There are four general categories or markets that use the "small trucks". These are:
1. Hotshot or expedited freight
2. LTL or less than a load freight (quick delivery not required)
3. Transporting trailers, ie. RV's, horse and stock trailers, car haulers, utility trailers, boats, cargo trailers, etc.
4. Automobile transport.
Research is the key to getting started.
The equipment and market niche you want to work in has everything to do with your success.
I have been at this a short time but it has been an education. I have kept my eyes and ears open and tried to learn all I can. I am an observing person and absorb a lot.
There are guys here like TGPILOT and other that have done well. They have contributed some good informative posts here. There is much on this forum to be learned.
First of all you need to research this business and look at the different angles. Some angles depend on where you live. Like the oilfield hotshot. It is dependent on being on the Gulf coast in the Houston area or south LA.
If it is the LTL (less than a load) freight you want to do then my recommendation is to get your own operating authority and get out and beat the streets and find some customers or hook up with some good brokers or dispatch services. If you want to find your own loads get on the load boards. Maybe a combo of load boards and broker. These are some of the things to consider.
Look at how you are going to handle the business aspects, how you want to set it up, LLC, Sole Proprietor, etc. How is the paperwork going to be handled, taxes, etc.
A biggeee. If you don't have sufficient cash to see you thru for several weeks you are starting out in the hole. Insurance is not cheap and you need operating cash for all expenses including your home operating expenses until you can get a decent cash flow.
There is much to consider and there is a lot on this website. It is a matter of searching thru the posts and gleaning the info. Get out to a couple of truck stops and talk to some drivers. Be sure you are ready to strain out the golden egg BS from the real truth. This is a tough business and you have to work at it and educate yourself and make some good decisions from that info gathering. You can do good but it will take time to get it going.
I have had some repair costs eat me up this year as well as more down time than I wanted and I have not done as well as I hoped but the projections look OK if I can stay on the road and keep costs down. This is my 2nd year and most of the guys I have talked to are or were about where I am at this stage. If all goes well I look for a decent year next year. Notice I said if all goes well.
Thank God I have other income to keep the bills paid and to eat on, otherwise I would be gone.
Hope this helps.
BigDaddyDiesel
Thanks for the information Tom!!!
Tom Cobb
Glad I could help. There is lots of good info and very good folks to answer your questions.
BigDaddyDiesel
I have been reading steady, and I got all the way through the HotShot Start up section so far. Information RICH to say the least!!!
It has truly helped me to understand the ins and outs and where MY particular start needs to be for my situation.
Thanks goes out to everyone on here for the time spent entering the information, it has been time WELL spent.
Tom Cobb
Welcome bigdaddy and glad you found the info helpful.
BigDaddyDiesel
thanks for the invite too, I am sure I will be spending increasing amounts of time on here for an indefinite amount of time.
God Bless all of you who have helped to compile this information source!!!
