Question:
After searching here and there for several months have decided on Werner's flatbed division out of Phoenix. Got the (prehire} start school next month, a junior college here in phoenix. What can expect as far as orientation, and then training, I know the training is 275 hours you can split that or finish it in one whack, my question is will all of the training be with the flatbed, talked to a recruiter she said it would be split between van and flatbed? thanx

Answer:
I think they say that just in case they have a shortage of flatbed trainers during your "on the road" training. The flatbed part of the training is also offered in a couple-day class for experiencd drivers wanting to switch from vans or refers.
Most of what you learn on the road with a trainer apples to both. It's operating the tractor, managing your time, route planning, operating the computer system, etc..... Unique to flatbed is securing loads with straps and chains, bracing freight, tarping, etc. But you can learn this quickly and spend relatively little time doing it compared to everything else you need to know about actually managing and completing a trip on your own.
Orientation is about 3 days of classroom stuff, mostly filling out forms, watching tapes, completing open-book tests, physical, etc....
Lots of happy Werner flatbed drivers out there, and they're in a class of their own (and know it!) Good luck and be real creful climbing around the load.

Answer:
Thanks alot , whenever you pass through Phoenix and stop at the lovley Flying J , coffee's on me I read most of your posts on Werner very informative a well written. I'm bitten at the bit can't wait,

Answer:
I trained on Flatbed with Werner back last April. I waited 11 days for a trainer, I only trained on flatbed, no van. We drove alot of miles and I did just about all of my driving at night. It was hard loading during the day and then have to drive during the night. I did my training all at one time, finshed my 275 hours in 4 1/2 weeks. Took the $500 bonus.
Hope you get many different types of loads so you can learn to strap, chain and tarp them. If you just handle drywall and lumber you will be short changed in your training.
Werner is hurting for flatbed trainers, and yes we Werner flatbedder do feel we are in a league of our own. When we meet up with another flatbedder we make it a point to say hi, everyone helps each other tarping and sharing supplies and spares whenever possible. The van drivers keep to them selves mostly, and most won't give you the time of day, but there are a few friendly ones out there.
Be prepared to get a lot of miles, my dispatcher kept me busy. Time management is the key, get the load there on time and complain only when it is really necessary. The less they hear from you on the phone the better they like it. Only thing common all us Werner flatbedders complained about between ourselves was our dispatchers were not getting us home on time unless we reminded them every day the last ten days before you were due home.

Answer:
Thanx Grinch, I know Flatbed's take extra work. Hopefully I won't have to wait that long for a trainer, what a bummer, I've been trolling the truck stop's and talking to drivers from different companies, Werner Flatbed seems to be the way to go, I cant"t see it any other way, the coordinator in the school i will be attending also said ifhe were to hit the road again it would be flatbed. I 24 years in the navy so I have the hurry up and wait down pretty good. I wonder of the miles will be that good out of phoenix?

Answer:
I started out in Phoenix, but that was only to pick up my tractor. The only loads out of Phoenix for us were "Allied Tube" loads. If you are from Phoenix you most likely will travel between Phoenix, L.A., Portland, Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake and Albuqurque. In the last seven months I only went east of the Missisippi once to deliver a load I picked up in Dallas, but then head right back west.
Get a wide brim hat, you will need it in all that sunshine.

Answer:
That sound right up my ally, the only thing holding me up is school, need to get out and go, thats kinda like western regional. Yeah it sho do get kinda hot here in the summer LOL