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Would it be more advantageous to run 53-foot flatbeds?

 

Not really. One factor is the rear axles. It could be fixed or a slide setup. If 44 state fixed, you could have problems with CA. FL. CT. With KPRA distance. It could be a cali set, then the rear overhang is upwards of 8 1/2 feet. Slide set up puts the rears in a tandem, and drops your axles to 34K.

Basicly the advantage is limited. Load factors play a big role, light weight products, you get more on, heavy not so. Loading some things can be a challenge. 53s do have a place, they can be the better choice in some cases. Lowboy steps come to mind.
One reason I don’t, rates. 48 or 53 gets the same rates for the loads.

 

Thanks for the insight. I used to work at Melton and they strictly ran 53 footers. Getting back to my question, don't you have more flexibility though with a 53? I mean, the rates may be the same but with a 53 you can also haul loads geared to 48 right? Thanks for your input again.

 

They're also heavier. And the axle position on ca legal trailers mess with the load center.

 

I don’t understand this post . Don’t you have a contract that includes a detention rate if they’re a regular customer ?

 

Sure, on a 53, you can load just about any load a 48 would. The thing is, some 53’s are quite heavy. When you add in the slide axle set up, you get slightly more weight on the trailer. My 48 combo is 8800 lbs. Add two boxes and gear, plus dunnage and I am still under 9500.
That is where most combo 53’s start, all aluminum are not that much lighter in a 53. My setup is very light, I can load almost 51k on the deck if I want. Generally try to stay at about 46K max.

Do you gain flexability with a 53? Maybe, but not that I have seen. Have run both 53 floats and low steps. The advantage was the lowboy step gave me height for taller items. Light bulky loads, like insulation or A/C units that are not heavy but large, they can sit fully on the deck. Long loads, not really. Depending on the state, you are limited to overall length with a 53. Even with my setup, I can still run 60 foot loads if need be. 4 off the rear, the rest up front. I get long load permits just to reduce the headaches. Most are really only concerned with off tracking of the end of the load. At 4 foot off the rear, it is about 5 foot max, so not that much of a problem, no worse than a rocky double or three pups.

 

And knowing when to say "No", politely.

Today I got offered a 40K load, from IN to NC (600 miles; 30 miles dh) for $1200 I said no.

Same broker, calls 2hrs later, 15K load, IN to MD (500 miles; 140 miles th) for $2200. I said yes.

I have no problem saying no.

Same broker paid $100 detention, for 2hrs (After 2hrs free) , whereas the receiver had stipulated detention starts after 6hrs.

Its all how you state your "company policies", and the relationship thereafter.

We are all in this together (even in a "soft" market) with me refusing to run at a loss.

 

I'm sure they have lists and know who will work cheap. You just moved off the bottom .

 

Hahaha. Thx. I needed a good laugh.

I also appreciate the different perspective. Never thought of it that way.