Trailer axles

[Rockmim]

Apologies for the dumb question but is there a difference in cargo loads if I take a 2/3/4 axle configuration dry van or reefer? Do I get heavier loads or more price per mile if for example I choose a 3 axle trailer over a 2 axle?

[Royce]

Just depends on your experience level. You get experience points as you gain miles and improve your skills. As far as trailers i recommend the reefer trailer.

[Robinicus]

Typically, yes, you get heavier loads with more axles. You still get some lighter ones as well but you end up making more per mile with more axles over the long run.

[Royce]

Originally posted by Robinicus:

Typically, yes, you get heavier loads with more axles. You still get some lighter ones as well but you end up making more per mile with more axles over the long run.

I see no difference in axle config. making any difference on making money other than experience factors so far but heavier loads im not sure.

[Verfallen]

Originally posted by Poncho:

Originally posted by Robinicus:

Typically, yes, you get heavier loads with more axles. You still get some lighter ones as well but you end up making more per mile with more axles over the long run.

I see no difference in axle config. making any difference on making money other than experience factors so far but heavier loads im not sure.

You are actually both wrong.

In most state, more axle will sometimes even translate in lesser weight, as an heavier trailer counts negatively in the 80000 or so gross weight limit in the US. The game somewhat emulate that (altough loads over 43000 lbs even in a drybox will be overweight in many sleeper trucks, altough scales don't give a hoot)

Intra Oregon loads is the notable exception, I've seen heavier loads on more axle, especially a 4 axle spred flatbed. But adding more axle in other states will remove some weight off many loads, resulting in LESSER pay per mile for a same load.

You can easily do the test with ownable vans. Check your cargo market, note some loads weight and pay. Get to a service center (save before to not waste money) and change your drybox 2 axle config to 3 and 4 axle, and see how market reacts.

Similarly, change it to reefer, and same result for most dry loads, as reefer trailer are heavier due to insulated walls, and restricted inside space.

Sure you gain access to some extra loads vs drybox, but they don't pay enough to be totally worth it, as often a dry load still pays more from where you are.

From a purely economic point of view, 2 axle 53' drybox (front tandem, so it gets loads in california) is the best trailer. anything else is a matter of aesthetic or personnal preference.

[Robinicus]

Whatever you say...been at this a while and have done multiple tests that say otherwise

[Verfallen]

Originally posted by Robinicus:

Whatever you say...been at this a while and have done multiple tests that say otherwise

then please provide exemples.

Its also really easy to check with freight marker trailer selection.

Here are 2 for you:

Fireworks - Las Cruces (NM) to oxnard (CA)
53 dry van (2 or 3 axles) 26883 lbs - 60.64 per mile
53 Reefer (2 or 3 axles) 24002 lbs - 54,14 per mile


TVs - Las Cruces (NM) to Phoenix (AZ)
53 dry van (2 or 3 axles) 36229 lbs - 67,37 per mile
53 reefer (2 or 3 axles) 32347 lbs - 60,15 per mile


When checking global cargo market, please check where reefer exclusive load start appearing as well.


Conclusion - adding more axle in the best of case will not do anything, safe, as I've said, in Oregon. A reefer when not hauling reefer exclusive load will also get paid less than a dry box on most loads, and I do not recommend them to someone asking "what is the best paying trailer" because reefer exclusive loads are not as numerous, and when they are there, are not as high paying as a good dry van load from the same spot, even on a reefer.

Notable exception are small towns such as Grand Canyon Village and Cliffton, where a reefer might grab something better as tidbit is the only van shipper there, and dry loads are only pallets and packaging from them.

I could probably look around a bit more and do more test, but please provide some numbers first.

I'm waiting.

[Robinicus]

Another candidate promoted to the block list

[Verfallen]

Originally posted by Robinicus:

Another candidate promoted to the block list

someone doesn't like being challenged xD

How very mature.

[Rockmim]

Wow, thanks for the breakdown Verfallen! So basically the 53 dry van with 2 axles is the best for maximizing profits? It is a shame since I like the appearance of the tri axle lol

[Verfallen]

Originally posted by Rockmim:

Wow, thanks for the breakdown Verfallen! So basically the 53 dry van with 2 axles is the best for maximizing profits? It is a shame since I like the appearance of the tri axle lol

Tri-axle will sometimes gives you a very slight pay reduction (mostly on 45000 lbs+ loads), but not that very often, and normally not as steep as a reefer. So if you like the handling and the look of a 3 axle more, I'd say its not too bad to go for them.

Most of the time there is no difference, but since there are also most of the time no advantages, its why its on paper better to go with the tandem axle vs a tridem in this game. Cheaper to buy as well.

As said also intra-oregon load if I recalled correctly sometimes took advantages of the extra axle.

US policy for trucks is mostly 80000 lbs gross weight (truck+trailer+cargo) which is enforced on all interstates, but some states allow more on their state highways. When we get north east with expensions, Michigan is one of those, and the company I work for regularly service it in 4 axle spread trailers, which allows us to service up to 60000 pounds in a load.

We also have permits on some trucks and vans to service up to 100000 gross weight in New York in 3 axles, and 110000 iirc in Maine.

I hope game reflects that when we get there :)

[badkenbad]

Hey, @Verfallen, I just wanted to drop a note in this thread thanking you for your thorough and informative answers. I was searching for just this info a year after you answered, and found exactly what I was looking for here.