Specifications to look for/avoid when buying

I'll respond by telling you my experience with flatbed hauling and the three trucks I have owned. I can't tell you where to get the best deal on a conestoga, but truck dealers are offering great incentives to buy new. My current truck is a Mack Anthem with MP 8 455 hp engine, 12 speed M-drive and 3.08 rear, with a 239 inch wheel base. I can probably gross 47k, but prefer to keep my loads at 46k or less. Fuel mileage averages 7 mpg at 68 mph. I have a 84 inch wide chain rack on the truck and two 5 foot boxes on my flatbed.
The first two trucks I owned were Volvo 780s. The first had a short wheel base which didn't work out well to work on a flatbed. The second had a 243 inch wheel base which allowed a nice amount of room behind the cab to work, but the truck was at least 1500 lbs heavier than the Mack. Both Volvos were condos, while the Mack is a mid roof.

A few fleets are running the Mack Anthem as their primary truck for open deck business. You may also want to consider how large flatbed fleets are equipping their trucks, fleets like Melton, TMC, Maverick and Jordan. Each one uses a different OEM, but all are similar in setup. TMC and Melton sell their used trucks and may include the cabinets if asked. I prefer to buy new and avoid someone else's maintenance problems. Just make sure you trade those trucks in if you buy new at around 450,000 miles.

 

Might as well get a auto transmission and a 13L engine..... with all the driver babysitting aids.

The gene pool for drivers is small.......

 

They'll probably do what every other new company that doesnt a thing about trucks does and buy the cheapest things they can find. Probably end up with a fleet of Prostars with Maxxforce engines for 5 grand apiece.

 

This would be cheaper. You could get yourself a real boat anchor for $140 and save 4860

Selecting the Right Anchor | West Marine