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Tri-axle steel work

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by cabwrecker, Aug 10, 2017.

  1. Aug 10, 2017 #1
    cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

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    Mar 23, 2012
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    So I'm leased onto Kaplan out of Cleveland currently hauling steel 24/5. As of right now I'm just running one of their Reitnour bubbas with your typical spread and a side kit.

    I pretty much just roll Chi-Clev and very little else, lots in between. Might take the occasional trip down south to break the monotony.


    Been thinking a lot about doubling down and sticking around here, works good and pays relatively well. Dispatch system works for me and I've had worse jobs. So in short I'm thinking about making a larger commitment and swinging onto triaxle work.

    Financially I have my hands pretty full between the truck and my personal life, so I'd sooner rent/lease the trailer from my carrier. Currently paying $200/wk on this bubba rental and outside of financing a trailer I can't really find another deal like it where I'm not responsible for the maintenance. I imagine the triaxle rental/lease would be reasonable as well.



    Basically I'm not real sure what I'd be getting into. I've talked to plenty of guys running tris and drop quads and they clam up pretty quick. Usually met with the response "oh I just run new Carlisle/burns to Toledo/delta." And after that it's difficult to get any good info. See em down in Columbus and Cincy enough.

    Outside of typical run areas, what's the average pay increase? Top it off what's the average weight increase and how much extra BS?

    Start needing a permit with every tri axle load?
     
    cabwrecker, Aug 10, 2017
    cabwrecker, Aug 10, 2017
    #1
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  3. Aug 28, 2017 #2
    barroll

    barroll Road Train Member

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    You're buying your way into a very small niche up against the Michigan 8 axles and B-doubles that can do just about anything a 3 axle can cover when it comes to steel in that area.
     
    barroll, Aug 28, 2017
    barroll, Aug 28, 2017
    #2
    skellr Thanks this.
  4. Aug 28, 2017 #3
    Fatboy42

    Fatboy42 Light Load Member

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    How are you paid now? Is it by the hundred weight? %? If by% figure out what that breaks down to by hundred weight and that is a good base. Also who pays for the permits and where do you want to run. Indiana, Ohio etc. check out to see how the permits work in the areas you run. Another factor what is your empty weight. How much more will you gross with a third axle. I am light I can haul 50,000 without permit only times I have ( very few) was well compensated. Remember extra weight extra fule extra wear and tear. All things to consider. A lot of folks want you to pay permit and still pay by hundred weight. Not a real advantage to undergo cost of extra equipment expense. I would really look into how many loads you are going to run to areas that will require the equipment update.
     
    Fatboy42, Aug 28, 2017
    Fatboy42, Aug 28, 2017
    #3
  5. Aug 28, 2017 #4
    Zeviander

    Zeviander Road Train Member

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    A triaxle will give you the flexibility to enter Canada and get between 50,600 and 53,000 lbs on the axle group (depending on province, Manitoba is still dragging it's heels) and 46,000 kg gross (101,400 lbs).

    As @barroll said, you are going to have a hard time competing with the caterpillars and B-trains. And good luck getting steel loads through Ontario into western Canada, many companies deal with very specific carriers.

    I'd say it would be safer to get the tri and run it like a split most of the time (even put a couple lift axles on it; front (for a tandem config) and mid (for a split config), to save on tires). In Michigan you'll need that fourth drop axle to run triaxle weights anyways. Unless you have really, really consistent work, it might be a waste of money to go for the extra axle.

    The empty weight on a aluminum 53' triaxle group with 22" tires and a single lift axle is about 9,500 lbs (last I checked).
     
    Zeviander, Aug 28, 2017
    Zeviander, Aug 28, 2017
    #4
    NoBigHurry Thanks this.
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