New trailer demand is still down by 30%, and well hell... new equipment is now 30% more expensive, than a year ago.
My guess on the S/S front and back, is for strength. I like the translucent ceiling, and I like to see chain ties in the floor, and I like 16' rachet straps.
Mostly though, I like posters of Shania plastered all over the walls.
I've only pulled a dry van a few times. We mostly run reefers, and haul about 40% dry freight with them.
You have to be the "most interesting driver in the world" sometimes, to pull dry freight on an aluminum floor with just some stinkin' load locks. LOL
If I had it to do all over again... I'd double my efforts to win Shania's love and devotion,
and I'd pull grain trailers. (the demand is up in grain)
Van's older than say 10 years, are worth more as raw material scrap.
I think the newer Van's are going more to foam core walls, using aluminum alloys and composites.
This recession gave van loads a 40% decline, and flatbed loads even harder.
Remember back in '08 crude was around $130-140... it's going back up again. It's hovering at $90 now.
There are allot of weaknesses in the market, but there is an increase global demand for raw materials.
Well... I think we are all [bleep- ooOO la la] anyway...and that's really all I wanted to say.