To flat or not to flat? That is the question needing answers

Not sure how you define moderation but they could easily stick you on a 400 - 500 mile run that has you chaining and tarping for 2-3 hrs every day. Rain or shine...(or snow). 100 degrees or -30.

 

Delivering to places that don't have a dock can be interesting.

 

Run!!!!!!

 

I got into step deck 15 years ago when I bought one . I was doing semi end dump intrastate then just moved on to the step intrastate, then interstate. What I can offer is this- tie down is pretty much common sense (from your posts, you've been around, you can do it). Coils are a story all their own. If going by the book 4 chains is enough, then I put 6 on plus use the coil racks AND strap your 4x4's in front and in back of them. Keep your deck clean and oil free. Get a pair of insulated overalls to wear when tieing down in the winter, regular pair for summer, and always have a couple pair of new gloves in the tool box.

 

Pulling a flat, isn't that hard, at first it may seem to be, but once you learn the ropes, and find your grove, you'll be just fine, best of luck, If I ever need to go back to OTR, the only companies i'm contacting are Flatbed companies

 

I'd run from Western Ex. If looking for a great companies in flats, Call Melton Truck lines, I worked for them, started me out on a descent CPM, They treated me with respect and great equipment

 

I started pulling a step deck at age 52, as long as your healthy I don't see why an older person would not be able do it. I was on a job site a couple years ago talking to a flatbeder that was an older fellow, he turned out to 74 years old, about 5' 7" tall , he said his secret was work smarter not harder.
I could'nt imagine having to bump docks with a box for a living, decks get to go much more interesting locations, (sometimes challenging locations) that keep the job from getting boring. It can be alot of work from time to time, but it keeps me from getting fat and lazy for sure.