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flatbedding, tough group to get into?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Jimmy T, Aug 27, 2012.

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  1. Aug 27, 2012 #1
    Jimmy T

    Jimmy T Bobtail Member

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    Aug 17, 2009
    Southwest MI
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    I am a student at a 3 week cdl school in MI. I have had my heart set on flatbedding for a while now, but am having trouble getting a second look from the companies I have applied to. Granted I may not be your typical student, I am 48 years old, but I have been in construction for nearly 30 of those 48 years so I'm not afraid of physical work. I am scheduled to test this Thursday. I don't want to go with just anybody but I have a line on what seems to be a decent dry van/reefer company. I am thinking about doing my obligatory year and a day there while I keep an eye, and ear, out for the "perfect flatbed job". I am hoping the year of OTR experience will make me more attractive to a flatbed company. Who knows maybe the small family owned company will turn out to be a good fit. I just like the idea of being proud of what you're hauling and not hiding it in a big ole box. I also welcome the physical aspect of flatbedding. I realize I'm not really asking a question here, I guess I'm just venting a bit of frustration to someone who prolly understands.

    Thanx for listenin'
     
    Jimmy T, Aug 27, 2012
    Jimmy T, Aug 27, 2012
    #1
    MJ1657 Thanks this.
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  3. Aug 27, 2012 #2
    Wallens05

    Wallens05 Light Load Member

    273
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    Aug 4, 2012
    Columbus OH
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    Try TMC there an all flattbed company
     
    Wallens05, Aug 27, 2012
    Wallens05, Aug 27, 2012
    #2
    Yosam Thanks this.
  4. Aug 27, 2012 #3
    G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    Sep 3, 2010
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    Maverick also trains, as I recall. I believe that Swift also has a flatbed division. Prime has flats but I would not waste my time with them. They might be all right if you stay away from their lease programs.
     
    G/MAN, Aug 27, 2012
    G/MAN, Aug 27, 2012
    #3
  5. Aug 27, 2012 #4
    Polarbear857

    Polarbear857 Light Load Member

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    Nov 14, 2011
    Coatesville pa
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    As does pgt fltbed companies that train are around though some are better than others
     
    Polarbear857, Aug 27, 2012
    Polarbear857, Aug 27, 2012
    #4
  7. Aug 27, 2012 #5
    Jimmy T

    Jimmy T Bobtail Member

    17
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    Aug 17, 2009
    Southwest MI
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    I applied to TMC, was pretty geeked about all those black, chromed out, peterbuilts. They also have a very good reputation for thier load securement training program. I was told my application was rejected:biggrin_2552:but when I asked why they wouldn't give me any information. I thought if there was a question about anything i would be glad to try and clarify, but they just said maybe I could re-apply in 6 months or so. I plan to stay where I start for a minimum of 1 year, so maybe I'll try again then. Maverick, I believe, has no rider policy, and something turned me off about PGT when I was researching them. I have looked at Tandem Transport (Michigan City) and Modular (Grand Rapids) also. I am wondering about how important it is to be located near the terminal, it's prolly more important if you're flatbedding than pulling a reefer/dry van. Lonestar looked pretty good to me too, but not so close to my home (southwest Michigan)
     
    Jimmy T, Aug 27, 2012
    Jimmy T, Aug 27, 2012
    #5
  8. Aug 27, 2012 #6
    Rodneylh

    Rodneylh Light Load Member

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    Nov 26, 2011
    Bonham, TX
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    Maverick does have a rider policy for immediate family only. And it doesn't cost anything. But it is ONLY immediate family.
     
    Rodneylh, Aug 27, 2012
    Rodneylh, Aug 27, 2012
    #6
  9. Aug 27, 2012 #7
    cpape

    cpape Desk Jockey

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    Dubuque, IA
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    Where you live could have been the problem with TMC. Michigan presents issues for come companies. Being above all East-West routes and surrounded by water, means not a lot of loads pass through the state to get you home. That being said, I believe they have a more rigid idea of what their driver should be. You may have to be a little more flexible about the companies you are looking at. From everything I know, Maverick would be a very good company to start with. Tossing them out for a no rider policy seems a little picky. Most companies aren't going to let you take a passenger more than once every 3-6 months anyway.

    Good luck with the search.
     
    cpape, Aug 27, 2012
    cpape, Aug 27, 2012
    #7
    aiwiron and Jimmy T Thank this.
  10. Aug 27, 2012 #8
    KenworthGuyNH

    KenworthGuyNH Road Train Member

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    Dec 11, 2011
    Central, NH
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    Jimmy, my two tin pennies worth is for you to get on with a small carrier who will train you and TRUST you. You seem mature; have age, experience, and hopefully common sense on your side. If your heart is set on flatbedding don't even consider slaming doors........

    I grew up in a trucking family; have never done anything BUT open deck work. Don't settle for a job you may hate and get discouraged in......
     
    KenworthGuyNH, Aug 27, 2012
    KenworthGuyNH, Aug 27, 2012
    #8
    Jimmy T Thanks this.
  11. Aug 27, 2012 #9
    Meltom

    Meltom Road Train Member

    5,423
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    Jan 24, 2011
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    I'm not sure how far southwest michigan you are, but Roehl might be a good fit for you. They were running a triangle from WI to MI to KY back to WI. Nice place to get some experience and if you go in with an open mind you can learn a lot. Not sure you'll earn a lot but who knows you're experience may be differnt, or maybe hometime is your thing.
     
    Meltom, Aug 27, 2012
    Meltom, Aug 27, 2012
    #9
    Jimmy T Thanks this.
  12. Aug 27, 2012 #10
    cpape

    cpape Desk Jockey

    2,151
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    Jul 15, 2010
    Dubuque, IA
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    I wasn't thinking about Roehl. I think they do a good job with new drivers, and are focused on safety. They would be another good one to check out.
     
    cpape, Aug 27, 2012
    cpape, Aug 27, 2012
    #10
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