ATS drivers recently sat down on the Beyond the Road podcast to share what life is like in trucking right now, from learning new skills to finding the right company fit.
Key Takeaways
• Flatbed and van freight offer very different experiences but ATS supports drivers in both lanes.
• Orientation and training help new CDL drivers succeed, even without prior flatbed experience.
• Community, camaraderie, and good food on the road still matter to truck drivers today.
• Drivers recommend giving a company at least 6–12 months before deciding if it’s the right fit.
• ATS offers transparent pay options: mileage or percentage, whichever benefits the driver more.
On this episode of Beyond the Road, host Jeron Rennie spoke with two professional truck drivers: Steven, a flatbed driver with ATS Specialized, and Shawn, a van driver with ATS. Both shared insights from their years behind the wheel and their first year with ATS.
Steven admitted he was nervous about starting in flatbed trucking with no experience, but ATS’s orientation and hands-on training gave him the confidence to succeed. Shawn highlighted the importance of adapting quickly. Learning securement, hours of service, and load planning are all part of growing as a driver.
Their experiences show that CDL drivers don’t need decades of experience to succeed in specialized freight — just focus, training, and the finding right support system.
Both drivers pointed out key differences between van and flatbed freight. While van drivers often keep moving, flatbed drivers may experience more downtime but the transparency was a standout benefit for both drivers.
From music and video games to truck stop meals, both drivers shared how they manage downtime and stress on the road. They agreed that healthy food options and strong driver communities, whether online or at truck stops, are essential for keeping morale high.
They also stressed the importance of helping fellow truck drivers, whether it’s guiding someone into a parking spot or pointing out a safety issue on a trailer.
The conversation touched on bigger industry issues, including the rise of autonomous trucks and the decline of CB radio use. While technology advances, both drivers emphasized the value of human judgment, communication, and camaraderie in keeping freight moving safely.
Steven and Shawn offered practical advice for new CDL drivers:
• Do your research: Find a company that matches your goals and lifestyle.
• Be patient: Give any trucking job at least 6–12 months before deciding if it’s right for you.
• Know your freight: Flatbed, reefer, or dry van. Each have unique demands. Pick what fits your abilities and goals.
• Think long term: If your goal is heavy haul or specialized freight, plan your career path accordingly.
ATS offers opportunities across van, flatbed, specialized, and heavy haul freight. With transparent pay, strong driver support, and career paths into some of the most advanced freight in the industry, ATS is a proven home for professional truck drivers.
Explore ATS trucking jobs and apply today: HERE
What advice do ATS drivers give to new truck drivers? ATS drivers recommend doing your research, choosing the right company, and giving it at least 6–12 months before making a decision. They also stress picking a freight type that matches your physical abilities and long-term career goals. Is flatbed trucking harder than van freight? Flatbed trucking requires additional skills such as securement and tarping, and drivers may have more downtime compared to van freight. Why do truck drivers choose ATS? Drivers often choose ATS for its transparent pay structure, supportive orientation and training, and opportunities to move into specialized freight such as heavy haul or wind energy transport. How does ATS pay its drivers? ATS offers a unique pay system where drivers earn either by the mile or by percentage of the load, whichever is higher. This ensures that drivers are always paid fairly for their time and effort. What’s life like on the road as an ATS driver? Life on the road varies between van and flatbed freight, but ATS drivers emphasize the importance of balance. Music, gaming, and strong driver communities help with downtime, while access to quality meals and truck stops makes the road more manageable. |
For more interviews with trucking professionals, compelling stories, and the latest trends on the road, check out more episodes of Beyond the Road!