Newbie getting flatbed experience in Los Angeles area?

There are flatbed companies like Roehl that train graduates for flatbedding. I'm not sure what would be available in the LA area. I would suggest leaving the money in the bank at least until you've learned the ins and outs some.

 

Don't buy a truck until you gain some experience. With no experience it will be practically impossible to get insurance and brokers won't give you loads. Study the OOIDA.com website and you will understand about all this. Attend CDL school then hire on with a flatbed outfit as a company driver; run for 3 or 4 yrs this way, then buy a truck.

Safer Transportation Inc. in Tarzania has a flatbed division and hires new CDL grads. If you're interested in this company, call and ask which CDL school they recommend.

Check out several flatbed companies:

Melton Truck Lines
Jones Bros. Trucking
System Transport - 2 terminals in California.

 

call alliance specialized in Vernon,ca

 

Instead of going to CDL school, you can get trained by companies such as PRIME, SWIFT,CRST* & CREngland*. (*Although I strongly advise you stay away from these two) that have training programs for new drivers. PRIME has a Flatbed division and they pay well. I have applied and been accepted into their Flatbed division. Also, what Chinatown says is correct. Few if any companies will deal with you until you have a years experience. Save your money.

 

Celadon has a training program and a flatbed division.

 

Hi there, I can tell you that we do require our drivers to have a minimum of 1 year flatbed experience, but we prefer more.

 

No matter what, if you want flatbed startin flatbed. I made the mistake getting back into trucking to be a door banger (dry van) with Swift. I started to train in dry van, then got stuck because to transfer to flatbed required a one week load securement class and additional time with a trainer.