehouses all the time. and the warehouses suck... lol

as always each to his own though and it should really depend on what you want. tarps suck below zero, in snow and rain...

 

As a rule of thumb the receivers of flatbed freight are happy enough to see you arrive and will unload you as quickly as they can. In a refer, you are a storage unit as often as not. Babysitting a refer is not a bit deal, until something goes wrong. Tarping is not a big deal till the weather sets in. All things considered, I stuck with a refer/van after a couple of stints on flats and variations on the theme. It is something that I am personally more comfortable with but, that don't make me right for anyone else.

On another note, flatbed drivers will generally treat each other better than van/refer drivers. At least this has been my experience.

 

I couldn't stand pulling a box, so I really wouldn't want to pull one with a power unit strapped to the front of it that ran all night right behind me head.

Tarping can be a pain, especially if it's windy. I had to fold my tarps in the mud the other day, that was good time. Overall it isn't bad, especially since you usually have a forklift driver put the lumber tarps on top of the load for you.

I like the fact that flats go to job sites, and I like being able to see my load. I really just like the challenge of designing the securement system to fit the load.

My vote is flats all the way.

 

Besides, I hear Reefer drivers like to kick puppies... Just saying...

 

I would not drive anything but flatbed! The trailer is shorter so the turning and parking is much easier. You normally dont deliver into a city which is a huge plus!!! You normally dont back to a dock. Tarping takes about 1-2 hours depending on how fast u go and weather etc. I hate it but I love it. Its a good workout and if not for tarping i would probably be a fat slob. However, u dont tarp every load. On average I would say that 70% of the loads are tarped. Believe me, unless you are a totally fat person with no desire to get sweaty, you will love flatbedding. Good luck. Also, I hope Arrow Trucking is one of your choices because I started with them and I am still there 8 months later. Your a number but the miles and pay is the best out there for newbies. I checked every company and went with them. Good luck.

 

Not sure. We'll go with literal if it'll cause more hate and discontent between flats and reefers.