That's why this forum is so great, we can all learn from each other, and we all have a world of experience to share with each other. So either here, or in a truck stop, a person with an open mind will learn something new and useful, of course often served up with a dose of opinion, but we can just scrape that off !

What seems to be of concern for the hot-shot truck, or anyone with a 3/4 or 1 ton, is often about weight...a topic I seldom hear the big trucks being concerned with (they know their maximums, frequently scale their trucks, and make adjustments). That very issue is also why guys upgrade to the medium duty trucks from the one tons. Weight ratings involve the license class, mfg capacities, tagging and insurance issues, safety. I'm sure that topic gets a lot of attention in these parking lot meetings.

 

Hello,

Two thoughts here.

I have a 33 ft Keystone bumper pull in Maine that I need to get to New Mexico. Now I have a new shiny 07 6.7 2500 ready to head north. Are there any "must haves" as far as air bags, etc that I need to get before the trip? I have the EB and a prodigy brake controller all set up. From what I hear around this site I just need to hit the tow/haul mode and head down the road. Any thoughts/suggestions for pulling this trailer? I think it wieghs between 6,000 and 7,000 lbs. I have the weight distribution hitch and sway control as well.

Second, I have the truck but not necessarily the time. I see a lot of posts about guys wanting to haul. Anyone interested? I work for the Border Patrol and will not give the job to an illegal driver.

Thanks!!!

 

Where in Maine to where in NM?

I am legal, but I am not sure if the rules allow for me to quote a price.

I will have to check on this, or you could send a PM?

 

I didn't see any rules against it.

I am leased to Quality Driveaway and carry required permits and insurance.

I DO NOT sleep in the trailers that I haul.

When do you want it done and where to where.

I will be glad to give you my cell phone number and driver number.

 

Roadmedic,

I sent you a couple PM's.

Thanks,
Matt

 

Some good info and discussion here.
Its amazing how often I see other companies hauling out there even with what appears to be one of the biggest slow downs.
When companies hire on a few hundred drivers at a time it sure puts a dent into whats available for the 'established' haulers already doing it.
Rates are all over the map too.
How does a driver make any money at under a dollar a loaded mile on long hauls?
Our company deals direct with the factory while others deal with the dealerships.
Unfortunately I have also encountered some bitter drivers when I tell them I am from Canada. On the other hand...the majority are good guys and gals. Made some good friends out there.
The CB has saved me a few times with warnings of wrecks, bad weather or detours. I usually shut it off running in and around Chicago.

I am heading out again on Thursday and will be down in Goshen to pick up on Fri.

Be safe out there.

I was over in Utah for the last few days and came across a Ford with Star signs on it...jack knifed and the load and truck where totaled. Then I came across a driver from Quality that was down with a bad lift pump...stopped, and got him running without a huge tow bill and very little down time.

Scotty

 

yah, i have to work for a minumum of 1.50, its always nice seeing over 2 though

 

i have hauled a rv for gateway transport and they were payinf .95cpm i dont know what the going rate is but i am finding it harder to belive you can make any money doing it for less than 1.25 per mile

 

i dont haul rvs so i dont know what your expenses are, I work for myself so i pay all expenses. I have a 3 car carrier. My average route is 500-700 miles per trip which include there and back and work is always there. I make from 45-95cpm per car. 85 percent of the time im fully loaded. Sometimes i even make a little more for inops and shorter trips. My last trip totaled around 620 miles and I grossed $1100. Unfortunately, theyre were a couple picky inops so i had to crash at a hotel, but those are my days in the car biz.

 

i thought about getting a car hauler but wasnt sure of insureance or the amount work in my area

 

Sign on to someones mc and you get paid 80 percent. You pay for gas. Once you find out if you like it and work is there, then get your own mc and insurance. Watch out though, first time hotshotters have premium premiums. I pay 12 grand for my firrst year, after a couple years it should get cut down around 30-40 percent!!! They make it really hard for newbs

 

You guys wanting to compare notes and get information on hauling with the little trucks, go to www.hotshothauling.com It is a site that is devoted to hotshot haulers. Lots of information on that site. Go to the forums section and pick your subject.

 

If you plan on pulling cars with a duallie be advised DOT keeps a close eye on these trucks . Signing on with another company to start is good advice because it makes insurance a lot easier to get getting started . Hotshothauling.com is a good site and more and more members there are finding medium duty trucks are the way to go .

 

what do you mean that you have to pay a premium
do you use a three car wedge i have seen some newer hauler that can haul five but they stack the car similar to a semi

 

If your a first time hotshotter, insurance is f'ing high. If you have a perfect driving record, like me, my first year is is 12 grand. 3000 down, 1000 month 9 months. Once your in it for a few years, it should drop down to 6500 a year. That includes million liability and 150,000 cargo. Look at my sig. I use a 2006 Take 3 Trailer (Trailer Hauler) 50 ft. Yes its a wedge. www.take3trailers.com I paid 8400 dollars. VERY GOOD DEAL, with new tires all around with 2 spares, and LEDS lights. That automatically comes with 102 wide and ramsey winch and center section with 4 ball types slide ins to carry boats on trailers or trailers. With a 3500, 4500, 5500, your limited to 3 or 4 small cars if you get a 53 foot. I would just get the 48 though. Take 3 is quality stuff, kauffmen is cheaper alond with mclendon. But it all gets the job done!!!!