Best Flatbed Companies For A New Student

I am currently going through Sage Trucking School in Sandy, UT. I'm very open to relocating my home base, Utah doesn't have chains on me ;) Scheduled to graduate about the 1st to 2nd week in December. Would love some advice from you drivers about what company or companies I should consider. My main interest is Flatbed so I can be a little more physical in the job, also having the ability to have a rider and pet with me is the other key deciding factors. I also have a passport if that helps. I appreciate any information you all have and have the upmost respect for what you do! Can't wait to join you on the open road :)

My wife and I like Melton the most. Go check out there web page and call there recruiter they have been very helpful. Read everything you can on this site cause it is the bomb. Maverick would be my next choice

Honestly you will get the same answer from all of the people. The best company is the company that fits you best. That is the honest truth. The difference will be in the minor details

I would be remiss if I didn't put in a plug for my company, Jones Brothers Trucking in Missoula, MT. Best people I've ever worked for, in any industry. PM me if you want more info.

I'll have to throw in another vote for Melton. Only been here a few weeks but their great people. You'll go through orientation in Tulsa most likely where you'll learn a good deal about load securement and tarping. I've run across new drivers from other flatbed companies where they basically gave them the keys to a truck and sent them out without any training at all. Not a good idea in flatbedding. I've met several other drivers and even had breakfast with a retiring safety officer and a number of million milers. Not a complaint from any of them. The one driver that I heard complaints from shouldn't be in OTR trucking anyway. He wants to be home every weekend and can't understand why he doesn't get good miles.

Jordan there are quite a few good flat-bed outfits that will hire inexperienced drivers. Melton has already been mentioned twice, and I have to agree, they are set up to teach you everything you need to know to be safe with your securement practices, and they will sort of hold your hand at the beginning to help you make a good start. We have had several new drivers in our forum end up starting over there.

But really you should check into some of the others also. I know TMC, Maverick, Western Express, Jordan, and several others will take on new drivers. Going into flat-bed for a new driver adds a whole new dimension of safety concerns, but plenty of people do it and seem to manage it just fine. All of the companies that have been mentioned will take the time to teach you the proper methods and the basic math foundations that are necessary for good securement practices before they turn you loose. Most of them will make you pass a test on securement practices before they will even let you get started. On top of that you will spend probably about a month driving with a mentor who can help you get some "hands on" experience before they throw you out there on your own. We have our very own "Little Syster" who started out with Systems, and she is loving it - so there is another one you might want to look into.

There is no "best" flat-bed company out there. I started with Western Express, a company that has a terrible online reputation. I went on to prove that all that trash talk on the internet about evil trucking companies is a bunch of foolishness. I did really well there, got a great foundation for my future career, and probably would still be there had I not received a significantly better offer from Knight Transportation for a dedicated flat-bed gig with them.

Thank you for all the great information! I'm excited to go into Flatbed for the challenge and physical aspect of it. I have been looking closely into Both Melton and Western. I don't much pay attention to online reviews do to the fact so many are bogus. I sold programs for an online commerce company and learned all about online reviews. Getting information from you all is helping me greatly! I am leaning toward Melton at this time do to the fact it seems thy pay a little better in several areas. Now looking at Jones Brothers almost makes me want to live in Montana, what beautiful setting in Missoula, MT. Melton seems to be the best fit at this point, but I also have a couple more weeks of school which gives me time to decide and research further :)

Thanks again for your input on this!

Thank you for all the great information! I'm excited to go into Flatbed for the challenge and physical aspect of it. I have been looking closely into Both Melton and Western. I don't much pay attention to online reviews do to the fact so many are bogus. I sold programs for an online commerce company and learned all about online reviews. Getting information from you all is helping me greatly! I am leaning toward Melton at this time do to the fact it seems thy pay a little better in several areas. Now looking at Jones Brothers almost makes me want to live in Montana, what beautiful setting in Missoula, MT. Melton seems to be the best fit at this point, but I also have a couple more weeks of school which gives me time to decide and research further :)

Thanks again for your input on this!

I am really liking System Transport, I have been with them since the end of August. If you want any info just PM me.

Today I officially graduated from Sage Trucking School! I am not ready to join a company and start accomplishing my goals! :)

Today I officially graduated from Sage Trucking School! I am not ready to join a company and start accomplishing my goals! :)

te> Take the not out and then it would make sense. Maybe I am missing something?