Texas flatbed companies that train newbies

Good day,

I am new to the forum here. I have been learning much from you guys reading all your posts regarding flatbed related triumphs and PITA moments? I have failed to find a forum relating to Houston, TX based companies though?
I am looking for Texas based or even better, Houston based flatbed trucking companies that train newbies. I have a
class A cdl for doing hot shot, pulling 35 and 40 foot floats with equipment on-board, however, I have 0 (zero) big boy truck flatbed experience. For that matter, I have never driven anything bigger than a straight truck or a 2 ton hot shot rig. I am as new as it gets... Is there anyone willing to throw some info my way?
I am very interested in growing up and making a run at big boy truck flat-bedding. I welcome the wisdom of seasoned veteran truckers to guide me through to the best possible beginning.
I have an opportunity before me presently to work for a new start up company doing flatbed hauls for them... the problem is, both myself and the company are more than a little inexperienced? In reading some of the more unfortunate posts describing inexperienced drivers? On reading those stories, I feel that I may potentially be putting myself and my future in a tough spot. As I previously stated, I welcome input from the veterans...
I will be entering driving school next week, however, if I am able I would like to train with a company to start out if that is advisable? I am 38 y.o. in great shape and confident that I have what it takes to do this job well and do it safely. Thanks in advance!

 

I spoke with Maverick last week. They told me that I am a little out of their hiring area for training due to ability to get me reasonable home time. They told me that I could come aboard once I have about six months experience under my belt. Maverick is on the top of my list once I get my experience. I have sent inquiries to TMC, Lone-Star, and will check with Swift on Monday. I will look into McElroy. I have no problem expanding out much further to find a good company.

 

Yeah I saw these guys in the Houston yellow pages. They are heavy OD/OS haulers I believe. I sent an email and got no reply from about 3 weeks ago. I plan to walk in and see if they will talk to me. Heavy OD/OS is where I want to end up anyhow....

 

Good point. I did not see that or even consider it, obviously. I was so focused on going to big boy trucks that I missed it.

 

I have seen a lot of trucking companies around Houston. Most of the ones that train though, start around Dallas and go north. Like I said earlier... I have no problem expanding much further out? This new start up company opportunity is really convenient? I'm just apprehensive because of the lack of experience on my part and every other person in the company? With my past experience with straight trucks and hot shot.... I represent the most experienced person so far? That's not cool in my opinion? I have a lot of respect for what you big boy truck drivers do? I have helper experience in locking down loads on flat beds, but no driving experience. I would feel more comfortable if I could work with and train with an experienced flat bedder for a couple of months before I start out there on my own trying to figure it out with this new company.... The biggest/heaviest load I have ever moved weighed in at approximately 15k. It was a straight truck full of various commodities that broke down. I carried that on a low deck tandem trailer behind 1 ton truck. That is the extent of my hauling experience not counting simple recovery of our fleet trucks when they broke down on rare occasion.