Which flatbed TRL to use?

And every time I talk to another Mercer driver that has ran with a Landstar truck, they say we were getting the better rate and the Landstar truck was hauling for peanuts. So to the op, take comments like this with a grain of salt, times are tough right now, almost EVERYBODY is complaining about rates. And some of the rates that get thrown around on this board....... well lets just say that unless I see rate confirmation sheets or settlements, then we will just assume that some are a little less truthfull than others.

But personaly if you want consistancy, buy a flatbed, especially if you are going to lease to Mercer. There are some of us that have steps that do well with them, but not without some headaches and for me personaly wondering if I should trade it off for a flat. But with where you live I would have a flat, there are more flatbed only loads coming out of there.

 

wow! Leased on and hauling for $1.45 hahahahahaha1 unreal! Idiots!

 

How about length of flatbed? Is a 45' even worth buying today?

 

If you plan on hauling steel, then a 45' trailer will do just fine. You can find many of them for very cheap, but granted most are also 1990's and older, so be sure to really inspect them. Many had very abused lives and lots are spring ride also.

A 45' trailer up here near Gary is very common

 

I agree . . . start with a combo (aluminum/steel) flatbed. I started with an all Aluminum Reitenour 53' step deck and wished that I had started with the flatbed as there are about 10 times more freight for flatbeds than stepdecks. Alot of shippers won't let a stepdeck take a flatbed load. Good luck.

 

Remember the longer the deck the longer the load before you have to start buying "over size" permits. I use a 53' but many say that 48' is fine. Alot will depend on your pocketbook, or amount of debt you are willing to carry.

Good luck.

 

I am hoping to find a good but cheap 48' x 102" spread axel steal or alum...obvious alum is better but not going to find one as cheap as steal. I have found some 45's but think I may wish I had a 48' so that is why I posted the question. I will keep looking so I can benefit from the payment made.

 

Like stated, it all depends on how much money you wish to spend. i ran a 48' flat last year, and only 4-5 loads required all 48'. Most took up less than 40' of trailer

 

I appreciate your insight SHC, as always.. Would a 96" be ok as well, or would a 102" be better? I will never go into CA, don't plan on traveling that far so no need for a 53'.

 

Now some places DO require a 102 wide trailer. I know most 45' trailers are 96 wide, but if you could locate a 102 I would go for that. price should be about the same.

Don't get me wrong, a 48' is prefered. But the last few used ones I priced were alomst as much as a new trailer, where the 45' could be had for $2-$5k total.