load limits

Yes some shippers do not want load levelers. I would suggest a 50 10ft top 40ft bottom deck. That would be my suggestion. If you choose to buy a 48 step make sure when you book a load they will accept having load levelers. Also make sure you buy a set of load levelers.

 

There r a few rare 48' steps with 8' top and 40 bottom. But I've only seen one.
I have a 38 bottom and it rarely cuts me
Out of loads.
Couple times a year when they are shipping 2 20' containers out of the Carlina's. not legal to hang over.

 

loads that require levelors are few

 

You're not allowed to overhang a container? Talked to a boy with a 48 step that was out of NJ that had a 20 hanging over on his bottom deck. Thank you for that information.

You don't haul much pipe do you?

 

There are some shippers that require a longer bottom deck, especially those that don't want any overhang. I have a 50 footer that has a 10 top and 40 bottom that I am probably going to sell soon, if you are interested in a starter trailer. It is a 50 foot all steel Doonan that I have kept around for a back up. It is in very good shape, zero rust, never been up north in the ice and snow ever, but it is heavy and 12 years old. It rarely gets used, so I am think about selling it. If you are looking for something decent and not breaking the bank.

 

I could be wrong but believe the law says you CAN overhang an EMPTY container but a loaded container CAN NOT overhang.

 

I see guys with containers hanging over all the time, I think it depends on the customer. I have pulled some military containers and they were strict about saying no over hang, but I see them loading them all the time in Jacksonville and Port Everglades like that.

 

CONTAINER OVERHANG
Container overhang requirements for intermodal containers involved in both INTERSTATE commerce (that crosses state lines) and INTRASTATE (within California) are as follows:

• Loaded containers may NOT extend out the rear of the trailer.
• Empty containers may extend out 5 feet.