I have a Question...

one way is larger construction companies that have their own equipment and low boys to move them around but somehow if you lucked into that job expect to be operating the machine u tote around.

Another way is joining a company that is exclusivley flatbed most of which have the proper permits for oversized.

 

You just need to get hired on at a company that does heavy haul that provides training.. You still have to be trained to do such work.. They prefer flatbed drivers because they are used to securing load and such but they will train you for the job... Just pickup one of those magazines at the truck stop and flip thew them.. You will find them in there..

 

You can search the Internet for "heavy specialized carriers". I know we are not allowed to post direct trucking company links on the forum. Try the trade association and their trade shows.


Google The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association

 

I got into it by proxy. I went to work for a local company pulling a pnuematic tank hauling cement and flyash. The company was actually owned by two companies, a ready-mix company and a prestressed concrete manufacturer. Less than a week into that job I was told to be at the prestressed yard at 05:30 monday morning for a bridge move. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS IN FOR. We proceeded to hook up to these 3 axle "things" on the pintle hook and head over to the crane. I was just following the other 5 drivers. once at the crane we unhooked the 3-axles and the crane proceeded to lift the bunker off the front of the three axle and attach it to the 5th wheel. We then pulled ahead 120' and the crane picked up a beam that was 125' long and weights 125,000# and set it on the 3axle and the bunker. 12 chains and a bunch of wires and hoses later we were all set to roll. Now comes the great part, the 3 axle dollies have small diesel motors on them and they can be steered from the cab of the truck. I was number 6 in line and the 5 before me drove out onto the highway turning the dollies like it was no big deal. Myself on the otherhand had that stupid thing all over the state but only destroyed one stop sign before I got it all lined back up behind me. Then we proceeded through town with three more sharp turns before getting onto the interstate. I chased a few cops with the trailer swinging wildly around the corners but didn't hit anything else.

Two years of doing that 20 to 30 times a month plus being on call for BNSF and hauling 100' + rail panels that were at times over 18' wide to train derailments and I think I finally got the hang of it.

When I applied at that company they said we do some flatbed work for one of the parent companies and also for BNSF but they neglected to tell me that there was nothing even remotely close to "normal" flatbed work. I hauled 109' rail points from Chicago, IL to Western Colorado, 18'w X 90'l panels from Kansas to Long Beach, CA and 100' to 140' bridge beams all over the central US. Not to mention the prestressed panels on a-frames on double drop trailers that were still 16' high. Not to bad going straight down the road but when you get to a job-site and the crane lifts one off then they tell you to spin the trailer around so they can get to the other one. Now you are sitting there with 25,000# propped against the a-frame on on side of the trailer. You sneeze wrong and the whole thing goes over.

Look into ATS or EW Wylie, they both have regular flatbed divisions and will work you into the specialized stuff. It pays great but be prepared to be away from home quite a bit. All the OD drivers I talk to spend about double the amount of time away from home as thier flatbed counterparts.

 

You go a little further out west like NV,OR,WA.WY, and such and you'll find alot of oversized trucks. All the gasoline haulers had over sized loads if they didn't have to go into AZ or CA. Plus you'll see more over sized trucks because of the mines and construction. But mostly because the those states allow larger trucks and alot of companies take advantage to move more product.

You just have to go where the companies are and keep trying to get on with one you like. I've said many times before you'll stand a better chance by going out to the company and talking to them face to face. Find one you like and go see them. If they have nothing at that time ask them what you could do to help so you could get on with their company better. Most times your score a few points when they know you really want to work for them. Providing you're qualified to drive for them. Even if they require more experience then you have they might know a company you could go to to gain the experience. I'd stay away from the large companies and go for the smaller well established ones.

 

Keen Transport used to run oversize and heavy haul. I don't know if they hire in your area. Check their website.

 

Ask the next driver you see pulling an over size load. they don't always run the highway channel your on so just flip thru till you find them.