Why do flatbed over van/reefer? I don't see the extra money

Nice.

 

I’m curious who all sent in letters to bigblue?

I do open deck because of the challenge, and mentality it takes to figure out os/ow loads. I do it because I have pride in my work and people can see it. It’s not hidden in a box.

 

Hey I have a beat up freightshaker!

 

Many advantages on Flatbed. The most important (if you're O/O, so not forced dispatched) is that you don't have to deal with crazy midnight to early am appointments.
I take my time and planning my deliveries according my mood/plan.

 

Reefer is the worst as far as being constantly rushed, getting piss poor sleep, being told to move you can't park, yet you need to run 2800-3000 miles a week to make good money . Dry van does see some Shakey sleep schedules but not as bad as reefer , usually the pay per mile is higher than reefer because you typically run 2300-2500 miles to make a fair check , now flatbed pays the most per mile plus you get tarp pay , etc , you typically only work week days no flipped sleep schedules plenty of space to park at most customers, you can make good money running 1900-2200 miles a week . Do you just want to mindlessly run or think and go steady?

 

The only problem with flatbed is if you slam on the brakes the load might come over the top of ya!

 

& I have a White Volvo! Sure, I wish it was a pre ELD pete 379 but it was a reasonably priced first truck; it's paid for, reliable and helps provide for my family.

 

I understand. I have a 13k white frieghtliner.

 

The term flatbed is a wide variety. I have pulled van, refrig, covered wagon, open deck, landoll, rgn, and hopper.

The money is in any market some years. Just have to learn how to hustle. There is a reason I pull covered wagon alot. It ain't because it's my favorite. But 2013/14 i made more money by accident with a van. You couldnt have paid me to hook onto another type.

My point is, it's a market with many different subsidiaries. Saying you dont see money in "flatbed" is like me saying I dont see money in house rentals. It's your perspective.

Dont think for a second that machinery, and steel do not go up and down these roads in van trailers. Just try and stay away from common goods. And learn the game, don't let the game teach you.

 

I’ve driven 3 years flat. One year end dump and 2 years van. All things considered I prefer van. I’ve spent many of days waiting in line to get loaded with my flatbed pipe yards, steel mills, shingles etc.

Are there delays in vans? yes but the drop and hooks more than make up for them.

I can count on at most two hands times that I’ve been close to 80k lbs with a van. Flatbed is 80k almost every load. It’s nothing to drive 680-710 miles a day with a light van load and 70 mph truck.

Vans are loaded more balanced instead of only in the middle of the trailer. They ride a whole lot nicer.

My net pay was generally better in a van.