I am a new driver ( been solo for going on 5 months ). Am in my late 50's. Am on a dedicated account.

My main problem is handling freight. I thought I could deal with it, but now have to be realistic that at my age, it is too much.

I do not want to be gone from home for months, want no touch freight / drop
and hook, or whatever.

I am looking around for local companies, but not that many. I live in KY.

Would like serious advice from you more experienced drivers. All opinions will be GREATLY appreciated.

 

I am turning 50 and have chosen to do flatbed the vast majority of my career since 1978. I can only tell you of what I know and that is that companies like Maverick flatbed division out of N.Little Rock will get you home 97% of the time. I like them and yes there will be time you miss a weekend. Yes, you have to secure and tarp, but it is nothing like lumping cargo and I like the exercise. Hopefully there are some other drivers who can recommend van carriers who offer weekends home or at least every few weeks. Another company to consider is the Team division at CRST, they offer 3 weeks out and 1 week home, but I do not know much about the details. Good luck!

 

I would try to stick it out for at least a year. It will be much easier to find another job and you will have more options if you have at least a year of experience. I don't know what part of Kentucky you live, but there may be something available as a yard jockey for a shipper. These drivers move trailers around a yard. It is their job to pull empty trailers out, or put them in to be loaded and put another one in the dock. Once you get at least a year of experience it will be easier to find a company who will get you home more frequently. There are some who can get you by the house at least one day per week. There are no guarantees. Some do a better job than others. Until you get more time under your belt I think you may have a difficult time finding what you are looking for. With at least 2 years experience and a clean MVR you can go pretty much anywhere you want. There are quite a few carriers who primarily do drop and hook. Most do very little touch freight. You can always refuse to load or unload trailers. Remember, you are a truck driver not a lumper.

 

who do you work for that makes you unload?
most companies are in the uper 90% touch free.
Interstate boast 95% touch free, but I haven't talked to a driver yet that has touched a load, unless it was dragging pallets to the end of a trailer, due to no docks ect.