As Hurricane Sandy Blows Business Towards Flatbed Industry; Crst Malone Branches Out Search for Immediate Drivers

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. — Hurricane Sandy was no doubt, a tragic natural disaster with its one upside being the business its expected to bring the trucking industry and specifically to the flatbed carriers needing it most. Forecasting a heavy clean-up and construction period maximizing flatbed demand, the industry is gearing up for full use of their fleets and ensuring the equivalent of drivers be on hand. For companies like Crst Malone this has triggered a partnership with TruckingUnlimited.com, extending their job offer on-line to drivers of all levels across every US state.

Rarely do offers for flatbed trucking jobs go out to non-experienced or any drivers falling short of the qualifying standards. Flatbed jobs are considered to be the toughest of the trucking industry and a specialized skill that makes it amongst the highest paying and most competitive as well. All factors that can make it nearly impossible for new comers to break in and while OTR experience or courses in flatbed training do help, nothing really prepares for a flatbed job except the job itself. The only open avenue for new drivers to possibly get hired is when exclusive opportunities come along like what Crst Malone is currently offering now. The right company and the right timing is how novices get flatbed jobs and being teamed up with experienced drivers is what provides the best training, right on the job.

Considering all the added risks associated with flatbed trucking, the tougher requirements and specific training is certainly warranted. A flatbed truck is a more powerful vehicle designed to pull massive flat trailers carrying cargo too heavy or large to be enclosed. Not only does cargo, such as lumber or heavy machinery, create road hazards, contained only by chains or straps, it makes driving a whole other experience and the risks of driving in bad weather or curvy roads that much greater. It is also a very physically demanding job that requires strength and endurance to load and unload the cargo, special training to secure the trailers and handling it on the road for hours at a time.

While there is always a risk for any company willing to put new flatbed hires right on the job, there is likely a higher risk of losing business without enough manpower to handle the coming influx of freight. Hurricane Sandy is expected to generate $15 billion of business revenue into the trucking industry over the next 3 or 4 quarters and the housing construction market already has been increasing flatbed freight volume by 7 percent this year. As flatbed companies prepare for the biggest surge of business heading their way, continuing to compete with the rest of the industry for the same shrinking pool of drivers, is not worth the wait.

While there is always a risk for any company willing to put new flatbed hires right on the job, there is likely a higher risk of losing business without enough manpower to handle the coming influx of freight. Hurricane Sandy is expected to generate $15 billion of business revenue into the trucking industry over the next 3 or 4 quarters and the housing construction market already has been increasing flatbed freight volume by 7 percent this year. As flatbed companies prepare for the biggest surge of business heading their way, continuing to compete with the rest of the industry for the same shrinking pool of drivers, is not worth the wait.