Getting loads with older van trailers

I have had one instance that I was told they would not load my trailer because it was over 10 years old.

 

The only places I've heard of (I pull a reefer but used to work for a van carrier) are a couple paper mills. Enforcement was sporadic. I guess they're worried the floor is going to collapse or some sort of structural issue.

 

I just had to do 2 floor repairs and one on the side of the trailer to get loaded. Still loading me as I type this but it was close to being stopped.

 

Trailers that are going to "The Big Three" automotive plants MUST be newer than 10 years old. UAW contract states they don't have to enter a trailer older than 10 years old and...they do check the VIN tag for the month and year the trailer was built.

 

I pull '98 van trailers, and have not been refused so far in 9 months. I have also been loaded at a Honda plant (not big 3 I know), and they never checked, never asked.

 

You've been going in and out of "Big Three" plants? If so, you are one lucky truck driver.

 

Nope, it was Honda, one time, and it was an expedite straight through. I think they were just glad that they could find someone that would cover it.

 

GM will refuse to load or unload older than 10 years. Most of the others are lax policy on that. Two different Ford plants never checked that on mine.

 

We've only lost maybe 1 of every 50 loads for a trailer being over 10 years old. Most of those were rolls of paper. After having them crack a few floors, its probably a good idea too. We bought the older, cheaper trailers for light dedicated loads but it hasn't been a big problem for most loads.