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Stepdeck or Reefer (Long post)

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by WREN, Feb 11, 2020.

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  1. Feb 11, 2020 #1
    WREN

    WREN Medium Load Member

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    Jul 17, 2017
    Florida panhandle
    0
    Please read before commenting

    Ok guys, my truck will finally be done in the next week or so (3 month motor swap). Anyways, I tried the lease thing with a carrier and did both reefer and stepdeck with them. I made more money pulling the stepdeck in the short time between the reefer and engine locking up, but I think that was because the truck was on the road more than it was with the reefer. Anyways, I will be in a position to reactivate my MC and buy a trailer and do my own thing and pay a factoring company to factor until Im in a position I dont have to vs. paying 10-20% to someone to dispatch me and use their trailer.

    So, Im trying to decide which one I want to do again and here are my concerns.

    Reefer - I already have all of the straps, load bars, and other various equipment to do it. However, my concern is the extra cost in fuel and the added worry of the reefer unit going out and/or also loosing a load ( I know, insurance). However, most of the time its no touch freight.

    Stepdeck - Dont have any of the equipment necessary because I was leasing it with the trailer from my company. However, in buying one I would try to purchase with all or most of the equipment needed. I would also need to purchase a headache rack/box since I didnt have one or use on previously (added cost).

    Now the biggest issue Im faced with atm. I have 2 herniated discs in my lower back along with issues with my SI joints (where your sciatic nerves run). I have been getting injections to try and alleviate the pain AND really didnt have any issues with it when I was pulling the stepdeck previously. It seems like it is worse and I am worried, as is my wife, that I will have issues with doing step and end up having to get away from it after buying everything.

    I know, long post and a lot of what seems to be whining but I want to do it as right as possible and not set myself up for failure again (yes, third go around with trucking) instead of telling the bank they can have the truck back.
     
    WREN, Feb 11, 2020
    WREN, Feb 11, 2020
    #1
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  3. Feb 11, 2020 #2
    Just passing by

    Just passing by Road Train Member

    1,177
    3,137
    Feb 25, 2017
    Mississippi
    0
    I would go reefer. Your body isn't getting any younger. The whatifs on a reefer are much better than the reality of tarping, securing loads on a stepdeck.
     
    Just passing by, Feb 11, 2020
    Just passing by, Feb 11, 2020
    #2
    Svmuel, PE_T and WREN Thank this.
  4. Feb 11, 2020 #3
    blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    12,048
    60,658
    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
    0
    Tough call.

    I can’t speak for your level of pain - but I thank the stars everyday that I don’t have any pain while I’m performing platform - because,

    It’s a hands on task that any painful ailment quickly makes a miserable long job.
     
    blairandgretchen, Feb 11, 2020
    blairandgretchen, Feb 11, 2020
    #3
    Just passing by, PE_T and WREN Thank this.
  5. Feb 11, 2020 #4
    pavrom

    pavrom Road Train Member

    3,026
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    Apr 29, 2012
    NE illinois
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    In your case i would stay with reefer ...unless you wanna go with conestoga ...still physical work involved
     
    pavrom, Feb 11, 2020
    pavrom, Feb 11, 2020
    #4
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  7. Feb 11, 2020 #5
    broncrider

    broncrider Road Train Member

    1,618
    3,187
    Mar 23, 2007
    somewhere drinkin beer probaly.....
    0
    Research rates....from what I've seen platform (flat/step) rates are down, and have been for the last 14 months....they are hualing for the same or less than I did in 07

    reefer rates are back on the rise, and while it's humbling to pull a buzz box it's better than being a door monkey for a van!

    all that said, I'm looking for a reefer....cows are super slow this year, and I'm about sick of doing power only stuff
     
    broncrider, Feb 11, 2020
    broncrider, Feb 11, 2020
    #5
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  8. Feb 11, 2020 #6
    Atlaw4u

    Atlaw4u Heavy Load Member

    750
    1,131
    Jun 8, 2018
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    With your state of health go reefer.
     
    Atlaw4u, Feb 11, 2020
    Atlaw4u, Feb 11, 2020
    #6
    WREN Thanks this.
  9. Feb 11, 2020 #7
    PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    3,412
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    Jul 12, 2017
    Texas (trucking since 02/2013)
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    If you’re planning to do OTR reefer, you really want a new one. Less problems in the long run like OS&D, insurance increases, and repair bills.
     
    PE_T, Feb 11, 2020
    PE_T, Feb 11, 2020
    #7
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  10. Feb 12, 2020 #8
    dirthaller

    dirthaller Heavy Load Member

    937
    10,626
    Sep 22, 2011
    Coloratah
    0
    I’ve been doing open deck for 10 years now out of SLC. Yes, rates have been in the toilet for the last year or so. Out of curiosity, I just looked at the load board at reefer loads. Uh no thanks!
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2020
    dirthaller, Feb 12, 2020
    dirthaller, Feb 12, 2020
    #8
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  11. Feb 12, 2020 #9
    Crazytrucker77

    Crazytrucker77 Heavy Load Member

    832
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    Nov 23, 2014
    Grants Pass, OR
    0
    Really it just comes down to what you think you can handle physically. Both have their positives and negatives. Reefer on one hand is definitely better on your body but on the other hand you're going to spend a lot more time sitting in a dock. Step deck or flat on one hand usually pays better and you don't spend all that time sitting in the dock but it can take a toll on your body unless you figure out ways to minimize that. Me personally you'll never see me pulling a reefer again. I like being able to get up at 5 a.m. everyday and having a regular sleep schedule.
     
    Crazytrucker77, Feb 12, 2020
    Crazytrucker77, Feb 12, 2020
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  12. Feb 12, 2020 #10
    SteveScott

    SteveScott Road Train Member

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    Nov 10, 2015
    0
    I'm turning 60 in a couple months, and my knees are shot. I use a small step ladder to get in and out of my trailer, but other than that, no lifting of any kind doing reefer. Most of my pain comes from just climbing in and out of the truck.
     
    SteveScott, Feb 12, 2020
    SteveScott, Feb 12, 2020
    #10
    PE_T Thanks this.
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