Truck and trailer still too heavy...

I was talking with a buddy of mine the other day ago about the explosion of flatbed freight and scarcity of the trucks to haul it all over the whole country. I always said most flatbed drivers can be had for cheap. This thread shows that. You give most flatbed drivers $3.50 a mile on a 500 mile legal, no tarp haul and they think they've struck gold. Ought to be booking double that right now in most areas and for several months flatbed trucks have been that scarce.

 

How does a stainless fifth wheel save that much weight versus a cast iron one? Do they really make stainless fifth wheels or are you confusing stainless with aluminum? They have cast aluminum fifth wheels.

 

What all are you packing with you? I’m 34800 full of fuel with a 4 axle truck and 4 axle trailer. I have a set of 8ft drop tarps, a set of 4ft drop tarps, 8 4x4’s for dunnage, 12 8ft v boards, metal edge protectors for dry wall, and 24 straps. If I got rid of three axles and 8 tires and wheels I’d easily be in the 30000 range.

 

I'm as heavy as you and got 3 less axles.

 

I got a divorce and lost 200 lbs

 

Ya id say they qualify.


Op are you getting permits for those beams and following all regs and restrictions for over length loads?

 

You're plenty good on your empty weight. Unless you live in a black hole of open deck freight, you're seriously undervaluing yourself in today's market. With that said $3/mile might fit exactly what you need and get you through the house twice a week. If not, reevaluate your freight.

 

I think he means aluminum which looks about the same. I had an ultra-light Cascadia at my last job with a short sleeper, super singles and a fixed aluminum skid plate.

 

How long is your Cascadia? Mine's a '12. ISX which I believe is heavier than a Detroit.

I'm 242. APU, 7 Chains, 35,400 with less than half tanks and a 53' van.

 

Does your truck have drum brakes or disc brakes? Disc brakes will save you a good chunk of weight but it also isn't cheap.

 

Exactly,.. lots and lots of other freight paying very good money. 44k (10 pallets) of roofing shingles are currently still a hot commodity paying very well. $3+ mile,.. going everywhere.

Hurst