reefer to step or flat

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by harleyhead, Aug 28, 2014.

  1. harleyhead

    harleyhead Bobtail Member

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    May 28, 2013
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    seriously thinking of giving flat bedding a try after 30yrs of reefers at my age the less agrivation the better any good advise other than don,t also step or flat I dunno..
     
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  3. coastie

    coastie Road Train Member

    All has their agrivation issues. Just in different fashions. Reefer Grocery warehouses, Flats and step deck Tarps and receivers.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Give it a try; I think you'll like it and wish you had done it earlier.
     
  5. zinita17601

    zinita17601 Road Train Member

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  6. Flightline

    Flightline Road Train Member

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    I beleive flatbedding and step is alot of less agreavation and more regular sleep schedule.
    I switched about 4 years ago and can't beleive how much better the customers are. Almost always glad to see me. Most of the time, they let us sleep overnight on their lots.
    Also bankers hours. Most shippers and receivers only open 8-4 mon. thru friday. Usually get paid extra if we are to deliver on the weekend of after 6pm.
    This is why most flatbedders get the better parking spots at the truck stop. Yet reefers love to park beside us.
    Now tarping depends upon the company. Some flatbedding companies like TMC has their drivers tarp almost everything.
    Here at Mercer, most of us only tarp every once in a great while.
    Down side is DOT looks at flatbedders litter closer when loaded.
    Another downside is a cut in fuel economy.
     
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  7. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    Tampa, Fl
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    As an O/O you do not have to haul tarp loads. But most of the time you can get the broker to pay extra for tarping if the load doesnt already meet what you want for a tarp load.

    With experience you will learn the easy tarp load from the ones you dont want to do. At your age this would be a concern. I'm only 46 and I know my back regrets some of the tarp loads I decided to do.

    I have a couple friends that dont even carry tarps. They dont do tarp loads. There is enough work out there that you dont really need to carry tarps. Its like not going into California. I dont and my bottom line has not dropped off at all. They can go pound sand for all I care.

    Of the 2 primary flatbedding types,.. I would lean more toward getting a step deck. If you get load levelers, you can do pretty much any load that a regular flat bed can do, but you still have the option of taller loads and machinery that pay a bit better. My lower deck is 3'2, I have no issues loading up to 10'6 - 10'7 back there. I can drop my air and still get under 13'6 bridges.

    Having done reefer work.,. personally I enjoy flatbed work much more. Different hassles and issues,. but I sleep better, less stress with shippers and receivers. You always control and say how they will load you, even when they have their own ideas,.. if they dont like how I want it they can find another truck. But honestly,.. I've never locked horns with anyone, they always say well its your truck.

    I say rent/borrow a trailer and try a few runs. I think you will like it more.

    Hurst
     
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  8. Flightline

    Flightline Road Train Member

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    I wouldn't recommend a step over a flat, especially with someone new to flats. Just more loads available for flats and mostly same pay anymore.
    I have a step with 4 load levers and ramps and I'm cut out of 30% of the flat bed loads because so many shippers won't load a step.
    Also most steps weigh 1200 lbs more than the same brand flat.
    Also most steps are 42" lower deck which allows only 10' height freight. Not saying a guy couldn't get a step with the little tires and all alumium but for a newer guy to spend the extra money, I think I'd take one step at a time.
     
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  9. Battle Born

    Battle Born Heavy Load Member

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    Scandia, Mn
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    I'd say flat as well for someone starting it out. There is a certain way to load steps, especially between 48 and 53's. Just a different weight distribution. I've screwed myself pretty good before on sheet rock step loads, but telling someone where to load a flat, and knowing exactly where I want it on the trailer is about second nature. Plus, like flightline says, less load offers which means the winter could possibly suck too. But if you're financially set, it might not be a bad thing. I like options, but I also like the rode of a step as well. There's just a lot of pros and cons to each. But then again, I've only been doing it for about 4 years. So I know maybe a fraction of what a lot of these guys do. Good luck on your decision though!
     
  10. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    Flatbedding Step or full flat has more to do with common sense then anything else in my opinion. This guy has been running 34 yrs. He's not a newbie starting out in this business. He has a pretty good idea how and what he needs. I think he would pick up Step or regular flat and run like a pro in under a week.

    I run 53' Step. Trailer is 1200lbs heavier than the equivalent 53' regular flatbed. I'm 34,400 full of fuel and all my gear and thats with 300 gal tanks. I can still carry 46k with my eyes closed. I tell brokers and shippers 45k is my max and they accommodate me. Though, I look for hauling equipment over anything else. 2 - 4 chains, no tarp, 30 mins in and out, thats how I prefer my loads to be. Yes, I'll do steel, coils, hay or anything else that pays,.. but I think this guy could handle step just fine. I think he has a pretty good handle on things.

    Hurst
     
  11. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    Running reefer, I would almost wager my left testicle that he has a a load gauge in his cab. His trailer no doubt has one as well.

    First thing I did when I bought this old Columbia was install a load gauge. My 53' Fontaine already came with one. Between the 2 I would have to be an idiot to over load an axle. Within short order, experience will let him be able to look at what he's getting loaded with an know exactly where it needs to be.

    And I'm not doubting your load woahs,.. but In the 2 years I've been doing step I have not been limited on getting loads anywhere I go. I live in Florida and I read about guys complaining about poor rates or having to dead head extended miles to get out. Again,.. not trying to beat my own drum here,.. but I'm not experiencing those problems. Maybe learn to get partials. For me, thats the beauty of the step. 43' lower deck and 10' upper. Between both decks I rarely leave Florida with under $3 mi to the truck. That goes for anywhere else,. ask the broker if he has any partials. Or find something for the upper and then look for your main load going in the same direction. Even when they want exclusive rights, I still load partials.

    Edit:
    Even now, I picked up a load yesterday. 24 pcs of oil rig drilling pipe (31k). Paying $5800 to go 1278 miles from here in San Antonio, Tx to Casper Wy. I parked for the night and in 1 hr I'm leaving to get a partial paying $2100 to go to Castle Rock, Co. I'll be in Casper Monday,.. I'll go over my truck and then sleep the rest of the day and get unloaded Tuesday morning. I've made enough that I can thumb my nose and dead head back to Denver or where ever else if I cant get what I want to be paid coming out of Casper.

    Hurst
     
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2014
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