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car hauling or flatbed trailer?

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by bmacworth, Mar 31, 2014.

  1. Mar 31, 2014 #1
    bmacworth

    bmacworth Bobtail Member

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    Oct 21, 2013
    0
    Folks
    Sorry if this question was asked before, but i could not find it. Taking the plunge into hotshot. I was considering starting out with car hauling, but may reconsider starting out with a flatbed to give me more freight options. I have my truck bought (RAM 3500 dually). Waiting on my LLC and planning on getting my own authority.

    I understand this will not be an easy business to break into, but my mind is made up, so, I'm asking for good solid advice only....please. I'm willing to haul anything legally. Would you suggest car hauling or flatbed, or haul RVs'/boats.

    Thanks for any honest feedback
     
    bmacworth, Mar 31, 2014
    bmacworth, Mar 31, 2014
    #1
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  3. Mar 31, 2014 #2
    Nedrudt

    Nedrudt Light Load Member

    224
    44
    Nov 10, 2013
    Tucson, Az/Dublin, Oh
    0
    Flatbed, you can haul just about anything on a flatbed. Insurance companies don't like new guys to haul cars or boats without experience. There's threads on here talking about rv hauling, doesn't look like where the money is but that's just what I think. Oh and apply for your authority the same day you get insurance, it takes a couple weeks to get approved. Good luck
     
    Nedrudt, Mar 31, 2014
    Nedrudt, Mar 31, 2014
    #2
  4. Apr 1, 2014 #3
    flatbedcarrier

    flatbedcarrier Medium Load Member

    667
    826
    Jun 8, 2005
    Southern California
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    Set yourself up to haul LTL freight, vehicles, rv's, and whatever else youu can think of on the same trailer. Thats the way we do it. Being versatile while others are limited means you'll do less waiting, and more rolling. Thats how you'll succeed. I don't care what the load consists of, if I can turn a profit hauling it, and I can get it on my trailer, I'm loading it on, and rolling out with it. Being versatile will lessen the competition in any area. Best of luck to you.
     
    flatbedcarrier, Apr 1, 2014
    flatbedcarrier, Apr 1, 2014
    #3
    FatherGuse Thanks this.
  5. Apr 2, 2014 #4
    bmacworth

    bmacworth Bobtail Member

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    Oct 21, 2013
    0
    Thank you flatbedcarrier,
    That is exactly what i have been thinking.
    Do you run with a dually? If so, could you give advice on type, length; want to keep the trailer as light as possible. Which leads me to another question. Are you set up to run less then 26001lbs?

    Thanks for your time and insite, surely appreciated
     
    bmacworth, Apr 2, 2014
    bmacworth, Apr 2, 2014
    #4
  7. Apr 3, 2014 #5
    flatbedcarrier

    flatbedcarrier Medium Load Member

    667
    826
    Jun 8, 2005
    Southern California
    0
    Yeah, no problem. We've been using the same type of trailer here for the last 10 years. Yes all the trucks we run are DRW, both 3500's and 4500's. We go over the 26,001 lb mark, our Owner Operators are all registered for 36,000, to 40,000 lbs.

    Here's a pic of the type of trailer we use. Theses trailers range from 7400 lbs to 8,000 lbs empty and we'll load up to 15,000/16,000 on them depending on the truck thats pulling it.

    HS 66.jpg

    Hotshot pic 102 (2).jpg
     
    flatbedcarrier, Apr 3, 2014
    flatbedcarrier, Apr 3, 2014
    #5
  8. Apr 4, 2014 #6
    bmacworth

    bmacworth Bobtail Member

    11
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    Oct 21, 2013
    0
    nice looking rig, I see you have a sleeper on your truck...something I have been considering. There is a place pretty close to me here in NC that will put a sleeper on my truck....cost about $9K starting. What are your thoughts about a sleeper?

    I do have my CDL-A; do you recommend I set up the business to haul over 26000? I have a 2014 RAM 3500 DRW. Since I will only have one trailer starting out, what do you recommend. I can see me possible having a variety of trailers down the road, but for now would like to start out with an all purpose.

    Again, thanks for your advice.

    B
     
    bmacworth, Apr 4, 2014
    bmacworth, Apr 4, 2014
    #6
  9. Apr 5, 2014 #7
    Dadetrucking305

    Dadetrucking305 Heavy Load Member

    980
    2,580
    Sep 15, 2011
    Cibolo,Texas
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    A sleeper is a great idea that will save you money in the long run. Definitely register over 26k, it will give you more options on loads.As far as a trailer 40' is the norm for a 3500.You can go with a lowboy with drive over fenders or a deckover.I have a 40' deckover dovetail myself and have had no problems getting loads for it.Good luck on your new venture.
     
    Dadetrucking305, Apr 5, 2014
    Dadetrucking305, Apr 5, 2014
    #7
  10. Apr 5, 2014 #8
    bmacworth

    bmacworth Bobtail Member

    11
    0
    Oct 21, 2013
    0
    I will definately check into the sleeper option. I also have a line on a trailer, saw it today...., I have attached some photos and wanted to know your thoughts? It is a 36ft, but is set up to haul autos as you can see the middle is open. My thinking is, with a few minor mods I could use it to haul frieght as well? The trailer was lightly used and looks to be of solid construction (solid clean welds throughout the trailer) no cracks. slide in ramps.

    Again, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your advice.

    Thanks
    B

    View attachment 64323

    View attachment 64324
     
    bmacworth, Apr 5, 2014
    bmacworth, Apr 5, 2014
    #8
  11. Mar 7, 2017 #9
    Gonzo1300

    Gonzo1300 Light Load Member

    237
    113
    Sep 30, 2013
    0
     
    Gonzo1300, Mar 7, 2017
    Gonzo1300, Mar 7, 2017
    #9
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