Thinking about going flatbed

Honestly yes. I pulled dry boxes around and got tired of the same thing everyday so I leased to a flatbed outfit and they done a little securement training while I was in orientation and then sent me on my way. For the most part chaining is common sense and what you can't figure out another flatbedder will be happy to help as they don't want you killing thier family driving down the road. I just don't think you would be happy parking your truck and freedom to drive a company truck and making $800-$1100 per week when you can drive your own truck and make after fuel $1500-$3500 per week depending on where and how you run.

 

My vote is going with a company for a while , you will learn what you need to know and have a good support network while you learn. Not to mention a safety net is something unexpected happens.

 

their the only o/o company I know that will train you I don't work for them im leased on to Sammons trucking out of Missoula MT witch they don't train u have to have 1-2 years experience flatbedding b4 u can come on .... but if your cool with being paid by the mile and having a company find your loads I used to work for Roehl Transport and I know that they will hire and train you in flatbed and give you all the securement equipment for rent I think its $17 a week and they don't charge a trailer rent fee but u do have to have a headache rack and pass an inspection b4 they let u lease on

 

Don't get me wrong if you are tired of being an owner op and having the headaches then maybe you would like running a company truck but I would be a company driver pulling a flatbed as you do to much work and don't get the profit the company is seeing. As an owner op pulling a flatbed you will see $1.80 on the low end depending on what your moving and the distance to up to $2.50 per mile. This is on a regular basis. There is times you can make less or more depending on the need and location of the product needed to be moved.

Took to long to post this sorry. Ignore the company driving part.

 

CRST Malone will hook you up with everything you need. It will be a learning experience but I cannot fathom an o/o becoming a company driver just to learn flatbedding. Landstar will even let you pull a flat after you've been here 6 months and go through securement training.

 

I am in the same situation kinda. I am leased to a company pulling a wagon with my truck. I am going to continue till after March then get my own authority and pull a end dump and flat under my own authority. I already have the local contacts lined up so its a no brainer for me. As long as you don't mind physical work then I really think you would be happy with the money in flatbedding.... As an owner operator...