Looking into starting a local lowboy company

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by dvdtrucking, Sep 25, 2014.

  1. dvdtrucking

    dvdtrucking Bobtail Member

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    Sep 25, 2014
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    Hi, I'm new on this site. I wanted to get a couple opinions on starting my own lowboy service locally. I've been driving dump truck for 3 years now, and I have my class A. I would like to move construction equipment (loaders, dozers, pavers, rollers, etc.....) for small local companies. I live in northern new jersey, and I know a bunch of small business owners around here that have equipment to be moved.
    Couple of questions I have are
    - How do you charge for the service?
    Is there a initial hook-up fee, and then a certain amount per mile or hour?
    - Should I get a 2 or 3 axle trailer

    - Should I get a tandem or tri-axle truck?

    - Whats a ball park price for insurance on all of this?

    Any answers will be helpful. Thanks
     
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  3. damutt

    damutt Road Train Member

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    go with a 3 axle trailer gie you more wiggle room on weights. i would charge both. IE 50 bucks to show up, then a cetain fee for miles9or hourse depending on how far you have to drive
     
  4. OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

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    Agree with the 3 axle trailer. Brother in law has a larger Cat excavator and finds it hard at times to get it moved, takes 50 Ton trailer to move it.
     
  5. Oscar the KW

    Oscar the KW Going Tarpless

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    Most local moves like that are by the hour or a flat rate.

    How heavy is the equipment?
     
  6. dvdtrucking

    dvdtrucking Bobtail Member

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    Sep 25, 2014
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    The equipment ranges from a d6 dozer to a 450 cat backhoe, maybe a mini excavator, asphalt paver, pretty much 20-35 ton
     
  7. dvdtrucking

    dvdtrucking Bobtail Member

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    Sep 25, 2014
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    Does anyone have an idea of how much I would charge per mile or hour? maybe 5 dollars per mile?
     
  8. damutt

    damutt Road Train Member

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    that you need to do the research on, you want to be competitive. if everyone is charging 4.00/mile i wont use you, but if everyone is charging 30.00/hr your getting screwed
     
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