Well, usually.. I mean always... my wife is always right and I'm wrong. So my answer would be to do what I always do and just listen to her advice.
There are definitely extras with flat bedding but millions of people have done it before you so I wouldn't sell yourself short. If that's what you think your calling is then go for it! You'll have a slightly easier time in the beginning with reefer but starting out flatbed isn't too out-of-this-world.
A refrigerated trailer.
I just started driving a little over a month ago, and I started in flatbed. Personally, I love it. I obviously can't compare it to other forms of trucking since I haven't experienced them, all I have is observation and stories from others. But I think some of the advantages are:
Tons of variety. Not only do you get to haul a bunch of cool, different things, you also get to actually see it and interact with it firsthand. For me, it makes me feel more like part of the process, like a caretaker and transporter of the customer's goods, instead of just a driver in front of a nondescript box. It's a nice sense of accomplishment at the end of each load. Already I've hauled things like lumber & plywood, steel plates & grates, rebar, fertilizer, shipping containers, hydraulic lifts, wooden crane mats, etc. and I'm sure that's just a small sampling of the things you could potentially haul on a flatbed.
Not having to back up to docks (usually). I personally think backing is more difficult to deal with as a newbie than flatbedding techniques, and although I'm sure there are benefits to getting thrust into difficult backing situations right off the bat, I feel like I get enough practice with it just at the truck stops every night. That's not to say you won't have to back into loading areas as a flatbedder, but it will be a lot less frequent, and probably a lot more interesting than the ubiquitous dock doors.
Exercise. Let's face it, as truckers there typically isn't much room for physical fitness in our schedules and lifestyles. Although it seemed very physically demanding at first, I already feel like I'm in much better shape than when I've started, and I must have lost at least 15 pounds so far. I'm also sporting a sweet tan! There's nothing quite like coming into the cab after spending an hour or two tarping in the sweltering heat, shirt soaked with sweat, cranking up the a/c, chugging a bottle of water, and admiring your work in the mirrors. There's a definite sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with that.
Not having to worry as much about low clearances (depending on the load). Self-explanatory.
I'm sure there are other advantages that I'm not thinking of too. Look, the bottom line is that it really isn't that difficult to learn the basics of flatbedding. You just need to know how to balance a load over the axles (simple math) and how to secure a load (when in doubt, add more securement). There are different techniques for different types of loads, but they're easy enough to learn. I'm lucky that I had two great trainers who are readily available and willing to help whenever I call them with questions, but I'm finding I'm gradually starting to call them less and less. If you feel drawn to flatbedding and you like meeting challenges head on, I say go for it!
I am not against flatbedding. Heck the last week or so I have even thought about doing it myself. Lol this happens to me every summer. Weather is warm or hot and I think 'Yeah I could do flatbed' then I start thinking straight and remember what winter time is like. Winter before last I only spent 5 minutes outside. Just long enough to cover my grill up so air could not get to the radiator and almost did not make it back inside the truck. Oh yeah. The - 55 degree temperature and 30 mph probably had ALOT to do with it. And the was just 5 minutes. No way I could imagine tarping and straping in that type of weather. People do.
I am rather happy to be a door swinger. Lol.
I am not against flatbedding. Heck the last week or so I have even thought about doing it myself. Lol this happens to me every summer. Weather is warm or hot and I think 'Yeah I could do flatbed' then I start thinking straight and remember what winter time is like. Winter before last I only spent 5 minutes outside. Just long enough to cover my grill up so air could not get to the radiator and almost did not make it back inside the truck. Oh yeah. The - 55 degree temperature and 30 mph probably had ALOT to do with it. And the was just 5 minutes. No way I could imagine tarping and straping in that type of weather. People do.
I am rather happy to be a door swinger. Lol.
Yeah that's the one thing I'm dreading! I'm gonna be doubling or even tripling up on my full-body thermal underwear. Then layer upon layer on top of that. I'll be like the little brother from "A Christmas Story" out there trying to roll up a tarp, unable to bend my arms or legs.
You can totally do it straight out of the gate. You just have to be the type that really likes taking on challenges. I would recommend going with a company that has other types of freight also like Swift Transport or Roehl. That way if you decide flatbed isn't for you they will change you to another division within the company.
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I have a ton of prehires here and i was talking it over with my fiance and i started thinking, would it be smart to go into flatbed as soon as i start school or should i wait til i get some experience? I like the idea of flatbed and the money is definitely better but i am thinking i should wait til i know how to drive a truck before i jump into all the extras that flatbed requires. Im just curious about what all you experienced drivers think.
Prehire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
Prehires:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.