Thinking about getting a Drop Deck

Being an owner operator who wants to make money you gotta look at the reality of things 80 million Vans and reefers that's why so many advertised a dollar a mile for bumping docks too many drivers or out of shape or too lazy to do anything else there's always more money in specially work but you have to be ready to do that work have you ever thrown or tried to roll 150 pound tarp in 20 degree weather it's brutal or drop a chain on your hand in freezing weather or how about you get a load you have to tarp in Arizona when it's 120 degrees it pays more if you're willing to do the work check out Landstar step deck all the guys I talk to do pretty good the other side of the coin when times get tough food and household products still move in those vans and reefers we're all that specialty product on step deck could shut down when the economy is down food for thought

 

Get a flatbed. I run 2 flatbed trucks, that extra foot of clearance does not pay that much extra. Not unless you have a shipper that needs a stepdeck that you'll use often

 

And keep this in mind. There are many cheap loads on the flatbed side also, not all of them pay we'll especially during winter months.
Heck there are people hauling flat loads now for less than van rates.

Not trying to discourage you, just my observation

 

years ago I thought about getting a drop, due to hauling single & double coils. then 1 day got a load offer that required rear dock load / unload. that particular run was about 80 % of my pay that 1 year. then several years later again a dedicated run 3 day's a week, rear load/unload. could not get this freight with a step deck. no backing to a dock for rear loads with a drop. even now I load a lot thru magic steel, rear dock load, gotta have the flat for the skid coil loads. .

 

I run flatbed mostly in the western US. I often see loads posted as "flat only, no steps" or "levelers required for steps" but very rarely see a "step only" requirement. Most shippers build their loads around flats. Is there a reason you want a step deck?

 

Why not run one or the other?

 

If you run spot market... 'most' loads calling for a step do not pay much more than a regular flat. With a few exceptions of course.

The key to owning a step and making money is in mastering its versatility in being able to cover almost any kind of load out there. Its like cross breeding an rgn with a flatbed.

Find a niche that works for you. Capitolize on it and you will do fine.

Just keep in mindm everyone and his uncle has a step these days. Carrying enough gear and equipping your trailer with things that most others dont will put you ahead.

For me its being in a dead area and having the ability to load something others cant or wont. When asked if I can handle a specific load.. generally my reply is yes.. what is the rate?

Hurst