Equipment ready. Need advice to start.

I specced a MAC today, 48x102 with independent sliders, extra lights (25 running per side plus 2 turns) a moffet kit, and independent sliders, 2 tool boxes, dunnage rack, $61k after FET and delivery-was told minimum 8 month lead time.

I'm going to buy a new trailer in the next year or so...not that one tho lol

 

I don't know, 60 is a lot. I get it, it,s Mac, but...

 

A combo or steel would be much cheaper starting out. With either you should be able to scale at least 45-46,000, perhaps more. There is still a lot of freight you can haul that weighs less than 48,000 lbs. But, many shippers want a flat bed to haul 48,000. When I started out pulling flats, I could not scale 48,000 and did just fine. If I lived and mostly ran in the north and northeast, I would probably look at an aluminum trailer due to the rust and bad weather in that area. If you want to run Texas, you will likely only be about to do 1 or perhaps 1 1/2 turns in a week. If I were you I would stay in the northeast and Midwest. There is a lot of freight in those areas and it would be easier for you to get home each week, considering where you live. You should be prepared to have a longer learning curve due to your limited experience. It takes time to make contacts and to learn the best places to operate.

 

I run a all steel Fontaine with alum deck. I can scale 47,500 full of fuel, with the side kit on. I've never scaled it with out the side kit... I'll do that this week. I know my trailer was a solid 10k than the alum for same year and spec. It does the exact same thing, maybe not at pretty but money is money.

 

47.5 with side kit? Who needs aluminum then

 

You guys are wrong about Cluck.

Cluck wouldnt have a bunch of objects hanging off and people looking as if they will fall off the wagon. Cluck would have all the bags entwined like a brick wall, and all the people with their arms locked together making a human basket weave on the top. Cluck has taken LTL to an artform, remember?

 

He probably does not have his passenger endorsement though,

 

I know some guys are scaling 51-52,000 legal with the right spec'd tractor and aluminum trailer.

 

With that heavy Volvo you best get all aluminum. Find yourself a good used Big Bubba. Lease on with a good all owner/operator company at least for a while. You won't have to worry about getting paid and if you want to or have to take off you won't leave your customers hanging. Good Luck!