Best Flatbed Truck for Lumber Yard

https://www.auctiontime.com/listing...57.705970236.1553372387-2038506361.1537238359
or something similar while budgeting for a minimum 16000# front axle change would be a good start until you decide to order a new truck. The fact it includes a Moffet forklift may make it more desirable. a 20 foot bed should be a minimum with a 25 foot maximum. you of course can't overhang anything if you carry a lift on the back and you need to be able to carry a 20 foot bundle.

 

What’s the radius of your store to furthest delivery point? Primarily local road speed or highway speed?


Local delivery back n forth to the yard at lower speeds you can find one of those gray, spring ride former Lowe’s trucks pretty near anywhere in the country.
If there’s more distance at higher speed to cover, prolly a good idea to go a bit larger on the size and power. Load it to the hilt and run off all the days deliveries in continuous loop.

 

1. Heavier fronts would be better, but with the moffett hanging off the back, you could get away with 12k fronts because that 6k off the back end lifts the nose.
Are you looking for a tandem axle or a tandem with a drop (I don’t know Idaho laws)? Round my way only rather large outfits run tandems with a drop axle.

2. Motor is probably not as big of a deal in your situation in terms of brand- you want an engine that you can reliably gets parts and service for. If you’re in an area with low population, doesn’t help to have an engine that the nearest dealer is a days travel, or a motor that no one local is familiar with working on.
(Personally other than a medium duty truck with a DT466, I’d stay away from International motors; though that brand of truck itself would likely be a good fit for your operation) cat, Cummins, other, all have fans/followers and haters. Lot is personal preference.
350-475 horsepower motor, 10-13 liters should be plenty stout for you. 8LL, 10 speed probably the better choices for a 10 wheel heavy flatbed.

3. Well, I’d say 20-24’ would normally suffice. However, idk exactly what kind of products you’ll typically deliver. Dimensional framing lumber wants for more deck space, siding it helps to have a 102” wide body, interior wood products you will want to have an area of the bed that can be covered, if not another truck box body completely (doors and windows, moulding, flooring, paneling) that is on another chassis or is easily mountable for use.
Do you sell LVL’s/Joists/TGI’s/ beams that you’ll need available longer space? Longer body, and or a heavy double T bar for the rear of the bed would be important at that point.


***if you’re selling long length products, it’s important that your moffett have the capability to crab sideways with the multi directional front axles. They are quite a bit more expensive on the upfront, but you can’t run 16’/20’/28’ units up someone’s 10’ wide driveway very easily. And driving the truck up before unloading is not always possible.



What your budget is will determine what you’ll likely get for equipment, and “making the most of what you got” will be a key factor.


Lol @beastr123 linked exactly the truck setup I referenced as former Lowe’s truck. They can be found many locations in all conditions.

 

Ruthless has most definitely provides some very good insight and information.

Think your going to find that a single straight truck may not fully meet your service needs. The products you plan to stock and sell are going to drive your equipment needs

Having a tag along lift is going to be a requirement.

A big forklift at your yard is also going to be required.
Some lumber bundles can run 5 to 6 thousand pounds per.

 

a local lumber supply company has around a 24' flatbed with a moffit hanging off the back that can also accept a van body for those items that should not be out in the rain.
One question, do you need a straight truck, or a semi and small trailer, say 36' or so?

 

Do you have lumber that needs to stay dry?