Stepdeck or Flatbed to start out

Their's lots of 53 steps running around. Lot's of flat bed freight will work on a step unless your running lots of steel it shoudn't hinder you to much. A step is nice because you can do small equipment and other tall things. If you get a step I would make sure you get one with 40 foot lower deck. Call all the places you think your going to get work from and ask what they use the most.

 

I have a 53 step and its a total different customer that has call for these and you have that ability to run a flat load. I do a lot of tall machinery loads and equipment now and some OD along with my hazmat stuff. If you get a 53 make sure it has the sliding spread as you will need it for cali and canada but if you dont go it will be good for resale value.

 

53' Stepdeck with atleast 40' on the bottom deck and 8' on the top deck. I can load you home to richmond on occasion out of ohio with that type of SD. The plants we move stuff out of won't load a SD with less than that and refuse to load a 48' SD.

Regardless of the loads we have, you'd be better off with a step anyway, because like you said, you can move loads that might otherwise put you OD. Good luck with whichever trailer you choose. I need to get out there and ride with some of our open deck guys. I'd love to learn more about it.

 

Smart and good idea I think all agents/brokers should as I really like the ones that know what they are talking about. I also think a 48 step is about useless.

 

Theirs nothing wrong with a 48 it just depends on what you do. You should have a 40ft lower with locks though. It's all in what work your doing and I know poeple that sold their steps and do better with flats because of what they do.

 

You nailed it there. Its all about what you do. I would research who does what and what their needs are (flat, step) and whats giving the better rates without costing you more.

 

And I see it the other way, a 53' step is about useless. The biggest call I see for a 53 where I'm at is for hauling cans out of the ports. If I wanted to do that then I would just go pull a container and be done with it. Seems to me 48 or 53 has more to do with who you are leased to than anything.

I do good with my 48, pull alot of regular flatbed freight on it also.

 

more oppertunity with a 53 ft step