advantages of flat bed over reefer?

less waiting time to load and unload,better rates.

 

More choices. There are more flatbed load than there are van loads, reefer loads, specialized and heavy haul loads combined. The wait times to load and unload are also much much shorter. You rarely have detention issues when you're running a skateboard. But there is far more physical labor involved. If you have never tarped a load in Highwinds, high temperatures, freezing temperatures, etc. you have no idea what you're in for. You can't be a wimp and haul flatbed. It is also a lot more dangerous than any of the other types of loads. Many flatbed drivers are crushed by their own loads every year. You have to know what you're doing. It takes a long time to learn proper cargo securement. It's not something you just want to jump into with no one to show you the ropes. You will wind up with a load all over the road or worse. But that being said, having hauled all types of freight in my time I can say that flatbed is the most rewarding.

 

your no longer able to steal fuel from refer units

sorry mis read the question thought you said cons

 

I've never pulled reefer but the bogus claims I read about here all the time

 

yeah but then you have to secure and at times.. tarp.... which is fun in winter and wind.
you work harder for better rates, but it the higher rate worth it?

As of today DAT average rate shows spot flatbed .09CPM higher than reefer.
Is that .09CPM worth all the extra work and risk of injury?
Not in my mind...

 

You better believe it is
No door slamming here

 

I wonder how accurate that data is

 

No lumpers or grocery warehouses. No extra motor to buy fuel for, have serviced, etc. And my favorite, no more doors!