Step vs flat for lumber/pipe

And nothing else?

The lumber loads I've done are easier to tarp on flats.

What kind of pipe? Plastic or steel?

 

For those commodities enviously a flat. You get a step to haul taller loads and to be able to ground load machinery with ramps.

You tolerate having to use risers on other loads or not being able to take dock height only loads to have that advantage.

 

Both can be unloaded with forklifts. Standard step like mine can be overinflated to get up to dock height if necessary. Step gives you access to larger stuff. Unless its 41+ ft in length I dont use my levelers, which is not that often. If I get 16ft sections, I place 1 leveler 4 ft back from the drop, everything else goes to the bottom deck.
Heres the big benefit for me. 3ft to climb on and off is a lot easier than 5 ft.

Also, it depends on your tractor. If its heavy like mine, then you would be better off with an aluminum flat.
I've got a w9 studio, and a combo step with ramps that weighs over 14k. I can only take 42-43k on the deck before I break 80 gross.

 

BULL F****NG ####. A standard steps lower deck will be at least 18 inches shorter than a flat. You're not gonna get up 18 inches by just over inflating your bags.

 

If just hauling general building materies. No need to get a step. U find a step to be a PITA hauling regular freight. In my exerpeience they are harder to get weights evened out . I leave the step to the pros and ill take the flat all day

 

Most stepdecks are 39 to 44 inches high at the rear bumperif on 255/70/22.5 tires,
most docks are 48 to 50 inches from the ground because most vans are 48 to 50 inches at the floor.
A step with a bypass valve can typically rise 7 inches.

 

Dock height is 60 inches...