Which flatbed TRL to use?

Only a flatbed is suitable for lumber. Some places might accept a step deck if it will fit on the bottom deck or you have bridges. A lot of places will not let you use bridges. Getting the weight distributed properly on a full lumber load on a step deck is almost impossible. You can load coils on any of them, although, on a lowboy, your trailer is already so heavy, you will, either limit yourself as to what weight you can carry or you will be permitted all the time. You will loose fuel mileage with a low boy. You have to determine what percentage of "a lil bit of everything" you will haul and decide what trailer to buy. My best guess is to start with a flatbed.

 

flatbed, probably best with an all alluminum or combo flat, I prefer reitnour myself, but anything that has the J-hook system on them are what I prefer. goodluck.

 

You list "flatbed" as the type of trailer you are wanting to buy, then go onto say lowboy, stepdeck, etc.
Which one is it?
For me, an RGN is the only way to go for the freight I haul. For others it could be a 48' flat, 53' step, and so on.
You need to decide on the loads you are going to haul and buy accordingly.

Martin

 

Look at the Mercer thread on here, pretty active IIRC.
Call Mercer and ask them what trailers get used the most, would imagine flat but maybe they are short on steps instead?
I have done some of their broker loads for RGN's, and have been pleasantly surprised a time or two. Other times it was to get me out of a bad area, and they paid accordingly. I think they all but gave up the RGN side of things now though.
Should be easy to have a chat to some of their drivers though, especially out West. I know I see them sitting out there enough at the truck stops...

Martin

 

Here's the link to the Mercer thread...

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...er-operator/184426-mercer-transportation.html

 

Ironman, Mercer is a great place to be,most their military loads are moved on a stepdeck,lighter tanks,duece and halfs. they will be able to keep you as busy as you want to be. Good Luck

 

Just be prepared for low rates. i ran with 5 Mercer drivers a month ago. We all moved Humvee's from Hood to Edinburgh. They got $1.45 mile while I got $2.15 mile to the truck (after the LS cut since everyone over ar Mercer thinks we quote the gross and not the net)..... kinda strange if you ask me for moving the same stuff.