Trucking: Dump Trucks, current fuel prices, trucking company

Question
Hello Bob,

I am currently attending Washington-Holmes Tech Center in Chipley, FL. I am about to complete the commercial driving course and I heard that dump truck owner operators can make anywhere from $60-80/hr. I was thinking about buying a dumptruck and start working. I also have a neighbor who informed me that if I did start my trucking company with the dump trucks he would drive for me. The main problem is that I cannot find which dump truck companies hire owner operators...Is there any assistance you could give and any advice? I know for the most part where I would get my trucks from and who would drive them, but I am having a hard time finding the companies to lease on to. I live in Panam City, FL and most of the dump trucks come from the Bay county area and the lower part of Alabama. I want to start small driving for myself and once things get going expand one truck at a time. I don't want to bite of more than I can chew. If you could please help me I will name my first born after you!

Thanks in advance!

Nick

Answer
Hi Nickolas.

I'm sorry about the delay in answering.  I would drive a dump for someone else, before you bought.  Get a feel for it first.  The profit margin, especially with current fuel prices, is low.  I don't care what anyone tells you.  Can you make big money, yes, but you'll have big expenses too.

If your still gonna buy trucks, then start calling on local companies.  Nothing beats some old fashion leg work.  Look in the phone book under "Hauling" or "Transportation".  Also check with local construction companies, paving companies, companies that do site development, nurseries, dirt haulers, etc.  That's how you find a lot of potential jobs.  You may choose to start Nickolas Johnson Trucking, then you can lease to anyone or run on your own.  The best jobs are also the hardest to find.  A construction company, for example, may want to lease just one truck out.  It pays to stop by and see if they need your services.

Also, call local brokers, they may be able to help.  My best advice is to do some legwork.  Hit truckstops and see what companies the dumps are leased out to.  If companies tell you that they have a dump company that they use, ask them who.  Looking in the Sunday paper will usually get you nowhere fast.

Good luck!

Bob Stephens