why do you pull open deck trailers?

I've heard or read many drivers say because it pays so much better than van freight and because you actually get exercise and don't gain 400lbs holding a steering wheel.

 

I really like the challenge as I haul many different things (hazmat and OD included) and it does give you exercise along with better customers usually.

 

Big John's Top Ten Reasons for Pulling Open Deck Trailers.

10. I liked the challenge of some of the loads bring especially oversize loads, it must be boring to shut two doors and your good to go.

9. No a holes at the grocery warehouses to deal with.

8. Not really any appointment times except when you might have the occasional crane load or unloads.

7. I don't mine getting dirty and don't have soft hands.

6. Rates are pretty good compared to other freight. (they could always be better)

5. Most of the time and I say just most of the time another driver or drivers will help you on securing or tarping your load or untarping.

4. It is just cool to haul that big load down the highway.

3. Kid's think you are cool.

2. Other driver's look at your loads and wished they could do that.

And the number one reason to pull an open deck trailer.

1. Because the Chicks Dig It!

 

Oscar, where are you at in Iowa? Ind. Contractor or company driver?

 

I always feel safer with my step deck for a few reasons and a couple other thoughts..

1. Its not a surprise as to how its loaded so less likely to get a load shift or settle like a dry van
2. Step deck gives you a feeling of security for the back 43 ft of cargo in a "#### happens" scenario. The front ten- well- you put them on there and they should be secure.
3. less tossed around by cross wind.
4.I take pictures of my load and other drivers loads when we are getting loaded. Lots of times I pick up good ideas that i can use and sometimes just see things I want to avoid.
5. Flatbedders have to be the coolest guys. Never once has a driver not been willing to answer a question and quite often will come over before he leaves to make sure I got it right. They're always happy to get help tarping a load or folding a tarp. Almost always speak english, not likely to leave a piss bottle laying around 'cause we stop more often to check our loads.

6. I gotta say that if I could have a few brew with any drivers- it probably would be flat bedders. They have the best stories and experience, some pretty decent equipment and definitely look out for each other on the road

 

I 100% agree with the top ten. I have been doing open loads in the military for 3+ years and can't wait to do it on the civilian side. Looking forward to starting in May of 2012. Its hard work but always something different and I love the challenge.

 

There's something about the "surprise factor" before you see what you're getting loaded with. Yesterday I was supposed to be picking up sections of conveyor. Something tipped me off then the weight on the BOL was 30k so it couldn't be your little box moving stuff. Turned out to be an industrial vibrating piece used to separate sand and castings in a foundry. Pretty cool stuff.

 

Nice, what do they haul on their open deck side, I haven't seen many mercer trucks in eastern Iowa? Do you currently pull dry vans for them and plan to switch over to their open-deck division?