FEMA deliveries

Chry65

Expert Expediter
Crazynuff has the correct scoop on RV/FEMA delivery.

I currently contract for one of the major transport companies.

I do it on a part time basis. My real job is working finish carpentry. I will pull a load or two a month between jobs.

I would never do it full time. You do not make any money. Some say you break even, I don't even agree with that. Each trip out more times than none you deadhead back. My current rate is 1.06/mile. Actually .53/mile when figuring deadhead. I pay for fuel and tolls (unloaded). I wish there were a formula to figure wear and tear cost per trip. I am almost sure if you could put a dollar amount per trip on wear and tear, you'd be pretty close to losing money.

When I signed up, I already owned a diesel powered truck to pull my personal 5th wheel camper, so I did not have an initial vehicle cost.

During my orientation of 12 of us that week, half had invested at least 35k into a new 1 ton dually. I'd bet half of the 12 or more are not even doing it anymore. Try unloading a less than 1 yr. old dually with 100k on the clock for what you owe on it. Good luck. You had better fallen in love with that truck, because you will be driving it for a long time.

I believe the lure to the business is freedom. These transport companies feed off that. The lucky drivers forget to take their stupid pill one morning and finally realize it is a losing proposition. But thats OK with the transport companies because for every 12 lost there is 12 new.

For a retiree that has a paid off rig that wants to travel and does not have a huge monthly nut, it's probably not a bad gig. Or for a part time, once in a while thing to pay a bill or two, it can be OK too. I'm hoping to get busy enough soon so that the only trailer I ever pull is my own.

Just my 2 pennies worth, drive safe!!
 

rollnthunder

Expert Expediter
I will be honest and say i think the rv transporting is kinda like expediting.You have to know how to run a truck that is profitable.I have 5 friends that are hauling campers and have been for sometime now and im not talking about 3 months either.They have been doing it for a few years.2 of the guys use to run straight trucks.They seem to be doing ok they all have nice houses,new pickups and are always loaded.So i think it has alot to do with the broker,base pay and how you run.But they have alot less overhead compared to a straight truck and make with in a few cents of a D unit.The oil changes atleast half the price of a straight truck,tires half the price brakes 1/4 the price and so on.They are making a $1.10 loaded mile plus fuel surcharge .The one guy has a route he takes onces a month from indiana to the west coast drops and moves a few out that way and makes $5,000 in a week.Not to mention if you do dead head you get alot better mpg then a big truck and alot of companys dont pay dead head for big trucks either.My western star got 11mpg my superduty ford gets 13-14 mpg loaded and empty i pull 21 if i keep it at 68mph.So i guess if one is smart they can make money in just about anything but you have to be smart.
 
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