Where is everyone #5

Never did it with 1. Used to do it with 2 when I first started lifting.

 

There are places on the west coast that even a 48 can be problematic. Mostly due to KPRA or off tracking, some have actual length restrictions on the trailer. Back when I did a lot more lumber, a few places even stated 48 or less. Mostly in NorCal and Oregon. Would not even load a 53.
Not sure about a broker loads on less than 48. When I see the shorter trailers, it’s usually a direct ship type of thing. Bag concrete comes to mind.

 

On a 53 a lot depends on your axle set. Fixed or slides. If you have a fixed 40 ft KPRA, your better off with a 48 most of the time. Something like foam insulation, where the whole load is only 15k, then volume is the paying game.

 

Not sure if it because I tend to be more in the ag areas or? Do see a lot tri-axle 53’s most usually have drop axles, putting up to 5 axles down.

 

Mostly steel and tooling. I plan on a new one sometime 45x102. 96 get a little narrow with a side kit. Esp when you need to do a chain check. You might have to go up and over.

The used prices on short trailers normally stay kinda low. Hardly anyone wants them. Unless its a heavy built short trailer and your around steel mills. Then they have a golden price. But I know very little about Western, just don't see them around here. Older Transcraft should come with a free welder. New models I dont know. I wouldn't try one. Lower budget combos I would pick Dorsey,Fontaine. Rumor is Mac is building a combo again. East had some good ones early 2000's. So not sure what the scoop is. You would have to call the factory.

 

I believe it was transport topics a few years back. Study showed on average 90% of freight in this country could be moved with a 38 foot trailer.

Depending on industry and spot market I would recommend 48'.

With my gig, I can over load in 4', why do I need all the extra trailer? 96" is fine, I only wanna go 102" to help squeeze my fat butt between load and side boards better. You save some weight in the length and width. As a skate board no one says you can't load to 102 on a 96.

 

Brokers are dumb, and yes they will question it and you. I always get the "Can you Gross 80k with that".

Most you can explain, most are to young to know that it all that used to be on the road and you really have a higher payload. I can legally gross 50,100 with a sleeper truck and a tank of a steel alum combo.

 

I used to come here alot. My buddy and I had a contract with Oshkosh hauling mixer drums. This was our goto stop. Honestly, the place hasn't changed much at all. Except now they are part of pilot and they updated their fuel island.

Edit: it's kinda funny how we remember and associate truck stops with other things in our life. I remember almost 20 years ago being a wide eyed kid the first time at the Iowa 80......lol. never seen so much Chrome in one place.

 

Good deal man, bet you're likin that, fingers crossed there's no shake & vibs going on. Also, good job on gettin it paid off, you done good, tip of the hat to you..