Flatbed or stepdeck

[RostyC]

I would like to get some information on the differences between the two.
First, what types of freight can you haul on a step that you can also haul on a flat?
What types of freight are specific to a step?
Do you think there's more deadhead percentage w/ a step?
Which trailer, out of the two, do you think gives you more opportunity or perhaps flexibility?
If you had to pick one which would it be and why?

Thanks all! 8)

[hamboner]

All depends on who you are leased too. Some companies have no trouble finding step deck specific freight. Flatbeds are probably more flexible due to the fact there is more freight available, but there is def not a shortage of anything to haul with a stepdeck. Most specific loads with a stepdeck are going to be mid-size tractors, jet engines, and other freight that would be too tall for a flat. There are a lot of airline loads for stepdecks, but as with anything else in trucking you will find about anything and everything to load. Stepdecks will usually pay better if you can find loads that are stepdeck specific for height requirements. Its all in finding your niche for the hauling you are doing. My dad has a flatbed, stepdeck, and RGN lowboy with a flip 3rd axle.

[brian]

little easier hauling containers on a stepdeck, if shes low enough you can load some equipment too, I think theres more frieght for a skateboard though.

[GMAN]

RostyC, I have both. Each has it's advantages. It is sometimes easier to find a flat bed load than one specific to step decks. There are some shippers who will not load a step deck. I have known of some steel plants that will not load a step. They really don't have a good reason, they just don't like to load steps. Some will load from a loading dock and those are not always compatible with the lower deck on a step deck. Equipment, machinery and other things which are tall will often be shipped on a step deck. It is sometimes easier to do LTL freight with a step deck. Any time you become more specialized you will usually find the rates being higher. The down side to having a step deck is that you may have to take a load meant for a flat which will pay less. Some areas of the country tend to have more step deck freight than other areas. About the only thing you cannot haul on a flat that you can on a step is anything which is tall. You may do less tarping with a step deck.

[RostyC]

Thanks guys! Great information so far. For those of you with your own authority do you think the deadhead percentage is higher with the stepdeck?

[brian]

probably

[GMAN]

Thanks guys! Great information so far. For those of you with your own authority do you think the deadhead percentage is higher with the stepdeck?

I don't see much of a difference unless you only haul loads specific to a step deck. It mostly depends on where you are and what type of freight you haul as to the amount of deadhead. My deadhead is around 10%, which is fairly low.

[LOAD IT]

If you look for stepdeck specific freight for your area, then find s/d and flatbed freight in other areas that will load on a stepdeck to get you back close to your area, deadhead will be a minimal concern. Get ramps also if all else fails, you can load cars on it. Some stepdeck shippers are truck body manufacturers, trash compactor manufacturers, shuttle bus manufacturers&rebuilders, machinery auctions, machinery buyers/sellers, forklift/manlift manufacturers, sign manufacturers, steel fabricators, airlines, moving & storage companies. Also, if you get load levelers, you can make that stepdeck a flat for certain types of freight.

[RostyC]

Anybody have any pics of these load levelers so I can see what you're talking about. I'll do a search real quick to see if I find can anything but if you have a pic throw it too me will ya. Thanks

[RostyC]

Nevermind I found it. Now I see.

[arky]

Found this old thread, thought I would bump it to the top.... mainly just so i don't lose it...lol