Step vs flat for lumber/pipe

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Onewolf81, Jan 15, 2020.

  1. Onewolf81

    Onewolf81 Bobtail Member

    40
    33
    Jan 4, 2020
    0
    Title of the thread says it all...what’s y’all opinion?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. npok

    npok Light Load Member

    160
    171
    Sep 26, 2015
    0
    And nothing else?

    The lumber loads I've done are easier to tarp on flats.

    What kind of pipe? Plastic or steel?
     
  4. Opendeckin

    Opendeckin Medium Load Member

    386
    988
    May 20, 2018
    0
    For those commodities enviously a flat. You get a step to haul taller loads and to be able to ground load machinery with ramps.

    You tolerate having to use risers on other loads or not being able to take dock height only loads to have that advantage.
     
    JonJon78 and clausland Thank this.
  5. Onewolf81

    Onewolf81 Bobtail Member

    40
    33
    Jan 4, 2020
    0
    Steel
     
  6. Onewolf81

    Onewolf81 Bobtail Member

    40
    33
    Jan 4, 2020
    0
    Thank y’all for the replies...am considering buying a new/used trailer and have been debating with one of my driver in which one is best. He worked oilfield so he’s used to step and just being loaded by forklift
     
  7. RollinThunderVet

    RollinThunderVet Heavy Load Member

    720
    970
    Mar 19, 2014
    0
    Both can be unloaded with forklifts. Standard step like mine can be overinflated to get up to dock height if necessary. Step gives you access to larger stuff. Unless its 41+ ft in length I dont use my levelers, which is not that often. If I get 16ft sections, I place 1 leveler 4 ft back from the drop, everything else goes to the bottom deck.
    Heres the big benefit for me. 3ft to climb on and off is a lot easier than 5 ft.

    Also, it depends on your tractor. If its heavy like mine, then you would be better off with an aluminum flat.
    I've got a w9 studio, and a combo step with ramps that weighs over 14k. I can only take 42-43k on the deck before I break 80 gross.
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2020
    x1Heavy and booley Thank this.
  8. Opendeckin

    Opendeckin Medium Load Member

    386
    988
    May 20, 2018
    0
    BULL F****NG ####. A standard steps lower deck will be at least 18 inches shorter than a flat. You're not gonna get up 18 inches by just over inflating your bags.
     
    Brettj3876 and exhausted379 Thank this.
  9. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

    19,660
    130,552
    Apr 26, 2013
    Gettin' down westbound
    0
    If just hauling general building materies. No need to get a step. U find a step to be a PITA hauling regular freight. In my exerpeience they are harder to get weights evened out . I leave the step to the pros and ill take the flat all day
     
  10. beastr123

    beastr123 Road Train Member

    2,621
    21,567
    Jan 2, 2014
    Moose Jaw SK CAN
    0
    Most stepdecks are 39 to 44 inches high at the rear bumperif on 255/70/22.5 tires,
    most docks are 48 to 50 inches from the ground because most vans are 48 to 50 inches at the floor.
    A step with a bypass valve can typically rise 7 inches.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2020
    RollinThunderVet Thanks this.
  11. Opendeckin

    Opendeckin Medium Load Member

    386
    988
    May 20, 2018
    0
    Dock height is 60 inches...
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.