I rented a 53ft step, should I stick with it or go back to my 48ft flat?

Sooo right now I have a 48' flat. I have a chance to switch out for a 51' step. I'm new at the open deck business, but from what I read, and my little experience, I'm thinking the switch should be a good move to broaden my choices.

 

When I got into open deck work I started with a step, I always seemed to get stuck in areas where the "good" load out required a flat only. So I traded the step off and bought a flat, then I always seen the "good" loads that required a step only.

There really is no one perfect trailer, everything has its pros and cons. You won't have any trouble keeping moving with a 48' flat, plenty of good paying work out there for it.

 

Please tell me what defines "specialized freight"?

 

Everything I do is specialized only problem is I don't get paid for it lol. Seriously it depends on who you ask. I consider majority of open deck to be specialized but some guys define it as having a speciality trailer that's not common or loads that more than likely never hits a open board. Pretty much anything you could do that 5 other people can't

 

I ship 95% of all shipments on a 45 flat. Hardly ever use the 48. 53 total waste of money. Some freight brokers and shippers still don't understand that you Max out on weight in space, in less than 48 feet.

 

I'm guessing, oversize or overweight?

 

Nope my cousin hauls exotic cars and his company charges $4.00 per mile loaded for every car. I personally consider that specialized since they make everyone of their own enclosed car trailers. All legal loads but something that's well...... Specialized. Another example to me is bull haulers. Not every Tom Dick and Harry can do that kinda work

 

Ok, I'll ask. Running a regular 53' flat most of the time. I seem to get a lot of sticks and bricks type moves. Once in a while I get a neat load.
So running a step doesn't "generally" make you more money, it gives you options. Is that the best way to look at the difference in the two trailers?

 

It wouldn't be wrong. 90 percent of the time is not paying subversive more than a flat, just keeping you from sitting till morning or deadheading less. Both of those situations directly translate to more profitability. And then ten percent of the time you are having a load that does pay substantially more.

 

Every load I haul out of my direct shipper will go on a step. Not every load will go on a flat.