new to forum and poss driving

tsymo · Mar 6, 2009

I am new to this and hope this is where to post,

I have been a independent contractor for 28 years in the construction industry, I have a home in the midwest and southwest, I am looking for a career change, I know times are not the best but this is the time in my life to make a change if I am going to

I have a 2006 dodge 1 ton, dually, crew cab, longbox, 6 speed diesel truck, have funds to by trailer if needed, is there work for something like this/ willing to drive most u.s.a

thanks for any info

kwexpress · Mar 6, 2009

there is work for that type of set-up but not many on this site.
most of these folks here drive dry box or refer vans and straights.but if all else fails with the set-up you want to try at least you will still have a pick-up.

ctx used to hire pick-ups with toppers on them but that was 10 years ago.if you are bussiness minded you might want to think about just getting your own authority and running hot-shots and flat bed ltl with a gooseneck trailer.

I like the 30' trailers much more than the 40' they tend to be easier to get around in small towns with.and I missed more than a few loads because it was not air ride so I would suggest an air ride trailer they do make them.
as far as brands go big tex seems to be the prefered.I did alot of work for all states trucking out of oak creek,wi usally electric poles and transformers for cooper electric

sometimes though when I would take loads I would have to deadhead 2 or 3 hundered miles usally when I would go to GA,FL seemed to be the hardest for me to get any real offers.but I did real good from the west coast,midwest and back but times have changed over the last year and I am not saying your going to get rich just like straight trucks you will have weeks that you will gross 5-6k and weeks you should have stayed home.but to me its not as bad as expedite cause you dont have to wait on an emergency to find a load or loads you can book loads days in advance even plan out your whole week most times.just check it out watch the boards and contact freight fowarders.
good luck at whatever you decide and if you decide to go on your own send me a pm and I will send you some of the better brokers and freight fowarders to contract with.
insurance is another thing you will want to check into get the million liability and at least 100k cargo and I think progressive will insure this type set-up if your interested in getting your own authority the filing fee is around $300 and usally it takes about 2 weeks for the filing to show but you will want your insurance in place and ask the the insurer if they do electronic filing.it shows up at the fmcsa alot faster if they do.