Dump Truck Business Start Up

Hey all,
Truly new to the forum thing.
I have an opportunity to start a dump truck company (owner/operated) in the MD/DC area. There is non stop construction all year around in the growing city so the demand is there. I wanted to know if anyone could give me some starting advice on...

• GVW that I should be looking for to haul gravel (primarily)
• How many axles should i be looking for
• top 3-5 brands of trucks (but only if that type of info doesn't fall under Advertisement)
• expected start up cost (including insurance estimate)
• Hauling rates (weighed and hourly) for the MD/DC area
• How to bid on contracts
• what company's look for when hiring an Owner Operator
• and any personal stories or advice on your dump trucking experience

So as you can see, I am as new as they get! I am definitely doing my research before breaking open my piggy bank and committing. I say this is next years venture. I would like to just gather as much information from the internet as well as real life drivers with dumping experience. I'm looking for info on the good the bad and ugly so that i can make a clear decision as to if this is something I would like to do (as far as being an owner operator)

Thanks in advance
Dash88

 

Hey Grizzlycan2011,
Congrats on deciding to look into the dump truck biz. Since we are both in the same boat as far as starting, any information that I find that I think may be helpful, i will be sure to post.

5k a year sounds about right, I got an estimate of 9,600 a year. (possibly because im up north, and everything is ridiculously high up here)

Please feel free to keep me posted on your progress.

Dash88

 

[QUOTE="semi" retired;4123075]Hi Dash88, well, I spent a good portion of my career in dump truck work, and I can say, without reservation, it's truly the hardest type of work, truck wise. The places one goes, always hauling max weight, is extremely hard on trucks and tires and brakes, so repairs will be a constant issue. In my experience, the absolute best trucks for that type of work, is a Mack. Next would probably be Kenworth, and I've driven older Fords that were good trucks too. Good luck[/QUOTE]

"semi" retired, Thank you so much for the advice.
Im glad to hear that youve had such great success with those types of trucks. I have been looking at a few used trucks online and its becoming overwhelming. If you dont mind me prying for info,

When you were dump trucking, what were you hauling?

What type of warranty would you suggest on a Dump Truck?

how did you go about charging clients (by weight or hourly)?

How did you propose your contracts (or bid on contracts)?

I am trying to be as realistic as possible in my thinking and planning as I research getting into dump trucking so thank you for taking the time to even respond....And i dig your signature
'Been that, Done there"..lol

 

Caterpillar Cowboy, I can only imagine the beating those trucks take, from non stop heavy loads to crazy mileage. The plan it to get an automatic. and I have a "go to" mechanic in mind. I'm hoping that constant tire changes, tarp replacements, etc will be all signs of steady and profitable work. Thanks for chiming in. Are you an owner and operator, if so, is there any advice you'd like to pass on as far a business start up. Any advice/ or personal experiences would be appreciated.