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last stages of starting up what more do I need?

B

Bushwacker

Seasoned Expediter
Hey guys I need some info
Ive been preparing to start hauling cars /freight.
I've purchased a Hideaway flatbed trailer that extends 35-48 feet.
I have my dot # & own authority. I will be pulling with 2000 Dodge Diesel dually. I have a co driver also. I am tagged for 26000 LBS
I've purchased 48 state reg. I have appointment for drug test & phys. next week. I still need insurance...hard time finding reasonable rates from companies that can write policy in Mississippi. Do I need truck/trailer inspection b4 I start hauling? If so ideas?
also what is recommended for hauling cars ...chains or straps?
hook to axles or frame? sources to buy equipment?
Any help appreciated.


A bad day fishing beats a good day working!!!
 
Moot

Moot

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
RE: last stages of starting up what more do I need

Tractor-trailer car haulers use chains with a special hook. Go to a truck stop and talk to drivers. Also talk with p.u. dually drivers. Besides hauling cars I see them loaded with utility trailers and camper trailers. If you haul freight you better get a couple three good tarps and straps.
 
M

MSinger

Expert Expediter
RE: last stages of starting up what more do I need

Check this site out. It is more geared to your interests.
www.hotshothauling.com

Good luck with your business venture. You have a fine truck to do the job with. I am running a 97 Dodge Diesel with a 12' cube.
I just turned 512,000 miles. I average around 14 mpg. Doesn't seem to matter if I am loaded with 3000# or running empty.
 
arkjarhead

arkjarhead

Veteran Expediter
RE: last stages of starting up what more do I need

Hot shot is basicly ltl. Some folks consider expedite to be hot shot. It usually isn't as time sensitive as expedite though. If you have a truck pro store near you they might can offer you some advice of the chains/straps and most likely have some for sale.
 
greg334

greg334

Veteran Expediter
RE: last stages of starting up what more do I need

OK I know a few may disagree with my comments. Hauled enough cars in my life – a few were worth more than most California houses. Not to say what you are doing is a bad thing, but being informed is the best.

First – If you have your own authority, don't you have insurance? I thought it was a requirement by law to have it to get the authority? Expect to spend $5K a year or around that and most companies that handle commercial insurance will wrote in all states. If you get into the classic car hauling, like around Hershey and Carlisle shows – get as much insurance as you can. One bad mistake will not make for a good day.

Second – If you are tagged for 26K, is the truck equipped for 26K GCWR? My 3500 could only do 15K and that was the max combination weight for 3500s', I think, through 2002. The 2006/2007s are rated at 23K with the HO Cummins but when you get into the 23K range you are now talking about class 6/7 trucks, not a class 4 truck.

Third – Yes I would get everything inspected. I would also get the engine and trans oil analyzed to see if the engine/trans has any problems. Also bringing into a Cummins dealer to check it out – stay away from Dodge if you can I had nothing but bad luck with my trucks and Dodge dealers.

Fourth – Get both chains and straps. Go to http://www.truckntow.com and look around. You can order everything online. They sell a lot of equipment to the towing companies around here and I buy everything from them. If you never have done this before, find a flat bed operator and talk to him/her to get an idea what it will take to secure a car. It is not always as easy as it looks. OH yea, plan on replacing the straps yearly if used a lot. the material breaks down in sunlight and with oil, Beside they are rather cheap.

Fifth – Here is something I may have disagreement from other EO members over, You must log and scale in all the states just like a normal truck. You also may need a Class A CDL, but I am assuming that you have that already. Any commercial vehicle over 10K and/or a combination vehicle (truck and trailer) is covered on all these items. I know several Hot Shot drivers who; don’t have a CDL, don’t log and don’t scale. One has lost his license because of all three.

Sixth – You will also need a sleeper – back seats don’t count.

Hope this helps.
 
C

Crazynuff

Veteran Expediter
RE: last stages of starting up what more do I need

This is another debatable issue but he doesn't need a sleeper . He must log off duty for 10 hours and never log any sleeper time . There is nothing in the regs saying you have to sleep or rest - you must be just completely relieved of all responsibility , no phone calls , no truck inspections , etc .
I agree his truck is probably not rated to be able to pull over 2 cars on that trailer .
He should cross all scales rather than risk being chased down when he should have stopped but he wouldn't be required to stop at "all" scales .
The forums at dieseltruckresource.com have a wealth of info for Dodge diesel owners .
 
F

FIS53

Veteran Expediter
RE: last stages of starting up what more do I need

Just to cover a couple of points
1: If your Dodge has an automatic trans then install a huge trtans cooler and change the fluid often. If a standard follow maint schedules.
2: Get both chains and straps and as Greg says look at yearly replace on the straps. New securement regs say if load is not against a wall in front you have to have 2 straps for 1st 10' then one more for every 10' after. On chains to cars well I try to use framing to hook to but on rearwheel drive watch the axle as many have brake lines attached and you can't damage that. The idea is to load the vehicle suspension (bring the vehicle down closer to the bed) so it isn't bouncing around as much. Using the axles doesn't do that.
3: Class A lic is a requirement in most states (if not all) and in Canada (assuming you'll get a load going that way).
4: Get the inspections and keep a copy in the truck, scale boys like that. BTW you must scale.

To note I see a lot of Dodge, GM and Ford dually units hauling 3 vehicles. A buddys GM 2500HD was rated at 15,000 and the dually 3500 was rated over 20,000.

Rob Fis
 
B

Broompilot

Veteran Expediter
RE: last stages of starting up what more do I need

What kinda $ can this generate and net to the owner in a good year? Three cars, does one find a quality used car dealership to haul for and look for cars?

Would one just own a car dealership and go to auctions? What kinda miles are involved in this, cross country or just a five state region? Sounds intresting, always like learning more.
 
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