Am I Crazy?

So here's the deal, I've got about 3 more months until I've fully fulfilled my contract with Swift (drove 9 months, left for a while due to now ex-wife's medical issue, came back in August but have to work off the full amount of training, rather than just fulfilling 12 months worth). But here lately, I've been finding myself craving flatbed work more and more. I follow a couple of guys on YouTube who haul flatbed for different companies, and it just looks more and more like something I might want to do.

When I first started looking into driving a truck, I thought flatbed was something I didn't wanna deal with. But now it's just the opposite.

So I'm thinking about making the switch to Swift's flatbed fleet. Am I crazy for wanting to switch in January??

I don't know if there's anyone on here that is in Swift's flatbed division, or anyone that has ever been or that switched from dry/reefer to flatbed, but I would love to hear from any that have.

I'm thinking that if I do switch, it would be best for me to turn in my truck at Decatur the next time I go home, and then fly out to Phoenix (hopefully), Gary or Greer. The reason for that, is that I have my dog with me. I don't wanna have to board him somewhere strange for a week, or get my own pet friendly hotel room and leave him locked in there every day. I also highly doubt that Swift would allow me to sleep in the truck I'm in now, during the week of securement training in lieu of a hotel.

So am I crazy? There is not a ton of information available online about the flatbed division. I know the number to call is 800-800-flat, but I also don't wanna go through a recruiter to make the switch. I would much rather talk directly to a fleet leader.

Basically, I'm just wondering if there is anyone here who has any insider knowledge on the Swift flatbed division, and if it's really worth it to make the switch.

Look at my Avatar. Does that look like fun to you? If it does, then you are definitely crazy, and the flat bed fever has definitely overtaken your formerly sensible brain cells.

Any flat bedder understands your longings, but not your hesitation. I think you either love this stuff or you hate it. The ones that love it, enjoy the sense of reward they get from their accomplishments. Flat bedders enjoy beating the odds that are stacked against them. Foul weather is only one of the many things they overcome in their quest for victory.

Sorry I can't help you with the specifics on the transition, but I will give you a big "thumbs up" and say "Go for it!"

I would suggest you talk with Swift. Who know's how the company may be willing to help you make that switch. They may let you turn your truck in where you switch to flatbed. Ask. Good luck. And I think you're crazy. Look at Old School's profile pic and you'll know why I am not a flatbedder. I'm an old lazy wuss. lol

OS is spot on (as usual). My avatar shows fun as well lol. I'm a bit different in that I don't have to tarp or figure out how to secure everything known to mankind. I have pulled dry, refer vans and tankers. It took some getting used to turning spread axles. However I do like it much better than the others. You get some exercise in the process as well. I don't think your crazy at all. There is something for everyone in this industry if they want it. I agree go for it. Staying at swift to do it has an added benifit that if you end up not liking it they will probably let you switch back. You will never know if you don't try it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Best of luck

I think if it's something you're interested in, then you owe it to yourself to give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You find out it wasn't for you, yet gain some valuable experience.

Personally I prefer the winter. Sure, it may get bitter cold but I can dress for that. It brings a different set of challenges to the game with the ice and snow, but to me it's better than losing a couple pounds in sweat every time I have to secure a load.

Look at my Avatar. Does that look like fun to you? If it does, then you are definitely crazy, and the flat bed fever has definitely overtaken your formerly sensible brain cells.

I love this, and it's completely true. I'm with Old School, if you want to do it, go for it!

That definitely does look like fun OS! I've absolutely been bitten by the flatbed bug. I'm in Casper Wyoming, it's not super cold but it is 34 with pretty strong wind and snow/ice on the ground. I took my dog out this morning, and was walking by a few flatbeds spending time looking g at their loads and their securement. It looks like a fun challenge to me!

I don't really have any apprehension about switching to flatbed, just about whether it's worth it to switch with Swift right now, or wait and go with a company that is more flatbed specific. Basically, I don't wanna switch and then only be hauling sprinter vans for 1800 miles a week. I know that is down to company specifics.

I am pretty positive that I could just get a load going to one of the flatbed terminals and swap trucks there, I just wouldn't want to do that having my dog with me, if I'm gonna have to stay in a hotel. I would be perfectly fine staying in this truck at the terminal , or switching and staying in a flatbed truck at the terminal, which would allow me to keep my dog comfortable (he absolutely loves being in the truck). I'll just have to find out whether they would allow that, or want me staying in a hotel.

Either way, I have definitely decided that flatbed is the next step in my career!

Either way, I have definitely decided that flatbed is the next step in my career!

That is true for me too. Flatbed has always been my first choice. I really like this Walmart dedicated, but I just don't see myself collecting stickers for the rest of my career.

I will be switching soon, too.

Either way, I have definitely decided that flatbed is the next step in my career!

That is true for me too. Flatbed has always been my first choice. I really like this Walmart dedicated, but I just don't see myself collecting stickers for the rest of my career.

I will be switching soon, too.

I know what you mean about the Walmart dedicated. To be completely honest, it was pretty mind numbing to me. I did it for a week and knew that wasn't gonna be my career path.

I've always liked getting new and different challenges. There's not a lot of diversity in van loads. I think that's truly the biggest draw to flatbed for me.

Got the confirmation today that my fleet leader granted my "release" from the Atlanta OTR fleet and I'm accepted into the flatbed OTR fleet! I'll be in Phoenix on Monday to do a week of securement training!

That's terrific! Congratulations!