Do I need a trailer?

**tone215** · 08.04.2012

Will i need a trailer to get loads off of load boards or can i just buy a tractor.

**mnmover** · 08.04.2012

You need to explain what you are planning to do with the tractor. No you may not need a trailer to lease a carrier that has the trailers, however having your own trailer usually also makes more revenue. If you have your own authority, you can work with carriers like schneider and JB Hunt in their power plus programs. Pulling their trailer and freight under your own authority. Also doing power only loads to reposition trailers or pulling new trailers to dealers and customers.

**tone215** · 08.04.2012

I want to start my own trucking company and buy a truck i thought i could get loads just like that

**-insert name-** · 08.04.2012

Its nice having your own trailer- but you might find a shipper that needs trailers moved. Then again, some aren't willing to give decent pay.

**kwswan** · 08.04.2012

Originally Posted by tone215

I want to start my own trucking company and buy a truck i thought i could get loads just like that

Sounds like you need to stay a company driver for awhile longer.

**BoyWander** · 08.04.2012

Usually when a carrier has a dedicated account with a shipper/receiver, they do drop and hooks instead of live loads and unloads, so that 1) the driver can get in and out quickly, and 2) the customer can unload and/or reload the trailers at their convenience. It can also make things easier on a time schedule for all parties, and saves money.

Therefore, when you have your own authority and only have 1 truck, yes you will need a trailer, because it will be all live loads and unloads, you will not be doing drop and hook unless you buy 2 more trailers, and have your own customer that you do round trips for.

Unless you're doing the thing with Schneider or JBHunt like someone above said.

One would think you'd have figured this out by now, if you had some experience in trucking.

**mustanglover** · 08.05.2012

Yes u should by a trailer now which one should be the question.In my opinion just starting out as i am you should by a reefer becauseyou can haul dry freight as well as refrigerated now you have two ways to make money.If you went with a flat you couldnt do that so a reefer opens up more options,and you have a better chance of making it unless thats what you like flats make money but u cant put dry or refrigerated freight on them.Remember your just starting out so get a reliable reefer cause those loads are temp sensative dont wanna lose ur first load cause ur reefer was to hot.