Flatbed or Dry Van to fall back on?

Before buying a trailer and making the call, I would want to know what work you have available for it. In rough general terms, if you are gonna compete with everyone else for brokered freight, there are more bottom feeders pulling around vans driving down rates than there are flatbedders doing the same. But you have to base the decision on what work you have available.

If you go with a flatbed, the 48' will work just fine. If you get into a van, then you better look at a 53' footer, because there are many loads that specify that length, and you would be cutting yourself off from potential work with the shorter trailer. Again, if you have specific work for it lined up, then you may be okay with the 48' van, but in general, shippers are used to 53's in the dry van world. In a van, 48's still work well for produce with a reefer, but most dry work rolls in 53's.

Since you have wet kits, you might want to look at a specialized trailer like a sliding axle, or a flipper tail, or something detachable where you can haul locally with it instead of going out on the big road. There always seems to be work available once people know you have an equipment trailer.

 

What is a flipper tail?

 

A trailer used for hauling equipment where the tail of the trailer behind the rear wheels unfolds and makes a relatively low angle ramp for loading equipment. If you look up the name of "Joethemechanic" I believe he posted pictures here about 2 weeks ago of one he just bought. I think it's under the title " new toy" or something similar to that, and it's in this O/O section..

 

Sometimes reffered to as a 'beavertail' .

And I have to agree with Burky, you need to know what kind of 'other' work would be available to fall back on. Then you could make a better choice in trailer. But my $.02, get a reefer or flat, because again Burky is right, unless you can pull some Landstar freight. But even then you would have to be picky, don't want to get stuck with any $.85 pm freight!

 

Did I hear my name mentioned????


Here is a video of the trailer in action I posted on Youtube. I got tired of explaining what a "Sliding Axle" or a "Landoll" type trailer was to shippers, insurance people, and even to my carrier (who is supposed to be in the machinery hauling business)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlKCYyOFUwM

 

I had the cash for a 3 axle hydratail or 3 axle slider with tractor like Joe has.

I sure do like that work.

Most of the equipment rental companies run these around D/FW...

There's not much you can't put on one of these type trailers by yourself if it drives on and off...

 

Ah ha! And light comes on in the dim room......of my brain. Thanks Joe.

 

Neat video Joe! I have seen a scissor neck trailer with a beaver tail flap that does the same type of work too... think they use that more in the oilfield though.