QuestionI am thinking about purchasing a 1 ton dually and 40' goosneck flat bed. I want to obtain authority to operate in Texas and the surrounding states. I have looked at the cost of equipment and liability & frieght insurance. Without factoring fuel, traveling expenses or maintenance I need to clear $20,000/yr to cover the equipment.
My concern is this...will I find eough frieght to pay the bills and if the frieght is out there, how do I go about finding it?
Thanks,
Rick
AnswerHi Rick.
To answer your question in a nutshell, yes, there is plenty of freight out there. If you plan to run under your own authority, you will go through load brokers. You may find some (brokers) locally, or you may go to sites like www.getloaded.com. Also, sites like www.expeditersonline.com can help you out a lot. They have forums, info and companies that you may be interested in running for instead. When going through a broker, CHECK THEIR CREDIT RATING! Otherwise, you may of delivered a load for free.
You may also hit some local businesses and offer your services. I have a couple of local companies that I haul lumber for, and because there is no broker, I get a much better rate. It works out great when I need loads back home, there is little deadhead miles.
Your going to have up weeks and down weeks. If your new to the trucking industry, there is a lot to learn. I would suggest call some brokers and get some rates for loads. This way you can calculate a budget. My fuel costs on one truck can run $40,000 to $50,000 a year. It will be your biggest expense too. Join frequent fueler programs at all the truck stops. Every penny they knock off on fuel adds up!
Finally, join OOIDA (www.oodia.com) and they you will get everything from discounts on insurance to great insight into the trucking industry.
Good luck and happy trucking!
Bob Stephens
