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What do you guys think? Running flatbed in the South East

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by TommyZ, Mar 4, 2012.

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  1. Mar 4, 2012 #1
    TommyZ

    TommyZ Light Load Member

    102
    39
    Nov 21, 2009
    Miami,FL
    0
    What is the best flat to run in the south east. (fl,ga,ms,al, sc) . What would be best to make a living? Flat or step and what size? I thought step but I not sure. And if I get a regular flat what size is the norm? What to look for when buying a flat. Aluminum or steal? Sorry for the random questions , just would like to here from some guys how know about this... Again thanks for any info!!!
     
    TommyZ, Mar 4, 2012
    TommyZ, Mar 4, 2012
    #1
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  3. Mar 4, 2012 #2
    Watchman

    Watchman Crusty Rifleman

    134
    1,145
    Mar 4, 2012
    castle rock wa
    0
    when I did a fuel test av done with 15000 miles each found that stepdeck got me 1/2 mpg better then flat as to getting loads for one or the other its 6 one way and 1/2 doz the other ,, me I would go with 10/2 spread alum deck with 4 nailing strips alum frame lighter can be better depends what you are going to hual really kinda like asking whats the best Rifle depends what you are planing to do with it ,,,

    watchman
     
    Watchman, Mar 4, 2012
    Watchman, Mar 4, 2012
    #2
  4. Mar 4, 2012 #3
    skateboardman

    skateboardman Road Train Member

    6,232
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    Jan 14, 2012
    flatbed heaven
    0
    first thing is to move from miami, florida
     
    skateboardman, Mar 4, 2012
    skateboardman, Mar 4, 2012
    #3
    Mommas_money_maker, LSAgentOZR, SHC and 1 other person Thank this.
  5. Mar 4, 2012 #4
    Watchman

    Watchman Crusty Rifleman

    134
    1,145
    Mar 4, 2012
    castle rock wa
    0
    FL thats a flatbedders motel you get loads in but don't get loads out ,,,,,like the Raid roach motel
     
    Watchman, Mar 4, 2012
    Watchman, Mar 4, 2012
    #4
    Mommas_money_maker and Grumppy Thank this.
  7. Mar 4, 2012 #5
    TommyZ

    TommyZ Light Load Member

    102
    39
    Nov 21, 2009
    Miami,FL
    0

    Well Ive been hauling reefer's For seven years now. I have a baby girl now and don't want to be out so long. Besides I am tired of Sitting at cold storages!!! So You can say I am new to flat beds. Although I've Hauled them before here and there, never really stuck to it but I really like it.

    I don't know what I am gonna load. But here is what I do know

    • I am 100% O/O right now. And that's not gonna change!!!
    • I only want to run the south east.
    • I don't run cheap loads, but I don't need too much work.Just enough to make a normal living and put food on the table.

    My question is, with what type of sled will I find the most and best paying loads to keep me busy in the south east (FL , GA , SC , AL , MS, LA) ?


    Flat bed . And if so what's the best way to go ,

    48" ?
    Steal or Aluminum?
    Spread axle? ( I like the spreads)
    What to look for when buying?

    OR Stepdeck
    Again what length?
    Aluminum?
    What to look for when buying?


    Please help. I am not just asking to waste time .
     
    TommyZ, Mar 4, 2012
    TommyZ, Mar 4, 2012
    #5
  8. Mar 4, 2012 #6
    SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

    8,484
    7,047
    Feb 26, 2011
    Westville, IN
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    A 48' flatbed would be very versatile in the SE. That being said, coming out of Miami you will most likely not find a load. And as for not being gone, living in Miami you will have to be. Hate to say it but the only way to make it as a flatbed owner will be to move or maybe it is time to find a different career.

    But if u are dead set on it, I would go for a 48' flat. The rest is preference, all aluminum is light but also expensive. A composite (steel frame and aluminum deck) would be the best I think.
     
    SHC, Mar 4, 2012
    SHC, Mar 4, 2012
    #6
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  9. Mar 4, 2012 #7
    DMH

    DMH Medium Load Member

    344
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    Jan 9, 2012
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    could you try running the reefer just in the south east?
     
    DMH, Mar 4, 2012
    DMH, Mar 4, 2012
    #7
    SHC Thanks this.
  10. Mar 4, 2012 #8
    SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

    8,484
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    Feb 26, 2011
    Westville, IN
    0
    I was thinking that as well, especially with produce season starting in FL
     
    SHC, Mar 4, 2012
    SHC, Mar 4, 2012
    #8
  11. Mar 4, 2012 #9
    TommyZ

    TommyZ Light Load Member

    102
    39
    Nov 21, 2009
    Miami,FL
    0

    Yeah I can do that but i am so tired of the cold storages!!!
    I have a freind who runs a flatbed in Florida. He pulls a load three times a week from Miami to Orlando then picks up in lakeland back to Miami. I know he got lucky with a steady lane. But he started two years ago and found a steady lane.

    I've been running my reefer down here for a few months now, I just hate sitting at a cold storage 2 hours from my house waiting to pick up or drop a load . I might keep it for while just in case. I am NOT changing careers , trucking is in my blood , it's who I am. Just looking to change it up a bit.
     
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2012
    TommyZ, Mar 4, 2012
    TommyZ, Mar 4, 2012
    #9
  12. Mar 5, 2012 #10
    LSAgentOZR

    LSAgentOZR Road Train Member

    2,043
    1,354
    Nov 1, 2011
    Nashville, TN
    0
    We'll be shipping out of Jacksonville, FL here very soon. The majority of our loads weigh between 45-48k but usually scale back to 47k. It's regional moves, but outbound only at this time.

    That said...if I were driving, I'd go with the lightest weight most versatile trailer I could afford. Not sure what max weight on an ultralight 53' step deck is, but I'd look at that with container locks and plenty of tools. Remember, the NEW Panama Canal is almost done, and when that happens...you're going to see FL freight pickup ten fold.
     
    LSAgentOZR, Mar 5, 2012
    LSAgentOZR, Mar 5, 2012
    #10
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