What makes more money in Flatbeds

Rates out west seem to be about the same as van. I said to stay regional as for IN IL OH KY MI WI and you would do much better, not to mention not having to deadhead too far for a reload and you will not have to deal with lumber loads as you would in the Northwest.

As for the step deck being aluminum or steel it all depends on what you plan to do. If you are just going to haul steel then a aluminum trailer would be great for weight. I prefer a wood deck since it helps with things sliding around and if you plan on moving machinery then a wood deck is a must unless you feel like tearing the heck out of your floor. I was pulling a heavy steel/wood step with Pape and I was still able to scale 45,000# with my heavy Western Star. My truck weighes 22,000# loaded with fuel and equipment so the trailer was about 12,500# empty.

 

I have an aluminum deck on my step, haul alot of machinery on it. If you don't do anything stupid you will not tear it up.