i too also drive flatbed, best thing is not every load has to be tarped. if it did that would get a bit tedious. also the variety off the work is very interesting, you could be tarping lumber one day and moving graders the next. i prefer to move machinery myself i like to use my chains, its a very rewarding job.
and yeah you will have your bad days when your sheets are blowing around and its pouring of rain but they are generally far and few between.
I say go ahead and do it, good luck.

 

I would not go for the flatbeds if I were you since you are new. Reason I say this, is because I went for tankers when I was a newbie and that was a huge mistake. Not only I had to learn how to drive the truck, I had to learn a TON of stuff about tankers and how to unload them and hook hoses up, get certifications, refinery ops, chemicals, slicker suites, you name it. It was too much to learn in too little time and kept me from learning how to drive the truck as best I could. My roomate went for dry vans and he was already solo on his own for a couple of months before I was even released. Reason being is because I had to be trained for all of the tanker stuff. That was just as much training as driving the truck, I kid you not. Totally not worth it. A newbie is better off concentrating on the actual driving part. Then after you are comfortable with driving, maybe you can go into flatbeds or tankers. I am sure if I were to go back to tankers now, piece of cake compared to when I first started. I know flats and tanks are totally different but you still have to learn all of this additional stuff on top of driving with either. :wink: So I would not worry about making a little extra money when you first start, just worry about learning to drive and getting the experience. Go into dry vans first and you will be happier I am sure.

 

Well when they pay me as much as they will pay lumper's than we will talk. 8)

 

Here's yet ANOTHER post recommending STARTING one place with the GOAL, of quitting and going somewhere else!! :shock:
WHY is this advice given so freely? Me? I believe one should try and make a GOOD choice of a company to work for, learn their job well and strive to be the best driver said company has. THAT's how one works HAPPY and SAFELY. We have enough turnover already in this industry which hurts EVERYONE.
My advice? Do your research as best you can, ask LOTS of questions and pick a company you truly believe you can make a go at. Work your best for said company with an open mind and a positive attitude an you'll go far, make money, be safe and become an asset to your employer. Rather than a disgruntled ex-driver "shopping" companies until you are dead. NO job is hard provided the company you pick has a good training program with qualified instructors and you did your homework.