Car Hauling Newb Questions...

Discussion in 'Car Hauler and Auto Carrier Trucking Forum' started by 389Trucker, Aug 12, 2015.

  1. 389Trucker

    389Trucker Light Load Member

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    Ok, so I just obtained my CDL and I wanted to ask you folks out there who haul cars a couple questions. How can I go about getting into hauling for a living without any prior driving experience? What kind of cash flow should I expect compared to reefer, dry van, etc in the beginning? I am located in SoCal, is the work flow steady or does it slow down certain parts of the year? And lastly, is it worth getting into, learning and then becoming a O/O? Thanks..
     
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  3. HeWhoMustNotBeNamed

    HeWhoMustNotBeNamed Crusty Pogosticker!!

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    you will most likely need to get at least a year Driving a CMV in first. *sigh* hangs the rubber stamp back up
     
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  4. Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

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    I've only time for the last at the moment... if you're planning on making a career out of driving for a living, one of the niche markets is the only way to go. Better wages, better treatment, more satisfaction. Carhaul is one of those niches. If you have what it takes (and many folks just aren't wired the right way,) it's one of the most demanding, yet most lucrative segments of trucking.
     
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  5. 389Trucker

    389Trucker Light Load Member

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    OK so basically after I get a year of driving, then I can get on with a hauling company who will train me? Will I be out for days/weeks or can I day cab when I first start? Also, whats the average pay during and after training? Ive seen alot of day cabs hauling what seem to be brand new cars to dealers. Thanks
     
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  6. HeWhoMustNotBeNamed

    HeWhoMustNotBeNamed Crusty Pogosticker!!

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    There's a wealth of threads in here from folks asking the same questions as you are now. The best way for you to get a good grasp of what the Carhaul situation is, is for you to gig into the threads in here. Use the "Search" function up in the top right hand corner here for specific answers. Just look at the list of threads here and you'll see the info you want most likely. Best Wishes.
     
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  7. 389Trucker

    389Trucker Light Load Member

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    Cool, thanks...
     
  8. HeWhoMustNotBeNamed

    HeWhoMustNotBeNamed Crusty Pogosticker!!

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    you're welcome. there's a "Thanks" icon with a thumb up pic in the bottom of every post, right next to the + Quote and the arrow Reply icons.
     
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  9. bamanation

    bamanation Heavy Load Member

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    I've been doing carhaul for a little over a year now. The best advice that I can give you is. Get into it as soon as you can. I've been in this industry since 03. I wish I would have started in carhaul day one. A lot of companies want you to have atleast one to two years OTR. Don't be scared off by that. Go get your experience an do a lot of research and you will do great if you like to work. It is a very rewarding job both financial and physical.Also I know that the company that I work for will train an experienced driver and they look at what types of freight you've hauled. Flatbed moves to the top of the chain. So I would recommend you try to get a flatbed gig. It looks good on a resume that you have a hands on knowledge of freight hauling. Good luck. ......
     
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  10. SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

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    The money can be good till you damage one and it comes out of your pocket. I'd suggest several years experience before you move to an autohauler, you really need to know what you're doing.
     
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  11. 389Trucker

    389Trucker Light Load Member

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    Appreciate all the feedback. Does the driving experience have to be flatbedin' to be considered a worthy trainee or will local beverage be ok too? Technically anything you move is considered freight. I just want to know the advantages of having flatbed experience. Thanks.
     
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