Flatbeding For New Rookies
Topic 30312 | Page 1
I can only speak as to Prime. I have been a flatbedder with Prime for over a year. If you are a good driver who is safe, delivers on time, and manages your clock well you will be treated well. But I think that would apply at any company. I've heard some good things about TMC which is another started company for for flatbed.
Hello, what is your recommendation on companies to start out with for new rookies wanting to go Flatbeding. I am looking for good pay, but great training I can use forever. Just got my CDL and am having a hard time finding work locally. So OTR is the only option. I don't want to get stuck in a company with a bad reputation for treating their drivers poorly. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Howdy, Christian R. ,
Indeed, Chief is correct; also I believe the time of training would probably be less going into Prime WITH your CDL, providing you went to a 160 hr / accredited school. TMC is, of course, another excellent choice, and even moreso if you are ex military.
Knight Transport would be another excellent 'look see.' Old School (our vet & mod on here) is careering with Knight Flatbed; and also we have a newer member, Davy, just finished up with Knight Squire Program and recently went solo.
Here's some of O/S's stuff, posts, profile, and a link to his blogspot: Old School ALL OF IT, WORTH the READ when you have time!
A few 'more' things for you to search; yet a few guys will probably stop by in the am, with more info. Brett's book (2nd down) is paramount.
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
Oh yeah, Turtle (another of our mods) started with Prime Flatbed division, and upped into WMPF recently. Prime sure set HIM up for that, as well! Ergo, he isn't OTR any longer, yet Prime flats was his conduit, and a HUGE one, at that. Look him up (and Davy!) where the blue tab says 'comments by members.' Easy Peasy.
Ask away, many answers can sure be had here! Wishing you the best;
~ Anne ~
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
EPU:
Electric Auxiliary Power Units
Electric APUs have started gaining acceptance. These electric APUs use battery packs instead of the diesel engine on traditional APUs as a source of power. The APU's battery pack is charged when the truck is in motion. When the truck is idle, the stored energy in the battery pack is then used to power an air conditioner, heater, and other devices
Prime is definitely a good one. TMC will give more options if you’re looking to expand your options in open deck work without having to look at another company beyond training. Roehl and Maverick are also good choices if you haven’t looked into them.
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Hello, what is your recommendation on companies to start out with for new rookies wanting to go Flatbeding. I am looking for good pay, but great training I can use forever. Just got my CDL and am having a hard time finding work locally. So OTR is the only option. I don't want to get stuck in a company with a bad reputation for treating their drivers poorly. Any advice would be much appreciated.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
EPU:
Electric Auxiliary Power Units
Electric APUs have started gaining acceptance. These electric APUs use battery packs instead of the diesel engine on traditional APUs as a source of power. The APU's battery pack is charged when the truck is in motion. When the truck is idle, the stored energy in the battery pack is then used to power an air conditioner, heater, and other devices