Not all truck driving jobs are alike. Flatbed trucking is a niche that demands more from the drivers; more know-how and more physical activity. Meeting the requirements can translate into more pay and better benefits. Unlike tractor trailers, flatbeds carry loads that aren’t in containers. For obvious safety reasons, the flatbed shipments must be properly tied down and secured. It’s crucial to prevent loosening or shifting of the cargo.
Flatbed drivers need to become familiar with using and maintaining extra equipment. Chains, load binders, ratchet tie-downs and other restraining tools are part of the routine preparation for hauling. Some loads require being fully covered by tarps. The tarps also need to be fully secured.
There is no shortage of flatbed trucking companies needing qualified drivers. Industrial demand for the safe and timely delivery of commodities such as steel, pipes, machinery and lumber is ongoing. Some hauling outfits have been steadily serving the same customers for more than half a century.
Freight forwarding is the backbone of the economy. Whether shipping for an individual, a small company or a major industrial corporation, the timely shipping of goods keeps everything moving. Imagine how quickly it would all grind to a standstill if the trucks stood idle. Truck driving jobs need to be filled quickly with competent drivers.
Drivers become an integral part of providing the reliability that meets a company’s objective while advancing its reputation. In the trucking industry, a hauler’s reputation can mean the difference between failure, survival and outstanding success. The flatbed drivers are commonly given incentives to achieve a high rating for job performance.
Most flatbed hauling companies are eager to hire owner-operators. Many also prefer to hire driving teams. Pairing drivers increases the safety of the load as well as the safety of the drivers. It also lowers the physical demands through team effort.
How To Get Trained For The Best Truck Driving Jobs
Some flatbed transportation companies train drivers to join their teams. They usually prefer that the drivers have some prior commercial OTR (over the road) experience. They then give any necessary instructions related to flatbed transporting safety, proper tie-downs and preventing and correcting load shifts.
Having no prior experience doesn’t bar anyone from becoming a professional flatbed driver. Truck driving schools, some operated by trucking companies, offer instructions on how to drive various types of transport trucks including flatbeds. The completion of a commercial driver’s course results in the issuance of a CDL upon passing the subsequent tests.
There’s a lot to learn beyond the operation of commercial trucks. Knowing the freight class of a load tells a lot about how it needs to be handled. There are 18 specific classifications for transporting commodities. The classification, designated by a number, correlates with four primary characteristics of the freight.
The class designation relays the density of the cargo. It also determines the maximum width and length for any particular commodity. One of the most valuable pieces of information derived from the classification number is the projected ease of handling. The final piece of information derived from the code is the liability factor which places a value on the shipment as well as it’s likelihood to be stolen or damaged.
Of course, it takes more than a newly-acquired CDL to drive solo. New drivers are usually partnered with more experienced OTR drivers for several months. The ongoing on-the-job training provides more practical and in-depth experience as real situations are encountered and remedied. After some experience is gained in a real world driving environment, companies often try to start the new drivers out slowly with local truck driving jobs. These allows new drivers to gradually build up their confidence and experience while be close enough to their home base.
Salary Guidelines For Truck Driving Careers
A truck driver salary fluctuates depending upon several variables. Most flatbed trucking companies pay by the mile. However, there are often added incentives that boost the overall income. There can be recognition, awards and monetary bonuses given for attendance, retention (length of time with the company), miles logged and safety milestones.
When considering the salary, it’s also important to weigh-in the added benefits. Health insurance, 401k plans, lease/ownership opportunities, paid vacation time and other perks might tip the scales when choosing one company over another. For some, there is non-monetary value when given the option of staying within home range and being with their families every night.
Selecting the right truck driving jobs can lead to a lucrative and secure career. Build a reputation mile-by-mile, maintain a clean safety record, demonstrate reliability and be a team player. Reach for the incentives and the rewards will follow. Transport yourself up the ladder of success while you transport freight.