Female Auto Hauler

I have owned a auto hauling business for the past 9 years; small carrier three trucks. I started the business because I was a dispatcher for a snowbird company and at the time I saw it as a great business opportunity. I have been blessed because despite of the fact that I did not have ANY experience in driving a truck I did have experience in the dispatching area so I did not have any problem getting a driver. My first driver was was a nightmare but from there on It was smooth sailing for me when it came to finding a driver. Now I have three hardworking men who not only drive the trucks but they take care of the truck as if it was their own. I can honestly attest that my trucks have only been stranded on the road three times during all these years which says a lot about our maintenance regimen. I own a 2001 and 2013 Pete and a 07 Western Star. During the past two years I have seen rate dropping substantially and the snowbird company I was working with bought three trucks themselves. I am staying afloat but not making the same revenue for the sacrifice involved to run this business. Two years ago I decided that I would take the CDL exam because I felt that I needed to understand both ends of the business and if an emergency would arise I will be able to move a truck from point A to point B without bothering anybody. However, now that I have seen how rates are garbage, and almost every broker is forcing the use of the app for inspecting loads (my drivers are 48, 49 and not that computer savvy and complaining badly) and the ELD will be enforced by the end of 12/17 I am thinking that now is a good time to sell my equipment and start driving a truck myself. I would like sell two trucks and trade in my 2013 for an automatic transmission, maybe, Volvo and 5,6 or 7 car hauler since I have never driven a truck that long. I have even thought about a dully with a four car so that I can learn how to maneuver the trailer. I have asked my drivers to teach me but they refuse saying that auto hauling is not for women but despite of it all I am a stubborn risk taker and will try it even if I fail. All I want from this forum is advise on a nice automatic truck and trailer that I can buy as a start out to gain experience on my own.

 

LBZ, thanks the recommendations. It has cross my mind leasing my trucks to a bigger carrier but I am afraid of not having the flexibility to load freely since I do have some grounded relationship with a couple of small dealers and my snowbirds. After this snowbird season I'll do some research on that and balance the pros and cons...that could be an alternative. As for the low priced load I had an owner operator come to me to ask if I could lease him on because he was having a hard time finding decent load and could not continue making loan payments. I felt really bad but turned him away.... Thing are getting really tough for everyone.