Wanting back in the flatbed game

If I were him, I'd look for an all aluminum flat. Get the trailer weight under 8,500# and you can easily scale 50,000# loads and be under 80,000 gross. I've been finding that running the loads over 47,000# are paying a premium since most trucks can't haul it (OTR not local) and I've been getting $200 permit fee's and I don't even have to get permits. That's just cash in my pocket

 

Why wasnt Landstar on your list? I lease with American Transport Inc which is a brother to Greentree and they have been very good to me BUT I personally would give a look at Landstar, Sammons, Admiral Merchants, TMC and Mercer. If you end up picking Landstar then make sure to get hooked up with LSAgentOZR

 

Get a headache rack that has a storage box in the middle for chains and binders. I have one and make sure you take an old mud flap and put in there to pad between box and chains otherwise the noise will drive ya nuts

 

mercer is good. i like em

 

Seeing your from the motor, there are quite a few agents @ the wyoming ave truckstop that represent about any agent based carrier including some of the ones you mentioned. See what areas they run, what the freight and rates are like, what the best equipment for what you'd be doing wud be, etc. I know jones motor has a good agent there that also represents one or two of the carriers you mentioned. Good luck. Welcome to the dirty shirt club!

 

Buy a new aluminum combo trailer, 48X102 flat with aluminum wheels. I bought one from utility two weeks ago for a less payment than a used plus a five year warranty. If you want to go back to flat, also look at Fikes Truck Line. Run your own truck, trailer, and tag and get 80% gross.

 

There aren't all that many agents that have their own trucks, a few, but not many.
Too many worry about weight, when heavy loads seldom pay more, or even as much as lighter loads. My empty weight, with fuel, me and all equipment is only 36,500. That is with a 2011 Fontaine Revolution H 48 footer. From the factory it scaled under 9,000 pounds.
I'll let others haul that heavy steel and lumber. I want to haul the things made from that steel and lumber. They usually weigh less and pay more, plus I get better fuel mileage and put less stress on my equipment.