Flatbed/Step deck

I have a 48' flat.If you have a stepdeck and they request load levelers they want factory or manufactured ones usaully.
The stepdecks can haul freight that's higher than you can put on a flatbed so those generally pay a little more,from what I've seen lately.

 

What are you pulling for a trailer now?

I may turn my van into a flatbed

 

Some of the stepdecks have the locks that you can set a container on your trailer and haul one of those.

 

My next trailer is going to be a step with a couple of load levelers. 48’x102”. “IF” I decide to pull the trigger.

 

If running a stepdeck you would want to get one with ramps as well... otherwise u will be missing out on alot of freight on the spot market.... me personally I think a flatbed is easier to keep loaded on a load board but it's just been my experience... step deck is good for putting together partials and ltl loads.. not all places will load a step with levelers. Think anything longer than 40ft like steel beams or rebar or stuff that's loaded with overhead crane.. will be flatbed only.. also u will want to be as close to 32k empty or less or u will not be able to get loaded alot of bulk material places that want to load 48k

 

My first trailer was a flatbed. I owned it 30 days. Traded for a stepdeck. The lower deck is closer to the ground. Easier to get up on the trailer all around. Well, it used to be easier (age). To secure loads with chains and straps.
I don't tarp loads anymore but, that was easier as well to get bungees on tarp.

Loads that ask for flatbed I don't call on. I call loads that list a SD, FBSD, SDRG. I look at the SDRG loads, usually pass on, because the load belongs on a RGN not a step deck.

Flatbeds are usually lighter than Stepdeck. If you buy an all aluminum fixed axle trailer. Weight can come in close to a combo flatbed.

I don't have risers or ramps. Sometimes it takes extra time to find loads versus having the extra equipment. Empty weight has to be considered and what to compromise to have a decent empty weight.

 

If your gonna limit yourself to a certain area, or certain restrictions, you'll be better off with a 53 flat.

I bought a 48 cause everybody said that's all i needed. Wish I had gone 53'

Anything to make you more versatile will keep you loaded.

53'
Pipe stakes
8' tarps
20+ winches

A light truck is also nice. Those loads over 48k often pay a premium

 

From a company driver perspective, I prefer flatbed loads but you could make move money doing taller loads I guess. I don't like tarping loads that are uneven.