QuestionQUESTION: Hello, in the past I drove van, flatbed, and dump trucks. Currently im a middle school teacher. During the summers I plan on buying a dually truck and a truck, and tow cars. How do I go about doing this? What type of paper work do I need? Also once I get started, how do I get loads? Is thier a certain web site or broker I go threw? Or I just call car lots and try to get my own loads?
ANSWER: Hi Dontay.
You'll need your own DOT numbers which you can get through your state's Department of Transportation. You can also go to websites like www.dotauthority.com for help. Loads can be found through sites like www.getloaded.com or call Freight Brokers. Car dealers may be hit or miss, but worth a try. I would also stop by local auto auctions.
Truthfully, if I was in your situation, I would contact local auto haulers. Go to the auto auctions and find out who the carriers are and contact them. Run under their DOT numbers and let them find the loads. In other words, lease out to them. Then, when the summer is over, peel off the DOT numbers and see you next year. You don't want to pay for permits, DOT numbers, insurance year around if your only running 3 or 4 months. Also, look in the yellow pages under "Auto Hauling" or something similar. Contact those carriers too.
Good luck!
Bob Stephens
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Sounds good. Carriers do allow driver to haul their cars with dually trucks? What do you mean lease out to them? I really appreciate your advice. Do think i would come into anything that will make it hard for me to start hauling cars? I want to know all the outs and ins before i get started. I would like to be hauling cars by may of 08. If you were in my shoes what steps would you take step by step if possible? Hope im not askiing for too much. I just want everything to go smoothly. thnx
AnswerHi Dontay.
Yes, you can haul their cars with your truck. Leasing out means that you run under their authority (DOT). They find the loads and keep you running. They pay certain insurance (cargo) and you pay some (truck). Their name is on your door and they worry about getting paid, then pay you. In return, they take a cut. Some companies pay more, but offer less and vice versa. Do some research and you can find the best company. This is a great way to get some experience without all the risks and start up costs. It's what I would do if I were in your situation. Study up on some of my previous answers and I think you'll find more information.
The biggest problem most guys have in hauling anything is the start up costs. Write up a business plan to see what you'll need financially. Call around and get prices on everything. From tires to insurance, know what you'll need to spend BEFORE you spend it. Most guys I see fail is because they never did any research and had no idea what their costs were. Also, don't buy that shiney, expensive truck because it's beautiful and has a lot of chrome. Your starting a business, so buy wise. Buy a good running truck, but save all the bells and whistles for when your company is more financially secure. That's probably the second biggest issue I see. Guys buying the most expensive truck they can because they want the prestige. Then, when they can't make payments, it's back to being a company driver. Always remember, this is a business!
Feel free to ask more questions.
Good luck!
Bob Stephens
