A Guide to Getting Into the Flatbed Truck Business
Due to how important cargo-hauling is to the American economy, the truck industry is booming, but there’s a driver shortage. If you’ve been considering getting into flatbed trucking or expanding your current fleet to offer flatbed-truck services, it’s important to know more information about the ins and outs of the business before you plunge into it. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Do It?
Compared to other types of trucking positions, flatbed trucking is a little more niche. But it’s still a crucial part of the greater hauling industry, so it’s important that people provide this service. If you can specialize in something for which there is a great need, especially when there’s a worker shortage, you’ll have plenty of job opportunities and won’t want for work.
Earning Potential
You can choose to get into flatbed trucking for a short period or a long period of time, but either way, there is a high potential to earn a good bit of money from doing it. Compared to the average trucker, a flatbed trucker typically makes more money due to the versatility of the trailer. However, the cost of getting started can be a little pricey, since flatbed trucks are a bit more expensive, so you’ll need to factor those costs into your budget as a fleet manager or an independent contractor.
Training & Certification
Another important factor when you’re considering if you want to get into the business of flatbed trucking is the type of training you’ll need, as well as the certifications necessary to keep your work legal. There are plenty of courses taught by trucking industry professionals that can teach you how to load and drive your flatbed truck safely, so look into one in your area.
Flatbed Towing Tips
Operating a flatbed truck will require you to have some physical strength, as you’ll likely be assisting in the loading and unloading of cargo. If you can lift 100 pounds comfortably, this is good.
You’ll also want to ensure that your cargo is always well-secured to prevent it from shifting around or falling off the trailer while in transit. Check over your load whenever you stop to make sure everything is still in place.
Check out local laws regarding the rules on flatbed trailers so that you can ensure you’re abiding by them.
We hope this guide has helped you to decide if flatbed trucking is for you. When you’re ready to buy a new truck, come on down to our Sanford, FL, dealership location to check out our wide stock of new and used flatbed trucks for sale. DeBary Truck Sales proudly serves the cities of Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa, FL, as well as Atlanta, GA.