Flatbed or Stepdeck

Easier to keep a flat loaded. Really depends on what kind of freight ur looking for. If ur planning on doing alot of equipment and oversize stuff then step is the way to go. General freight , stick and brick loads, a flat would be best.

 

Out of all the years I have pulled a step, only one place had a problem loading. They wanted to put some long plate on, told them we can do that, but it will be on levelers. They would not do that. So I got short plates instead.

 

When I pulled flatbed, I preferred the 48' flatbed spread the best. I didn't mind the 53' either. I can work with step decks as long as the loads were no tarp lol. The flatbed was good to move around on. One thing I hated hauling regardless of trailer, was insulation

 

Tarping steps are easy, not that much different then a flat.

 

Hehehehehe. Opinion taken.

 

Why do u hate insulation. Fairly easy load to work with and great fuel mileage

 

Me.
Do you have customers/ brokers already that will consistently pay you more for having a step? Thats the only reason to have one imo.

 

My step deck has been parked more then I’ve used it this year. I’ve made more money doing other things. When a opportunity arises that I can make money with it it goes out. I honestly can’t even remeber the last load I used it for. Think it was some bridge cross members legal no tarp $1850 on 330 miles. Some people won’t pay more because it’s a step deck. People have made it just into another trailer. I also refuse to break out my ramps unless it’s worth it. If you don’t mind going anywhere, ans like staying out chasing good step deck loads may be worth it. Other then that I have seen almost the same pay if not better at times for flatbed loads. Ramp loads have been a absolute joke lately. Why go thru the hassle of using load levelers and having a step deck to just haul flatbed freight. That’s my 2 cents, I’m also very picky though In what I do and concentrate a lot on 1 way freight as I’m not into sitting around waiting on a good reload with a woman and 2 kids I like to be around at home.