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New CDL driver, lost on which direction to head

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by arrow223, Mar 16, 2025.

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  1. Mar 16, 2025 #1
    arrow223

    arrow223 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 16, 2025
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    So I started about a month ago with flatbed. My initial thought was that they are one of the top paid drivers in the trucking industry. I was wondering if any of the experience drivers have any inputs on what field I should look into so I can start early and gain experience in the right field. I currently live in Orlando, FL. I know there is not a one size fits all position in this industry but I’m looking for valuable knowledge. The goal is to run a day cab and be home most weekends or everyday (I know this is rare) I’m willing to take a pay cut but still want to be making a good amount of money. I understand I have to get my experience up I just want to get it in the right places. If you have any good suggestions on companies I should aim for later in my career or companies that I should look into right now, either are beneficial. I have my tanker, hazmat, and Twic card. If there is any information I have left out that is needed message below and I will get them answered. I am also trying not to go the owner operator route just want to drive for a company.
     
    arrow223, Mar 16, 2025
    arrow223, Mar 16, 2025
    #1
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Mar 16, 2025 #2
    bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    Stick with the flatbed company. You gotta get experience. Given that you live in Orlando, you're biggest albatross in getting any type of job in trucking will be your locale. You can mitigate that somewhat by getting experience, 1 or even 2 years. We are in a job market right now that doesn't favor the driver. Companies have the leverage. You did right to get your endorsements. However, the most important thing to have in trucking is experience. Without experience, very fee companies will look at you. Just he patient, stay where you're working, hone your skills, and everything will come to you eventually.
     
    bryan21384, Mar 16, 2025
    bryan21384, Mar 16, 2025
    #2
    Albertaflatbed, tscottme and Bean Jr. Thank this.
  4. Mar 16, 2025 #3
    lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    Oct 22, 2020
    SW Georgia
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    Bryan (above) is right.

    Stay where you are....in flatbed....for now.

    Flatbedders who specialize in certain freight types do extremely well, financially.

    In the meantime -- try to score getting experience with different types of flatbed freight: steel coils, stepdeck, watercraft, conestoga, etc.

    If you do later decide to go to another type of freight (away from open deck) -- other types of carriers will still respect your flatbed experience -- & you generally won't have issues transitioning.

    -- L
     
    lual, Mar 16, 2025
    lual, Mar 16, 2025
    #3
    Albertaflatbed and tscottme Thank this.
  5. Mar 16, 2025 #4
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Are any of these locations close to you; close enought to drive to work every day?
    Pritchett Trucking Inc
     
    Chinatown, Mar 16, 2025
    Chinatown, Mar 16, 2025
    #4
  7. Mar 16, 2025 #5
    roundhouse

    roundhouse Road Train Member

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    And be careful

    no accidents or tickets

    you get 18-24 months experience with zero tickets or accidents and you will have a lot more doors open for jobs .
     
    roundhouse, Mar 16, 2025
    roundhouse, Mar 16, 2025
    #5
    Albertaflatbed, lual, tscottme and 1 other person Thank this.
  8. Mar 16, 2025 #6
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Chinatown, Mar 16, 2025
    Chinatown, Mar 16, 2025
    #6
  9. Mar 16, 2025 #7
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Chinatown, Mar 16, 2025
    Chinatown, Mar 16, 2025
    #7
  10. Mar 16, 2025 #8
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Chinatown, Mar 16, 2025
    Chinatown, Mar 16, 2025
    #8
  11. Mar 16, 2025 #9
    blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    South west Missouri
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    Stay where you’re at / get 18 -24 months in and if you want $$ - look at LTL.
     
    blairandgretchen, Mar 16, 2025
    blairandgretchen, Mar 16, 2025
    #9
    lual and tscottme Thank this.
  12. Mar 16, 2025 #10
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Chinatown, Mar 16, 2025
    Chinatown, Mar 16, 2025
    #10
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