What are you looking for in a flatbed company?

The high end girls come meet you at the hotel. They drive nice cars, they live in nice houses, and they are incredibly beautiful, and educated in the "art." You pay her for her TIME (not for sex), a day rate. On the low end of the spectrum, you have the volume worker. You're paying for a nut. As soon as you pop off, she's gone running off for the next load.

4 hours tarping is what he mentioned. I would need my day rate to tarp for 4 hours. Whether I am driving or tarping, I have the same day rate.

 

Chicken lights n chrome 389!

 

I realize this is not what you may want as far as info. But being an owner,. I look for guys all the time. you would be surprised how fast someone can turn you off to work for you. it's amazing how many drivers that have "automatic only". on their license.

Owners Look for:
a driver who is dressed for the job.
Jeans and clean shirts
has boots
has gloves
has hard hat
has safety jacket or vest
has safety glasses
has ear protection
keeps appearance up of himself
does his job
thinks on his feet
treats truck like it is his own
can read english
can read an atlas
can route self to locations on time
can use a phone (not for games)
can write legabile
can call shippers or receivers for directions or pickup or drop off times
has basic mechanical skills
- checks oil
- checks tires
-inspects vehicle truck and trailer
- can make information available about needs for truck (oil change, lube, maintance issues)
Can drive a stick
Can fill out paperwork log books or digital version. NOT EOBR qualcomm
these are just off the top of my head.

If you can do these things, you will be very very valuable to an employer.
alot of flatbed companies are 5 trucks or smaller. they pay very well .50/mile Plus bonus, medical coverage ,retirement, vacation time. you can make good money. You don't have to be in a specific geographical area of the country. it's a truck you can move it all over the place.



shop around. talk to drivers, you never know you may run into an owner , who has a killer ride looking for someone to fill that seat.

 

I like being paid more for "tarping" because I own the tarps/securement. If I'm picking up a load of MDF I know what condition the tarps are in and will know if the load can be done without water damage, or if I will need time to patch the tarps (unlikely). They are mine and my reputation.

I like to get paid for fixing mechanical problems (properly) instead of taking it to a shop.

If I tell you there will be rush-hour and the PU/DEL will be delayed, don't be deliberately obtuse about it.

That's about it.

 

have you considered looking at your neighbours?

 

No. I like being home every 5-6 days, lol. I've heard their drivers are out 2-3 weeks at a time (most love it) but it's not for me.

And I greatly prefer freight that fits within the sides of the trailer.

 

Is that the propaganda their slinging? Lol. It's not true.

I get the second part it's a pain in the ###.. till the check comes in.

 

I've talked to one of our guys who used to work there. He left because of the fact they weren't getting him home every week. Money is great until you want to spend time with your family.

My wife still isn't crazy about me being on the road, and I don't need to run my butt off to make every last little cent possible. I like where I am and what I'm doing. I'm not it kind of driver just to jump onto the next higher pay scale just because it's higher.

And if anything, I'd prefer to move into dry bulk or liquid bulk if I'm going to switch. I have a family connection on the green team and doubt getting a job there would be hard. Plus, it's the trucks and equipment that are the biggest draw for me, not the pay scale. The easiest way to get me on as a driver would be a 379 EXHD with a C15 single turbo CAT.

 

I've seen Maverick offering 25 to tarp and Joran 35, so who do you like ?