intro, advice needed.

If I were you I would discuss this with wife. Basically, trucking will either destroy your marriage or make it stronger. Even though I am brand new, I talked all the possibilities over with my spouse. We came up with a 1 year plan and a multi year plan, so that it would work to make our marriage stronger.

Sure you need to know what your options are, but if your spouse is not on board 100% you should explore a new strategy..

 

You have to look over the whole scenario. Being separated is hard. Very hard. On the other hand, you do have to take the long view. What are your long term goals. How can you best achieve those goals.

It's not for every couple. If you have marriage problems before the separation, the problems will be exacerbated. If you are strong in your relationship, being separated is less of a challenge, but still requires an enormous amount of communication and commitment.

I won't tell you what you should or shouldn't do, but I will say that you should talk about ALL of the ramifications.

 

I would go thru school in Nevada and then apply to all the companies that interest you and then discuss it with the wife as you hear back from companies. Then the two of you make the decision with facts not guesses.

 

Why are you only interested in flatbed? Not trying to dissuade you, but have you thought about maybe working for a local company until your wife can move with you? Most threads I have read say your options open up after a year or two of experience anyway, so maybe you could get that experience locally, keep your wife close, and then ya'll could move together?

 

Hmmm lets see....... Tarping in all kinds of weather; Heat, rain, cold, high winds.

Using cheater bars to get those ratchet binders tight.

Putting up side kits and taking 'em down. Dealing with muddy construction sites (on occassion) that may require hip waders and a chain to drag you out of the mud after your off loaded.

Flat bedders are some of the hardest working, toughest, drivers in the industry but also have some of the worst working conditions and career ending injuries of all.

I hope you like getting dirty too because you will. Between the chains, tarps, and work sites, you will need several changes of clothes, boots/shoes, and access to a wash facility (or lots of handi wipes) to get cleaned up.

The mega carriers have some of the lowest pay scales in the industry, so be sure to take your time and do as much research as you can on a carrier before signing on with them.

A couple other things to think about; Bungee cords that break can whip across your arms, torso, and face. If the hook catches you it may even rip you open. Cheater bars that slip can cause everything from pulled muscles, strained shoulders, and broken arms to broken skulls. Tarping an uneven load in a high wind may give you the magic carpet ride of your life; 14 feet straight to the pavement with a career ending head or back injury!

I suggest going to school and learning to drive a big truck before you make any decisions about what segment of the industry to actually work in. Look at everything available; Pay scales, equipment, home time, benefits offered, and especially accessorial pay. Make sure the carrier pays you for EVERY load you have to tarp.

If your still wild about flatbedding (after you learn to drive) then you can always transfer to a flatbed company and have them give you some on the job training on securement procedures.

Oh yeah, and don't forget that spread axle flats dont turn as easily as a normal trailer will either. Tight u turns with a loaded trailer can cause the tires to roll off the rims. Seen it happen several times to newbies.