I hear you there. I dont mind my local job pretty steady 10 hrs a day. But it can get a bit repetitive. Just would like to make a go while I'm still young enough to do so. Although I am not stupid enough to jump head first into being an owner op just to find out its not worth it. I appreciate all the advice these older guys give. I'm sure they know the industry better than me and know what they are talking about. Just seems like there isnt much left in trucking these days even more so as an owner op just stress and the potential of going bust it seems. Maybe we are just born 20 years too late.
Update for you guys. I guess I have decided against being an owner operator as of now. Listening to all your guys advice against the idea has made me think twice! I still have an itch albeit a different itch. I want to learn how to drive a flat bed/super b truck. How to strap/secure a load to the deck using straps and chains. Hell even want to learn how to tarp too. Just drove dry vans and reefers for the last 4 years or so since I got my license. Starting to get a little bored and I want change things up a bit and give me a challenge. Anyone know any decent flatbed/super b companies in BC? Probably not many too choose from me thinks
The tricky part is finding a company that’ll take you without flatbed experience, train you properly, pay fairly and be a decent company. That’s like a unicorn in this industry these days. If you could let us know what part of B.C. you’re in, someone may be able to help you a little better. Here’s a few to possibilities though. Arrow Transportation Systems. Kamloops, BC. I think they mostly run BC and a bit of Alberta with lumber and resource materials. Agri Trans Services (ATS). Armstrong, BC. They run the western provinces with lumber east and grain back west. (Combo trailers). As well as the Pacific Northwest USA with other commodities. Vedder Transportation. Abbotsford, BC. They’ve pretty much wrapped up their flatbed division (Can Am West) but their milk division might be something to consider. There’s AB/BC trips and line hauls. These are all multi divisional trucking companies which might be good if you’re someone who likes a change every couple years. You could switch divisions and not have to leave the company.
I think if you avoided 95% of companies based near Vancouver you'd probably find something decent lol.
Oh come on, you know full well when you see Vancouver or Surrey on the door they are a well respected company with top notch safe, experienced and courtious drivers.. lmao
Usually don't have time to read the door as I'm busy trying to not get run off the road by them as they take up half of my lane.
I use truck make and color to determine the amount of faith I have in the other driver. White Volvo I expect something dumb is about to happen. A cobbled together rainbow Volvo I just head for the ditch lol.. and before all the Volvo people get upset I know there are 1% of you out there that aren't a passing on a double solid line around a blind curve menace to everyone on the hiway.
They're getting worse. I watched one of them just about dump a super b over the side of Messiter a couple weeks ago. Had the rear trailer swinging a good 3 feet in each direction going thru the S-bends on the east side.
I noticed in flatbed alot of people join and get trained through someone they know in the industry. Rarely hear of companies training there new employees in securing loads. I know that sucks and shouldn't be like that but ask around and see if maybe a friends friend or etc knows someone. I got lucky and my friends dad taught me the most my knowledge of flatbedding.
