Getting Into the Business - Need Advice

[shawn1774]

Looking into getting in to the business, I have an offer on the plate from Pro Green Hills (Michael) that is 90 cents per mile. Just wondering if this this a good price?

Any advice on going through different brokers please advise.

Inquiring about a vehicle as well. We have a 2006 Ford E-250 Van bought and paid for, so the only upfront operating expense would be fuel and insurance.

We have regular insurance on the van right now, but do we need special insurance to haul freight?

What is the life expectancy of the van with a 4.6 liter V8 motor?

Also, we are located in Wisconsin, is this a decent area for outbound and inbound freight?

What is typical for miles drivers are getting these days?

And with the economy being the way it is, is this even a good business to get into?

 

[paullud]

Hopefully Vans 101 is back before Dennis sees this one.

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[asjssl]

Looking into getting in to the business, I have an offer on the plate from Pro Green Hills (Michael) that is 90 cents per mile. Just wondering if this this a good price?

Any advice on going through different brokers please advise.

Inquiring about a vehicle as well. We have a 2006 Ford E-250 Van bought and paid for, so the only upfront operating expense would be fuel and insurance.

We have regular insurance on the van right now, but do we need special insurance to haul freight?

What is the life expectancy of the van with a 4.6 liter V8 motor?

Also, we are located in Wisconsin, is this a decent area for outbound and inbound freight?

What is typical for miles drivers are getting these days?

And with the economy being the way it is, is this even a good business to get into?

Just rolled over to 400,000 on my 06 express 4.8 L ...just be.proactive on your maintenance...


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[mcavoy33]

You will need commercial insurance (CIS is highly recommended on this site).

90 is a fair enough rate to get started imo considering you aren't investing any capital. However, there is a tonne of info on this site. It's not an easy job or lifestyle to get use to.

But if you don't have a good job now, you have the equipment, get out there for a couple weeks to see if this industry is for you.

I wouldn't recommend giving up a steady job though. If you are currently working, I would invest a lot of time learning the industry before you walk away from a steady income to enter the world of the self employed and no guaranteed weekly paychecks .

Also review the company that you are interested in, on this site and google. There are a tonne of bad companies out there looking to make a buck off of uneducated people. Just think how much you could stand to lose in 3 weeks if you are running 2k miles a week. You could lose 2k in fuel + insurance if you sign up with a carrier who doesn't pay.

It's no wonder there are so mnay bad companies out there, with so many people willing to test out getting into the industry because they have a van.

hmmm maybe I should become a bad carrier instead of buying a van, sounds pretty lucrative.

 

[BillChaffey]

When looking for additional Insurance make sure to check out Transport Insurance Company in Toledo. Also.

 

[JazMajor]

Transportation insurance is very important, make sure you will not miss it


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[Jack_Berry]

I suggest you read the cargo van stickies. You need to set up the truck for fry hauling.

My 4.6 was a second owner. Got 18-20 mpg depending. Hope it has cruise. Tint your windows.

We live in Racine and got frt from mke and chgo. Only had 1 load that ever came into Wisconsin. Waukegan is as close as we came otherwise. expect to dh home.

.90 cpm is nice. You will have to pay your tolls as opposed to having them paid.

Info on brokers can be found using the search function.

Is this a good time to start? Lots of guys buying used penske box trucks. The cv limits the frt you are offered.

Do you have a reserve fund? how much do you need to pay bills and make a profit?

you need to come to expo next wknd and talk to people who are in the biz and decide for yourself.