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Switching from Reefer to Flatbed: God or bad idea?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by EmersonSC, Nov 4, 2009.

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  1. Nov 4, 2009 #1
    EmersonSC

    EmersonSC Light Load Member

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    Mar 12, 2009
    Taylor, MI
    0
    I am currently running Reefer for Prime Inc. I am finally fed up with being WalMart and SuperValu's b****. These places make me sit for 3-10hrs at a time to get unloaded, and generally waste my time with no cares or worries.

    I understand that's a risk no matter what division, but i feel groceries is the worst offenders.

    I have talked to a few flat-bedders from Prime and other companies saying they are not insane busy, but staying steady. I got an offer driving for a flat-bed company, and wondering if its worth the change? I would be making 34CPM over the 32CPM I make now.I would be able to come home every 12-14 days over the 4-6 weeks i am doing now.

    Is there enough flat-bed freight to stay busy, or should i stick with reefer? I am NOT worried about the extra work. I used to be a laborer for masons and roofers so manual labor is far from an issue.
     
    Last edited: Nov 4, 2009
    EmersonSC, Nov 4, 2009
    EmersonSC, Nov 4, 2009
    #1
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  3. Nov 4, 2009 #2
    jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

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    Standing in the corner, timed out
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    Baaaaaaaad.
    I believe reefer stays busier, BUT , I have no idea about your company !!
     
    jtrnr1951, Nov 4, 2009
    jtrnr1951, Nov 4, 2009
    #2
  4. Nov 4, 2009 #3
    EmersonSC

    EmersonSC Light Load Member

    155
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    Mar 12, 2009
    Taylor, MI
    0
    I wont be staying with Prime if i do the switch. They are going back to only hiring lease drivers, and i wont touch that with someone elses time, money, or life.
     
    EmersonSC, Nov 4, 2009
    EmersonSC, Nov 4, 2009
    #3
  5. Nov 4, 2009 #4
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,670
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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    Well, all I can say is most flatbed loading/unloading is done during daytime hours. Some steel plants/lumber plants work 2 shifts. But most employees treat you with respect, as long as you know what you're doing. Job site deliveries are the best. Thay actually want what you have for them. I would say unloads are 75% quick. (30 min) Occasionally you get a slow poke fork lift jock who hasn't a clue where to put the load, or is trying to work in a mud hole. But, you know, a few times I loaded melons on a flatbed and ended up at a freakin' grocery whse to unload. I was never so insulted. It is beneath a flatbedder to even go within 5 miles of a grocery whse.
     
    Allow Me., Nov 4, 2009
    Allow Me., Nov 4, 2009
    #4
  7. Nov 4, 2009 #5
    jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

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    Jul 20, 2009
    Standing in the corner, timed out
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    I've seen a few bags of onions fall off a flat, was that you Allow Me ?????
    Just kidding.......
     
    jtrnr1951, Nov 4, 2009
    jtrnr1951, Nov 4, 2009
    #5
  8. Nov 4, 2009 #6
    Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Utah's DIXIE!
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    Shoot man, if you are going to be forced into switching anyway, because of the company laying you off, TAKE THE JOB!

    1) It is a job.

    2) It pays similar to what you are making now. OK, I went back and re-read your post. It pays MORE than you are making now!

    3) It is added experience!

    So where is the downside?

    Good luck.
     
    Last edited: Nov 4, 2009
    Big Don, Nov 4, 2009
    Big Don, Nov 4, 2009
    #6
  9. Nov 4, 2009 #7
    chief

    chief Heavy Load Member

    851
    284
    Jul 15, 2007
    Flavor Country, NC
    0
    I loved flat bed. I wouldn't pull a box (regardless of the temperature) for anything. but 34 CPM for flatbed is a bit insulting. I was at 39 loaded/ 38 empty 3 years ago (with 2 years experience.) but you don't generally sit these ridiculous amounts of time at shippers or receivers like you would with a van. I say go for it (at the risk of being labeled a "job hopper.")
     
    chief, Nov 4, 2009
    chief, Nov 4, 2009
    #7
  10. Nov 4, 2009 #8
    EmersonSC

    EmersonSC Light Load Member

    155
    26
    Mar 12, 2009
    Taylor, MI
    0
    well 34 is because of my experience. Its not that Prime is laying me off, its that they treat their employees like ####. They dont pay detention pay. They pay off the movers guide, which usually for me, means im running between 50-200mi PER trip for free. WalMart and Supervalu LOVE to keep us there all day. LIke today:

    APT was for 0600. I arrived at 0530. Didnt get a door untill 0800. They took FIVE hours to unload me. And it wasted my whole day. Ended up not getting a load today and now i sit. Ill be lucky if i break 1200 miles this week now.
     
    EmersonSC, Nov 4, 2009
    EmersonSC, Nov 4, 2009
    #8
  11. Nov 4, 2009 #9
    chief

    chief Heavy Load Member

    851
    284
    Jul 15, 2007
    Flavor Country, NC
    0

    you're going to have that regardless of company. you'll just be doing it with a skate board instead of a box. I had plenty 1200 miles weeks when things slowed down. detention pay is just a myth. very few companies pay practical route miles. jump companies if you think you need to, but you might not find greener grass on the other side.
     
    chief, Nov 4, 2009
    chief, Nov 4, 2009
    #9
  12. Nov 4, 2009 #10
    EmersonSC

    EmersonSC Light Load Member

    155
    26
    Mar 12, 2009
    Taylor, MI
    0
    Its not so much should i jump companies, but more of a which is better as far as reliability, and miles go. Flat-bed or van?
     
    EmersonSC, Nov 4, 2009
    EmersonSC, Nov 4, 2009
    #10
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