Honest Advice from Experience? Calling Flatbedders

First off, I am a company driver for three months now. I got my CDL and have been hauling open step-deck from the start in Oct. Exactly where I wanted to start, got lucky, proved myself and now been solo for 2 months. I do have many family members that do or have done OTR, all o/o. So this isn't a post about don't get your own authority advice or it's harder then you think. I know what it takes to run a business and a truck. But what I do or could use some help on is truck and trailer advice.

My personal goal as a step-decker is to be as Versatile as possible. OD, over-wieght(ish) permitted loads, cars, building supplies, basic commodities, machinery, equipment, etc etc etc.

I am willing to give up heavy haul to start because I do want an all aluminum trailer, 1) for increased cargo capacity, and 2) for lighter weight.

So I now consider myself 9months from my own truck and authority. I've already built a whole list of relationships with so many brokers, just as a company driver! All saying you have work from me when you want it(paraphrased)... Saving every dollar I'm making as the wife more then covers home bills, and I honestly can't believe how much I'm making as a "rookie" Can't wait, real excited. Really just waiting to save, and hit the 1 year mark, which makes the insurance premiums manageable.

I say "rookie" because on paper I just started, but I have been driving 18wheelers since I was 12 with my old man, every summer. I can drive and back circles around so many idiots today. And this would be my second business so yep, good there too. But trucking Sure is different then what I remember in the late 90s. Anyway...

I've already talked with a few insurance agents, and have a couple quotes and understand what my liability, cargo, and "bobtail" will cost and know what to expect for cost and coverage.

Trailer I about know what I want, now finding the right brand. I like Manac, Reitenour, and Fontaine. All alumnium step deck, with 2 boxes, j-hook channels(unless Fontaine) sliding rear spread and front axle lift, scales, dual bag dump, full ramp kit, dunage rack and container locks... 45-60k range depending on brand.

I pull a 2017 Manac and it's specd out sweet... and still Tares under 11,500

I'm honestly down to between two trucks to start with. Either a 2013-2015 Volvo D13 730/780 or a 1997-1999 3406 379. Which surprisingly are similar in price. Class leading comfort and Cali with one. Or no elog and versatility with the other...

And there is a ton of good paying freight in Cali... but I'm sure you guys know that. And those Petes have proven themselves as the industry workhorse that just doesn't die.

The Volvo will have under 500k and the Pete will have around or over 1M. But under 1.5M

So basically truck and trailer talk me, but I am never opposed to any type of honest advice.

TIA

 

Rock and roll!