Good Flatbed Jobs?

Going to be getting my cell license in about two weeks. Was all set on flatbed but may be second guessing it. I know I won't have trouble finding a flatbed starter company but I wanted to go to a smaller company after l get my year in. There doesn't seem to be a lot of smaller flatbed company's that pay good like there are dry van company's. There are a ton of dry van company's very close to me that require a year and the pay is good. What do you guys think? Should l just do flatbed since that's where my heart's at and see where I'm at in a year? Or do dryvan because there seems to be more opportunity? Thanks!

Jaybird, follow your heart and flatbed. I have not heard yet that there is more opportunity pulling a dry van than there is flatbedding. Of course, all I know is what I've read; Old School, Pat M., and others could give you better-informed advice re: flatbedding, since they're doing it, but I'd wager there are an equal amount of opportunities available, because fewer people want to do it. And from what those guys write about, especially Old School in this forum and on his blog Life As A Road Warrior, it just seems way more interesting than pulling a dry van!

Go flatbed if that's what you want. If after a year of accident and ticket free OTR you can get on with a dry van company easy enough. I had a year experience pulling a reefer and had to go with a trainer to do flatbed, for securment and tarping training. But when I went to dry van I didn't have to go with a trainer at all.

My heart was in flatbed too, and in the 3 months I've been doing it, I'm very happy with my choice.

As you're aware, you'll have to secure and tarp loads in all weather conditions. I've hit sub-zero in Minnesota and stifling heat in Texas. To me, this is a small and short inconvenience compared to the benefits I get from flatbedding.

So I'd go with your heart, and whatever happens in a year, happens. Good luck.

If by opportunities you mean local day cab jobs, then yes I believe there are more dry van jobs available. There are local flatbed carriers (ryder,jb hunt, averitt, pens to name a few). They pay very well and usually m-f. As any local job they usually want experience. Although not as many, there are flatbed opportunities locally. There's tons of regional and or flatbed companies out there, including mine which is Maverick. All depends on location.

Thanks for the input guys! Should know by know at my age, follow your heart and everything else will work itself out! :)