Flatbed-Intrastate Only-Ohio

It’s been my experience that if you are planning only doing intrastate in Ohio you better rethink the “No coil” policy. Steel has always been consistent for local Ohio work.

 

I agree with what Jubal said. The 48's are nice, but you may want to consider a 53' step. Each trailer has adv. disadv. The 53' step can give you a wider variety of loads if you get into a bind and need to change up a contract. I would also reconsider tarps for the same reason you know the old saying, better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them. Again that is about being able to adapt when a market changes. If I remember correctly there are some receivers/shippers right across the OH/PA border when I was running fb a few years ago. Ohio was pretty good for fb but it might be worth it to check into PA for a bit of versatility. If things are like they were when I was driving just those 2 states you should be ok with fb. Me personally I would not limit to intrastate OH only just because I like a plan B incase plan A hits the fan. In those 2 states though its lots of steel which will require a Conestoga or tarps per shippers and receivers much of the time. Everyone's situation is different, and with the info you gave about your plans the considerations I provided are just that and hope it gives a constructive opinion to consider. Best of luck to you.

 

A lot of shippers have stopped loading big coils on flatbed they want stepdeck trailers for the 6ft long gav. coils going to the BMW plant in SC. They are just closer to the ground and will not turn over as easily?

 

Keep in mind with 53’ platform trailers you get KPRA axle issues, especially up that way.

 

Have they changed the KPRA laws up there for the fixed spread axles? When I ran up there years ago, I did not have a problem with the 53s as the axles did not slide. If I remember correctly a sliding fifth wheel placed further back was good to go. I know on 48s with sliding tandems in FL they had to be closed and maybe a few other states as well, but never had an issue with 53 steps. I would hate to give bad advice or info so thank you for any info you can share.

 

You will loose too much time on loadings / unloadings on loads like this, to keep the other business running. If it was that easy we would all be home 16h a day.

 

No coils, no tarping and staying in Ohio, might as well go bankrupt now and save yourself a headache.

 

First I’ve heard this but the center of gravity makes sense as to the reason