Step Deck vs Reefer

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by gothedistance, Oct 29, 2011.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Oct 29, 2011 #1
    gothedistance

    gothedistance Bobtail Member

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    Apr 27, 2011
    margate, fl
    0
    We run with a Reefer and we are tired of it. Always running on the clock, waiting times, unloading, loading, etc.
    We used to run a flat bed many years ago and have experience on it, but time have changed. We are looking for the possibility of running with a step deck or a flat bed. We know is more physical work than a reefer, specially around this time of the year (cold weather) but we do not mind if money wise is worth it.
    Now, if anybody could help us out with some tips, based on your experience....which one is better for the money and why?
    Thank you for your help!
     
    gothedistance, Oct 29, 2011
    gothedistance, Oct 29, 2011
    #1
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  3. Oct 29, 2011 #2
    gothedistance

    gothedistance Bobtail Member

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    Apr 27, 2011
    margate, fl
    0
    Also, we are using internet truck stop as a loading board, we have been researching for a couple of weeks and it seems there is more for FB than SD...and SD should be more specialized.. but it seems that this loading board might not be strong for SD only loads. Any suggestions? Also it seems that when calling FB's are getting paid better than SD on a same lane.
     
    gothedistance, Oct 29, 2011
    gothedistance, Oct 29, 2011
    #2
  4. Oct 30, 2011 #3
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Step deck can also be used as FB, with additional equipment.
     
    Allow Me., Oct 30, 2011
    Allow Me., Oct 30, 2011
    #3
  5. Oct 30, 2011 #4
    Les2

    Les2 Road Train Member

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    kicked back in my lazyboy...
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    Yeah but a lot of places won't even consider doing it. For some reason they are scared of the load levelers.

    IMO, I wouldn't bother with a stepdeck unless you are leasing on with a Co. that runs them regularly. There is an over abundance of them out here now a days and the rates aren't really that much better.

    Now if you could get hooked up with a customer that is willing to pay what its worth, it would be worth it.

    I found it harder to load the step deck with a good paying load than I did with my 45' covered wagon.
     
    Les2, Oct 30, 2011
    Les2, Oct 30, 2011
    #4
  7. Oct 30, 2011 #5
    Cummins_444

    Cummins_444 Medium Load Member

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    Northwest, IN
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    A light 53ft step is the way to go. If you can haul 48,000 to 50,000 on the deck legally you can haul most flatbed freight all day long with the bottom 43ft deck. Then you can still grab good paying step loads.
     
    Cummins_444, Oct 30, 2011
    Cummins_444, Oct 30, 2011
    #5
  8. Oct 30, 2011 #6
    Starline

    Starline Medium Load Member

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    Jun 1, 2011
    Middle Tn
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    Flat & step are directly effected by the economy where as with a reefer, people have to eat.
     
    Starline, Oct 30, 2011
    Starline, Oct 30, 2011
    #6
  9. Nov 1, 2011 #7
    LSAgentOZR

    LSAgentOZR Road Train Member

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    ALL of my flatbed loads can typically go on a stepdeck. Flatbeds period are in very high demand.
     
    LSAgentOZR, Nov 1, 2011
    LSAgentOZR, Nov 1, 2011
    #7
  10. Nov 2, 2011 #8
    FREEBRD

    FREEBRD Medium Load Member

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    Oct 18, 2007
    Lafollette tn
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    NOT TRUE! BAD TIME OF YEAR TO GET INTO FLATBEDS ! UNLESS U HAVE SHIPPER DIRECT LOADS! ALSO RATES DROP THIS TIME OF YEAR!:biggrin_25513:
     
    FREEBRD, Nov 2, 2011
    FREEBRD, Nov 2, 2011
    #8
  11. Nov 2, 2011 #9
    FREEBRD

    FREEBRD Medium Load Member

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    Oct 18, 2007
    Lafollette tn
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    Got one for sale! 48x102
     
    FREEBRD, Nov 2, 2011
    FREEBRD, Nov 2, 2011
    #9
  12. Nov 2, 2011 #10
    Winchester Magnum

    Winchester Magnum Road Train Member

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    Alaska highway
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    Elaborate. Pics
     
    Winchester Magnum, Nov 2, 2011
    Winchester Magnum, Nov 2, 2011
    #10
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