Trucking: dump trucking business, demolition waste, trucking business

Question
Hello:
I would like to get in to dump truck business, specifically roll-off trucking that are used for picking up demolition waste. I have CDL A license for quite sometime, but never worked as truck driver. I live NJ and would like to know how do I start, how much capitol is required and What type of Federal or state licensing are required.
Thank you,
Hasan, NJ

Answer
Hi Hasan.

A call to the NJ Department of Transportation should help get you off to the right start.  Of course, they can't help you until you have a truck.  Once you have a rolloff, then they can help you get a DOT number and a NJ fuel sticker.  If you are running in other states, you will probably have to get a fuel sticker for those states too.  The DOT can help get you legal.  

Asking how much capital is required becomes a little more difficult.  You could get a good used rolloff truck for $25,000 to $30,000.  I'm not sure what the cans go for, but a 30 yard could be in the $3,000 range.  That will be your biggest variable, the containers.  You'll want at least a couple so that your always running and busy.  You'll find that many customers will take a few days to fill them.  When other customers call, they won't want to wait.  You'll need as many as possible.

Again, check with NJ as far as other licensing.  NJ should have a state division of licensing.  They could help you out.  Here in Florida, you just need DOT numbers and a fuel sticker and your good to go.  Up there, it's probably is different.  I would also incorporate you business and get a cheap accountant.  This will pay off in taxes and such in the long run!

Good luck!

Bob Stephens