Using my truck and trailer to move other people's equipment

[JoelD]

I just did a couple of searches and did not come up with much, maybe not searching with the correct words.

I'm thinking about posting on Craig's that I'll move other's equipment for a fee.

Use my truck and trailer to move other's tractors and the like.

Stay at or under 10K lbs on the loads and probably not go much further than a 100 miles from home or so.

Any advice or thoughts are greatly appreciated. I'm thinking this will primarily come down to insurance, any thoughts on cost would be great. Also, any ideas on how to price service are welcomed, dollars per mile, dollars per mile plus some amount?

Thanks,
Joel

 

[two_bit_score]

I wouldn't know how to charge until I knew my fixed costs. If you already own the truck and trailer and just want to pick up some extra cash then price out a good insurance policy first to see if it would even be worthwhile for the number of tows you expect to do.

I've mostly seen $3 per loaded mile charged on short runs like you've described. Have you checked around in your local area to see what you will be competing with?

Counting fuel, insurance, something for my time and wear and tear on the truck I don't see how it would be worth it unless it would be a full time.

Good luck on whatever you decide. It may just work great for you. Keep us updated.

 

[JoelD]

Thanks for the post two bit, would definately be part time and yes I own the truck and trailer.

You are right on the costs part, I need to get a handle on what insurance would cost.

I figure since the truck and trailer sit most of the time, why not put them to work if I can come out on top at the end of the day.

Have a great night.

Joel

 

[mjncad]

Also be sure to check with the state to see what they require permit wise; otherwise you may get a nasty surprise if some County Mountie or weigh station guy says, "Papers please" and you can't produce them.

Insurance

Licensing & permits

CDL driver's license?

 

[Willl]

How many customers do you planning on getting ?

I mean, do you see a demand for this service ?

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Pretty sure you'll need lots of insurance and a CDL. Don't forget equipment break downs. You customers aren't going to want to hear excuses about why there stuff isn't where they need it.

Matt

 

[JoelD]

Good questions, the thought came to me last year when I sold my Kubota and guy did not have a way to transport, he ended up hiring a guy with a car trailer to pick it up for him and deliver it to his house.

I've had the same problem where I've either bought or had a machine break down with no way to transport it. Or had no way to transport when I wanted to bring to a friend or family's house to help with some work.

Here in NH there seem to be quite a few homeowners and the like who have machines, but not necessarily the equipment to transport.

I'd definately run the add in Craigs prior to spending dollar one to see if there is any demand.

Anyone know where I'd go to find out the licensing and permitting requirements for NH and MA on such matters? I'm assuming you need to comply with the state in which you are driving rather than the state in which you are registered?

Would be great if I could make a couple of bucks with truck and trailer as they sit the majority of the time.

Thanks guys,
Joel

 

[thatguy]

Here in VA you will also need 'For Hire' license plates which are considerably higher cost and require you to have certain levels of insurance.. You also open yourself up to DOT requirements - which possibly means DOT number, dot physical, for hire authority (was SSRS, now its something else) etc...

Brian

 

[rimshot]

You might even have to paint tire sizes and complete information on the doors to suit the regulations of the individual state you have to operate in.

Once established, there are some internet tractor dealers who sell tractors remotely and transportation is contracted through a third party, like Joel. I would think this can get quite complicated with insurance and legal contracting which assign responsibility for who is responsible for what.

Hmmmmmmm!. What a great excuse for discouraging my brother in law from mooching my nice new trailer all the time. I'll just tell him this is all to complicated for you. Take a hike.

rimshot

 

[franklinute]

I can see a good market for a dependable equipment hauler. I would check with repair shops about picking up or delivering equipment. Rental yards or material supply yards could refer you to customers who need equipment moved. I have noticed a trend where many small contractors rent the equipment they need, have the materials delivered, have the labor meet at the job and show up with the hand tools they need to get the job done that day. Of course being properly liscened and insured will be expensive. May not be worth it if you only want to work part-time.