Flatbed or Step Deck with ramps which is better $$$

I have experience in both running load boards, can't make up my mind which to go back to.

Flatbed there's way more volume but step deck loads can pay more at times.

 

Unless you have specialized work a regular flat is better.

 

Flat definitely has more volume, my step with ramps has definitely separated my from the pack before and made me more money. Plus if I go somewhere that is a mud hole, or tight or trucks backed up waiting to use dock, I bust my ramps out and I’m gone.

 

Step with ramps and 2-3 load levelers and you’re golden.

Not sure why you wouldn’t pick step over flat!

 

A bunch of flatbed customer won't load a step, so there is that.

 

Hmm, they must not be on Truckstop.com then because every load I see on there will load either if you have load levelers.

 

I went with the step/ramps combo as well. So far I’ve been able to grab work using the ramps to load vehicles, and the ramps as levelers, etc. I went with the 48’ infinity. I’m seeing a lot three axle 53’ers with the rear axle removed lately, and I’m wondering if that was the better choice. I went back and forth on going flatbed, or step, and I’m glad I went step. It has more versatility. As to the length, jury is still out on that one.

 

Some flat loads require dock height for either loading or unloading.
I've ran into some of those.

 

Not Bobcats. Stepdecks not allowed.

 

I would tend to agree, but I've been to places, particularly pipe places that don't trust the levellers since the load also requires pipe stakes, which means the lower decks would have to be approx 6 ft to 7 ft tall total, to make to the leveler height and then add the required 4 ft to encase the pipe, but at that height on the lower deck...that's not a lot of real strength at that height to restrain the pipe. Liability and possible product damage. I've seen those same places also be rough on the trailers even after being told not to...and I mean dropping from a height...so..that's why they probably don't want levellers. They've probably damaged them and are now responsible, so they just refuse them. But I use to love the flexibility I had to haul loads that needed a stepdeck to avoid the height permits, but hated the really heavy or rail loads that made it hard as hell to distribute the weight, and you never knew what you were up against until you got there, as a company driver. Had to refuse loads that were too heavy to distribute properly. You tell them what kind of weight you can put on the trailer and they never believe you until you send them the scale sheets to show them you really do know what you're talking about, but by then your clock and patience is runnning out and then they relent and either lighten the load or cancel it and you've just wasted a ton of time because they "knew better", and you're not getting paid for it but a pittance.