I know this has probably been covered a million times, so pardon my laziness for not trying to find the posts. I was wanting some input from o/o that pull reefers what you think. I pull a step deck now but I am kicking the idea around of pulling a reefer again and was wondering what you guys thought. I am just looking to do something different to try to break up the monotony.

Roadhound,

To answer your question easily, there is money to be made however, delivery can and generally is an issue..There are many issues regarding freshness whether you are hauling flowers at mid temps or frozen at sub zero. The pay is more but the responsibility is high. Insurance can be a real ***** as I have dealt with a few times !! Once a claim is against you, you are pretty much done..If you are under your own authority great loads are out there as these bigger, and some cut rate companies cannot cover them. Right place, right time. I made an excellent living pulling a 48x96 1984 reefer. It didn't do subzero but I got lots of loads and big bucks. I wasn't out to run for one company, I trip leased everything that way I made the decisions on what and where I ran and when I got there. There are bucks to be made and great brokers / companies to run for..Just be patient at times and always ask questions when you are unsure..
tribal

I discovered a few years ago, that drop-deck loads (distant cousin of flatbedding) paid more than reefer loads, especially when hauling several LTL loads or one OD load. Haulled one OD load from Port Washington, NY (Long Island) to San Diego that paid about $12.5K

Step decks, flatbedders and specialized loads seem to get paid the best in the business.

Reefers.....we just haul everyone's food around. As far as delivery schedules get there early than schedule time and you won't have a problem get there late and you go to the end of the line.

Brokering my own loads anymore and I really don't wait to load an unload of course I'm never late either. Just remember with a reefer you always have a load....you'd be surprise what you can put on that trailer.

I appreciate the replys. I have done well in the past with my stepdeck and have made very good money, but the flatbed freight has taken a dive the last several months. The reefer is something I am considering, but I will keep my stepdeck, also. I was trying to get some input before I went and bought a reefer. I have pulled one before, so I am well aware of how the refridgerated side of the industry works, or at least I did, lol. I am an o/o with my own authority and was just trying to give myself and my business more options. Your replys and recent conversations with other o/o's have given me enough optimism to where I think I will try it again. Worst that could happen is I would have to sell the trailer, or live in it, lol!

i here you on flatbed rates being bad been thinking of a refer also I dont think it will change until housing market gets better.let me know how you do may write behind you.

The other part of the flat bedding is that now companies like Swift are in on it and taking the rates to an all time low. I was in the business in the early 80's when dereg went through, that was just the beginning. Now, even with fuel prices being ridiculous, even the 'surcharges' aren't enough to take it much over a buck a mile. I am back in business, running for another with no bills of my own. I can see some profit making but haulin iron is another story.
Keep the faith, and both trailers, at least you have an option. NEVER EVER haul for nothing or just fuel, you lose in the long run because it just keeps the rates low. If we all can do this, they have to pay more, plain and simple. Companies who cut rates take other shortcut's that will eventually cause them to fail and they will always fall back on the O/O's who still today keep the country moving..If you decide to pull the reefer, go produce and watch and learn even more from those guys who AREN'T in the truckstops but are prepared for anything anywhere..
Best of luck, keep us posted!
tribal...