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Wedge Trailer Hauling...Profitable?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by WannabeMaybe, Apr 8, 2007.

  1. Apr 8, 2007 #1
    WannabeMaybe

    WannabeMaybe Bobtail Member

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    Feb 18, 2007
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    My brother tells me that the guys who haul wedge trailers with cars or enclosed smaller Pace trailers around the country with dually pickups and such make a pretty good living.

    Any truth to that?

    Thanks,
    Wannabe
     
    WannabeMaybe, Apr 8, 2007
    WannabeMaybe, Apr 8, 2007
    #1
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  3. Apr 8, 2007 #2
    Burky

    Burky Road Train Member

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    Apr 30, 2005
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    For the most part, the numbers on that are that they pay about a dollar a loaded mile, and they run an average of 45% of the time empty. You can do the math, but that works out to a net of about 47.5 cpm. Anyone whom is making any money doing that has a full size truck, not a pickup, and is hauling more than one trailer at a time, and is managing to find loads for the return trip. They run a rail trailer that can haul multiple trailers, or they run a ramp truck or rollback style truck that can haul a full sized trailer and they tow a second trailer behind them. The worst deal financially is the gooseneck or fifth wheel trailers that have to be towed one at a time. And that work just eats up any pickup truck, no matter how you spec it out, meaning your 40,000 dollar pickup has a very short lifespan, measured in months.

    It just looks easy to do, but to do it and really make a living takes considerable effort.
     
    Burky, Apr 8, 2007
    Burky, Apr 8, 2007
    #2
  4. Apr 9, 2007 #3
    Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Burky I think he is talking about a trailer like this

    [​IMG]






    And you are right that it is very unprofitable for the drivers of the single tow away trailers. The company that they lease to makes all the money, just like in real trucking.

    With a wedge trailer your options are a lot more open as you can haul autos one way, trailers one way or a mix of the two. Depending on what type of other freight you might be able to haul some thing else.
    You may or may not make money, depends on what niche you can shoe horn yourself into quickly enough to not go broke. Also keep in mind that many states will look at you the same as they do an 18 wheeler and you will be required to comply with all the same regs. For example WY looks at ANY THING over 10,000lbs used in a commerical application. Makes no difference what combination you have you had better be at the top of the game with their regs or you will hear about it. I'm talking CDL, medical card, DOT numbers opperating authority........ the whole ball of wax.
     
    Brickman, Apr 9, 2007
    Brickman, Apr 9, 2007
    #3
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