Location?

Well, depends on what type of freight you run.

I'm 165 miles south of you, leased with LS, and rates kinda suck in KC from my limited experience.

 

in a 200 mile for flatbed i count 18 loads on the board right now 2 which load out of KCMO and 4 less then 50 miles

 

How much experience do you have picking your own freight? If little to none, get a flat. if you've been doing it 15 years you can make a step work.

 

Then a flat will serve you better. The good news is that flats hold their value well so in a couple years once you've given yourself time to learn, you could trade it in on a step and not be out a whole lot.

 

About your specific area, it's not very good. If you want to be home three times a week it's good be tough to average a good rate. It's just not realistic. But if you don't mind being gone ten days to two weeks, you will do good. I live in the black hole of south Florida, and if I can make good money at Mercer, anyone can.