Good flatbed company for new owner operator

Probably landstar or road runner... Givem a call

 

I actually try to stay out of threads like these, because what is a good company to one person is a POS company to another. The thing that caught my attention is the 'I don't need any bs about "you don't know anything why would you buy a truck" ' part of your post. My first thought was, "Hand, you do understand that THIS is the flatbed forum, not the doorslammer fearmongering forum, don't you?" Find me one post where someone in this forum told someone else that he doesn't know anything and shouldn't buy a truck after that driver has experience. I haven't seen that post. You are an experienced driver, meaning you can drive a truck anywhere in North America without someone holding your hand. Congratulations. So get rid of that chip on your shoulder already and let's get down to business.

Do you have your own trailer? If so, Landstar or Mercer, Admiral Merchant. If not, Bennett, MidWest, Buchanan. Don't do LoneStar...they're forced dispatchy with their owner ops. There are tons and tons of smaller more regional companies in the Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska areas. It would require you to beat the bushes to find them, but they're out there.

 

Mercer will train you. I believe landstar will do. From the research I done I do not think Admirals will. That being said if I wasn't going where I am Admirals would be at the top of the list. You can prettty much get loads from anywhere you like. From their agents or boards outside their agents. They even have a program for a little more percentage for bringing on your on customers.

Also consider talking to smaller companies that are local to you and see what they can offer. Draw back might be you have to have a trailer before you go there. The bigger companies you can usually rent or lease one until you are ready to buy.

 

I only have experience with Mercer, but it was as a contractor for an o/o. I honestly can't think of much negative to say about them, other than you have to haul freight from their load board. But they do usually have plenty of freight, and if you want to go to an area that is "dead" freight - wise, your coordinator will warn you. However if you still want to go that way, it's up to you. It's not forced dispatch.
And they do lease to own trailers as well.
Good luck, and thanks for your service!

 

Crst malone is a good get your feet wet company and provide securement training and trailer rentals. Theirs a lot of negative comments out there, but a majority concerns their LP program.

 

Companies like Landstar admirals and even mercer, with the off time you shouldn't have problem. When they add you to the liability and other insurance it's negligible to the bottom line. Now with the smaller company it is going to be more noticeable on the bottom line. So if if you didn't bring money in then there is no money to cover your portion of the liability. But the advantage, as I'm my case how I see it, you have more of a chance of ending up with a business partner. A bigger small company or mid size company may be the answer. A little of both worlds.

Another thing to consider is will the company be there to help you if things go sour, a bad week, a bad luck breakdown, etc. I don't think you would get that with Landstar or Mercer.

Good luck in the hunt

 

On the company you choose, find the rate between having a trailer vs using their trailer. Then one option for trailers, look in TruckPaper.com, under pick a selection choose Rent or Lease, then talk to the businesses that do that type of transaction. Compare what you pay for company trailer to what you pay to rent one.
Tip; anytime you are looking to buy or upgrade, specifically a used vehicle, car, truck. trailer, etc., look for one that has been sitting at the dealer for awhile. The longer it sits the more it cost the dealer. Concerning Auto Larger Dealers a car sitting for more than 90 days will probably be headed for the auction yard, at wholesale prices.
The more information you gather from all parties, the better prepared you are to make a good decision.