48' Flatbed verses 53"

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by blessedman, Nov 11, 2014.

  1. blessedman

    blessedman Light Load Member

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    Any advantages of the 53' besides being able to haul longer stuff like long I beams?
     
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  3. cnsper

    cnsper Road Train Member

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    Also with light weight objects you are able to haul more product and you can bridge more weight in some states. With an axle overweight permit that is...
     
  4. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Some times wood joists, flooring, laminated wood beam shippers want them. And maybe light-weight foam insulation board shippers want them??

    But if I was given a choice I'd stick with 48 unless I had regular load options that required 53'
     
  5. zinita17601

    zinita17601 Road Train Member

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    Being able to grab a partial when possible
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  6. DrFlush

    DrFlush Road Train Member

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    I yanked a 53 around for a year and swapped back to a 48. I found the 48 to have way more advantages then a 53. That being said I saw two loads yesterday that required a 53, but wound up getting a better load with my 48.
     
  7. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    depends on if you plan on traveling through closed axle states. i'm hearing lately a lot of shippers won't load 53's anymore. too much hassle trying to load closed axles at 34.

    watched one guy get a ticket today in st. george, ut. load of pipe. and i'm guessing he was going to cali. he was 420 pounds over on his closed axle. scale made him spread his axles to be legal in az.
     
  8. mandalorekiller

    mandalorekiller Light Load Member

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    Oct 6, 2014
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    My mom has an 87 48ft flatbed that we don't use its a bit old and has sliding tandem (same kind that's on a dry van) she won't let me sell it on Craig's list since she doesn't trust that site
     
  9. tobiasrook

    tobiasrook Light Load Member

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    I'm sitting in Billings MT with 2 step deck tryng to get back east.....any leads or help would be appreciated to find decent paying loads
     
  10. mandalorekiller

    mandalorekiller Light Load Member

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    Oct 6, 2014
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    I'm sitting in Billings MT with 2 step deck tryng to get back east.....any leads or help would be appreciated to find decent paying loads<br/> try uship.com
     
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