Secrest Direct Inc. is an independent Landstar agent (DUV/RKY).
| Questions? 877-441-9128 Contact Application Login |
Secrest Direct Inc. is an independent Landstar agent (DUV/RKY).
| Questions? 877-441-9128 Contact Application Login |
Your trailer and equipment arrangement can shape the Flatbed freight you are prepared to evaluate, the work required to handle it and the costs and responsibilities of running your business.
Use this page to compare trailer ownership, equipment access and Flatbed lease considerations before making a purchase, lease or application decision.
Owner-operator business opportunity • Not a company-driver position • Equipment availability, costs, program terms and qualification requirements can change.
You may already control the major equipment needed for a Flatbed operation. Confirm that the tractor, trailer and related equipment meet current operating and qualification requirements.
If you have a qualifying tractor but do not currently have the trailer you intend to use, review current trailer-access or lease information before making a commitment.
Fleet owners may have different trailer and equipment needs across individual tractors. Review each tractor, driver and trailer arrangement separately.
If you have not selected a trailer path, begin with the freight you expect to evaluate and the securement, loading and operating responsibilities the equipment needs to support.
Start with the tractor and equipment you control today, then review the current requirements, costs and responsibilities that apply.
Equipment availability, pricing and program terms can change. Confirm current information before making a commitment.
A monthly payment or advertised program detail does not show the complete operating impact. Review the arrangement as a whole before you commit.
A discussed trailer or equipment option may not be available to every applicant or at every time. Confirm current availability and qualification requirements.
Understand the term, payment structure, applicable fees, deductions, deposits and conditions that may affect total cost.
Determine who is responsible for trailer maintenance, tires, brakes, inspections, repairs and other equipment expenses.
Confirm that the trailer type, dimensions and configuration support the Flatbed freight you intend to evaluate.
Trailer ownership or another equipment arrangement may affect compensation, deductions or other operating costs. Confirm current terms.
Equipment availability, pricing, deductions, compensation terms and program requirements can change. Secrest Direct does not guarantee equipment access, financing, approval, savings or business results.
Equipment availability, pricing, deductions, compensation terms and program requirements can change. Secrest Direct does not guarantee equipment access, financing, approval, savings or business results.
Flatbed equipment should make sense for more than one attractive load.
Before buying, leasing or using another trailer arrangement, consider the type of freight you expect to evaluate and whether the trailer and related equipment support those operating needs.
This page focuses on the Flatbed equipment decision—which trailer or equipment arrangement may fit your operation and what questions to ask before committing.
Questions about broader purchasing programs, equipment discounts, trailer rental programs, financing or lease-purchase topics should be reviewed through the dedicated purchasing and equipment-program
Do not assume that a current tractor, Flatbed trailer, rental, financing, discount or lease-purchase program is available based solely on older website content.
Verify current availability, eligibility, pricing, responsibilities and program terms before making an equipment decision.
Meeting an equipment requirement does not guarantee qualification or approval.
The advertised lease or rental payment is only one part of the equipment cost.
Before committing, ask which expenses are included and which remain your responsibility. Depending on the arrangement, considerations may include:
Compare the total expected operating cost, not simply the weekly or monthly payment.
That depends on the specific equipment arrangement.
Before accepting a trailer or entering a lease or rental agreement, confirm in writing who is responsible for routine maintenance, tires, brakes, inspections, repairs and damage.
Also ask what happens if the equipment is temporarily unavailable because of a repair and whether there are procedures for replacement equipment.
Current responsibilities and program terms can change, so they should be confirmed for the specific arrangement being considered.
Compare each option based on how it fits the business you plan to operate rather than assuming one arrangement is always less expensive.
Owning may involve a larger purchase or financing commitment and places more equipment responsibility directly on the owner.
Leasing or renting may change the upfront commitment, but can introduce ongoing payments, program requirements, return conditions or other obligations.
When comparing the options, consider:
There is no single equipment path that is automatically best for every owner-operator.
Before committing, make sure you understand the current written terms rather than relying on an older webpage, advertisement or verbal summary.
Important items to confirm include:
If a term affects your costs or ability to operate the equipment, it should be understood before you commit.
Usually, a long-term equipment decision should not be based on one current load or lane.
Instead, consider whether the trailer configuration supports the range of Flatbed freight you realistically expect to evaluate over time. Think about freight dimensions, weight, loading methods, securement needs, tarping or freight-protection requirements, utilization and the markets where you plan to operate.
A load that looks attractive today may not represent the freight available tomorrow.
Use the Flatbed Available Loads page when evaluating specific freight and load-search considerations:
Review current qualification categories and documentation considerations before beginning the formal process.
Secrest Direct can help you identify current Dry Van equipment, requirements and application-process information before you decide how to move forward.
Owner-operators operate independent businesses and should review equipment costs, terms and responsibilities carefully before entering an arrangement.
