Flatbed rates owner ops

Rates are falling fast. More than just normal winter stuff in my opinion. I run hi boy flat in the Midwest.

%20 deadhead no matter what I have tried over the last 3 years.

I think the next 2 years are going to get tough.

 

If I were you Inwould just jump right into a 13 axle steerable perimeter trailer - they get the best rates ...might take some extra cash to get going...

Sorry for the sarcasm but this same question gets asked at least once a quarter and in the same way.

Since I am trying to be a reform A hole - try this

Figure out what you want to pull and what your true experience and skill level support as well as what your bank account can can support ... then the answer will be clear.

I can tell you that if the answer is RGN - you better have a pile of cash to tie up in your business - no I don’t mean $5k or $10k. The loads eat working cash - run a load that needs a pilot car for a 1000 miles you just tied up $1800 and the. If it even a moderately heavy load another $1-3K in permits and fuel at maybe 4 miles to the gallon so maybe another $1000. So you could have laid out $4-7k on money you won’t collect for 30 days - now do 4 loads like that in a month. Meanwhile, remember any half way decent trailer is going to cost $70k and a properly spec’d Truck (not some freight truck with fleet specs) maybe the same maybe twice that.

The can not give you the same cost analysis on the other segments of the industry but this is the type of information that can help you make a decision.

 

Mid west is the best market right now. More specialized you go more dead head miles you will run. More selective on load more empty miles. I hope you have some cash saved if you planning rgn. Permits and escorts for heavy loads cost pretty penny. Good luck.

 

I get what hes asking too.
Dont get too discouraged at the answers here, as they all bring good points. Much of this comes down to personal preference and skill(not just driving).
I'm choosing step deck. My theory is it offers the most versatility. Can haul containers, taller flatbed freight, vehicles, etc. With a container locks and ramps. I should be able to get decent freight almost anywhere in the country, in THEORY.

 

..... it’s a lot easier to keep a flatbed loaded than a step.
Unless there’s a premium for the lower deck height: you’ll find that you’re moving load levelers a lot and getting very creative tarping loads that would be easy on a flat, & losing time doing it.

 

I dont care to haul a lot of flat loads. Those are usually the heavier loads(lumber, steel, pipe). That's like hauling Coke, beer, or paper in a van. I dont if at all possible. I go for freight that requires work, because most people dont want to work, they just want to drive.
When competing against mega carriers, it's hard to go against a guy making 40cpm.
Simple supply and demand. Tens of thousands of flats out here, maybe a quarter of that with a step.
I get your logic, but I've already factored that in.
Just because you stay loaded, doesn't mean you are more profitable....

 

hahahaha I'm out.

 

You just said perfectly what I been thinking the last couple months. I didn’t know if it was just me or not. Rates are falling

 

Make sure you ask for their social security number and password to their email accounts also

 

? It's an opinion. Unless you believe there is only one path for success in this industry, I dont see the problem with my assessment.