Shopping for a platform truck body and comparing Norstar to Reading Truck? You’re not alone — these are two of the most commonly considered options among Texas and Louisiana contractors, municipalities, and work truck buyers. In this guide, we break down both brands side by side so you can make the right call for your operation.
What Is a Platform Truck Body?
A platform truck body (also called a platform bed or flatbed stake body) is an open, flat cargo area with removable side stakes or rails. It offers maximum flexibility for loading and unloading bulky materials — lumber, pipe, landscaping supplies, steel, and more. Platform bodies bridge the gap between a fully open flatbed and an enclosed service body.
Norstar Platform Bodies: Built Tough in the USA
Norstar manufactures their platform bodies with a reputation for heavy-duty construction and competitive pricing. Here’s what sets them apart:
- Steel construction — Norstar platform bodies are fully welded steel, designed to take punishment in agricultural, landscaping, and construction environments.
- Stake pockets — Standard stake pockets along the sides for removable wood or steel stakes, giving you load containment when you need it and open access when you don’t.
- Headache rack — Most configurations include a rub rail or headache rack up front to protect the cab and give you a tie-off point.
- Floor options — Available in steel tread plate or wood-plank floors depending on the model and use case.
- Affordable pricing — Norstar consistently prices below big national brands, making them attractive for small fleets and owner-operators watching their upfit budget.
- Availability — Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX carries Norstar platform bodies in stock and can install them on your truck quickly.
Reading Platform Bodies: National Brand, Wide Network
Reading Truck Group is one of the largest truck body manufacturers in the country with over 26 service locations. Their platform bodies have a strong following among fleet buyers and municipalities. Key features include:
- Wide product lineup — Reading offers several platform body lines with varying stake heights, floor types, and load ratings for different vocational markets.
- Integrated lighting — Reading’s newer platform models incorporate LED lighting more consistently across the lineup.
- Fleet purchasing programs — For large fleets ordering 10+ units, Reading’s national distribution can be an advantage in lead times.
- Higher pricing — Reading platform bodies typically carry a higher upfront cost compared to Norstar, reflecting the national brand premium.
- Dealer proximity — Reading has a dealer in Arlington, TX, which may suit DFW buyers, but for South Texas and Louisiana customers, Star Truck Equipment is far more conveniently located.
Norstar vs Reading Platform Bodies: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Norstar | Reading Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Heavy-gauge steel | Steel, various grades |
| Stake pockets | Yes, standard | Yes, standard |
| Floor options | Steel tread plate / wood plank | Steel / aluminum / wood |
| Price point | Competitive / affordable | Higher (national brand premium) |
| Local availability (TX/LA) | ✅ Star Truck Equipment, Wharton TX | Arlington, TX dealer |
| Best for | Owner-operators, small fleets, ag/construction | Large fleet orders, municipalities |
| Lead time | Faster (in-stock options) | Varies by dealer |
Which Platform Body Is Right for You?
For most South Texas and Louisiana buyers — ranchers, landscapers, contractors, and small fleet operators — Norstar platform bodies deliver excellent value without compromising durability. You get a heavy-gauge steel platform body at a price point that makes more sense for your business, with installation available locally at Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX.
Reading Truck has its place for large national fleet programs where their distribution network is a genuine advantage. But for the individual buyer or regional fleet in Texas or Louisiana, the local support and pricing Norstar offers through STE is hard to beat.
Platform Body Options at Star Truck Equipment
At Star Truck Equipment, we carry Norstar platform bodies along with our full lineup of platform bodies for sale. Our team can help you match the right platform body to your truck — whether you’re on a Ford F-350, Ram 3500, F-450, Ram 4500, or a medium-duty chassis cab.
We also carry CM, Bedrock, RKI, and other leading brands so you can compare options side by side before buying. No pressure, just honest advice from a team that works with South Texas and Louisiana contractors every day.
Ready to spec out a platform body for your truck? Call us at (979) 532-1486 or stop by our Wharton, TX location at 2507 County Rd 231. We serve customers across Texas and Louisiana and can ship or arrange installation for out-of-area buyers.
