Trucking: how to find contract, dump trailer, trucking companies

Question
Hi,
I have been thinking about going with either dump trailer or trash hauling. I live in Massachusetts and I wonder if you have any suggestions on finding contract for hauling trash or possibly dirt/gravel dump trailer. I am trying to get local work/account so I can be closeto home/home at night but still make a good buck. Any suggestions or contacts?  Thank you

Answer
Hi William,

If you don't already have a truck, I see a lot of guys that are doing good with Class 6, tri-axle dumps trucks.  If you already have a truck and dump trailer, then there is a couple of things you could do.

First, simply go through the yellow pages.  Find companies who are under excavating and stop in.  Tell them that you want a local run.  If they throw an application in your face, fill it out there (make sure you have all your information) and ask to talk to a manager.  I get guys who stop by and want a job, or lease out.  It never ceases to amaze me how they a)never have any information with them, B) Dress (and look) like they've just overhauled an engine and C)act like they don't care if they get a job.

I say all of this, just because with a little bit of polish (not to say that your not already polished), you'll increase your chances of landing that great position.

Also, make sure you stop in.  When you call, you could get what I call the "gatekeeper".  He/she doesn't care if you get a job.  You'll most likely get "We're not hiring" from them.  If you stop in instead, the boss will see you filling out an application and the wheels (no pun intended) are already in motion.  

Second, I'm not an expert in hauling trash, but I would go to a couple of local dumps and see if they will give you names of some of the trucking companies who deliver there.  They may or may not for privacy reasons, so hang out and get some names off of trucks when they show up.  You may also go to some local city sanitation departments and ask how you can bid on some contracts and find out who currently hauls for them.  Then you can hit up those companies like in step one.  You may be able to bid on one route just for you.  I know of a guy locally who bid on a job for the city and delivers about 15 miles away.  He leased out with a company who had a number trucks and when the bids came up again, he bid and won it.

Down here in Florida, you'll do better hauling dirt than garbage.  Up there, being Union, it may be different.

Good luck!

Bob Stephens