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what would you choose? flatbed or reefer?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Rich_Trucking, Jun 14, 2013.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Jun 14, 2013 #1
    Rich_Trucking

    Rich_Trucking Light Load Member

    248
    21
    Dec 11, 2012
    0
    Hi everybody,
    I am looking to buy a trailer and am located near Sacramento, California.
    I want to drive long haul.
    I know a reefer is more expensive, is it worth it?
    how much do the rates differ?

    ANY advice hints are appreciated.

    Which trailer would you recommend? why?

    Where can I get the best cash deal for one of these?


    Thanks in advance!
     
    Rich_Trucking, Jun 14, 2013
    Rich_Trucking, Jun 14, 2013
    #1
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  3. Jun 14, 2013 #2
    Diab33tus

    Diab33tus Bobtail Member

    44
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    Nov 27, 2012
    Lansing Michigan
    0
    Flatbed, less things to break and easier to maintain
     
    Diab33tus, Jun 14, 2013
    Diab33tus, Jun 14, 2013
    #2
    Rich_Trucking Thanks this.
  4. Jun 14, 2013 #3
    coastie

    coastie Road Train Member

    1,245
    540
    Oct 20, 2006
    Cleveland, Ga But heart is in PI
    0
    Also something to look at what do u want to haul, and your health. Flat bed demands a lot of physical labor, Reefer can too but it can be hired out (Lumpers) Rates? Reefer and Flat Bed has rate not far from each other last I looked. Reefer also if you can not get a Reefer load you can load most anything that goes in a Dry Van, Not so with a Flatbed. Being in Calif you have one of the hottest Reefer loading areas with all the produce. Yes with the Reefer you have one more motor U must care for but that part of business.
     
    coastie, Jun 14, 2013
    coastie, Jun 14, 2013
    #3
    Rich_Trucking and airforcetoo Thank this.
  5. Jun 14, 2013 #4
    Oscar the KW

    Oscar the KW Going Tarpless

    12,246
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    May 19, 2011
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    If I lived in CA I would buy a reefer and haul produce.
     
    Oscar the KW, Jun 14, 2013
    Oscar the KW, Jun 14, 2013
    #4
    airforcetoo and Rich_Trucking Thank this.
  7. Jun 14, 2013 #5
    Freightlinerbob

    Freightlinerbob Road Train Member

    2,234
    1,316
    Jan 15, 2012
    West Coast B.C.
    0
    Figure our what kind of work you want to do and then you'll know what type of trailer you'll need.
     
    Freightlinerbob, Jun 14, 2013
    Freightlinerbob, Jun 14, 2013
    #5
    Rich_Trucking Thanks this.
  8. Jun 14, 2013 #6
    Rich_Trucking

    Rich_Trucking Light Load Member

    248
    21
    Dec 11, 2012
    0
    According to CARB, the engine on the reefer can't be more than 6-7 years old.

    From my experience the loading and unloading times seem to be a lot longer with a reefer.
     
    Rich_Trucking, Jun 14, 2013
    Rich_Trucking, Jun 14, 2013
    #6
    airforcetoo and poppapump1332 Thank this.
  9. Jun 14, 2013 #7
    airforcetoo

    airforcetoo Heavy Load Member

    892
    216
    Oct 4, 2011
    Up in the air
    0
    Q; R u patient?

    A; Reefer

    Q; R u impatient?

    A; DIY with a Flatbed!!

    YEAHYEEAAAH! (Shouted out Hetfield style) ... Oops sorry wrong thread
     
    airforcetoo, Jun 14, 2013
    airforcetoo, Jun 14, 2013
    #7
  10. Jun 15, 2013 #8
    coastie

    coastie Road Train Member

    1,245
    540
    Oct 20, 2006
    Cleveland, Ga But heart is in PI
    0
    Flatbed is not always a speedy loading I had to wait 12hrs or more in Dallas to load once. I sat more pulling Flatbed than reefer.
     
    coastie, Jun 15, 2013
    coastie, Jun 15, 2013
    #8
    airforcetoo Thanks this.
  11. Jun 15, 2013 #9
    airforcetoo

    airforcetoo Heavy Load Member

    892
    216
    Oct 4, 2011
    Up in the air
    0
    Getting some flatbed experience in the future. SCRATCH
     
    airforcetoo, Jun 15, 2013
    airforcetoo, Jun 15, 2013
    #9
  12. Jun 15, 2013 #10
    poppapump1332

    poppapump1332 Road Train Member

    2,987
    2,465
    Jan 2, 2010
    birdsboro,pa
    0
    Flatbed although with you being in cali reefer might be the best choice
     
    poppapump1332, Jun 15, 2013
    poppapump1332, Jun 15, 2013
    #10
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