Trucking: New Car Hauling Business, auto transport companies, bob stephens

Question
Mr.Stephens you have alot of great advice and I would like your help. I am thinking about switching careers and getting into the car hauling business. I am thinking of purchasing a F-450 and a Kaufmans 4 car hauler. I am confident about the business, but I am nervous about business not coming in. I will like to haul cars on the east coast. How would you recommend getting business other than going in person from dealership to dealership offering your service. Is there any companies that can locate loads for me to haul so I could get my "feet wet" while still building good rapports with possible clients. Last question, is there such a thing as hot shot car haulers. thanks very much for your response.

Answer
Hi Rocky,

I would look into leasing out to a carrier.  Look in the phone book for auto transport companies.  Worst case, run a search on Yahoo or Google in your area for auto carriers.  You run your truck and trailer, but under their authority.  They find the vehicles, set up loads, get the money and in turn, you run for them.  It will help get your feet wet and learn the business.  Every company has it's pros and cons, so make notes when you call each one.
Ask questions like
A) Where do you run?
B) What's the rate of pay?
C) How often do I get paid?
D) What benefits do you offer?
E) What insurance do you offer (health, truck, cargo, etc)?

Those are only a few of the questions and you'll have plenty of your own.  This is probably the direction you should go and it shouldn't be hard because car haulers are needed bad on the East Coast.

Good luck!

Bob Stephens