The journey begins - purchased a truck.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by blairandgretchen, Dec 10, 2014.

  1. dirthaller

    dirthaller Heavy Load Member

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    Sep 22, 2011
    Coloratah
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    @Old Man has the overall height threshold figured out. This is his 2nd trailer that he’s owned to specialize in keeping things under 16’ tall. You’re not going to find a trailer for sale anywhere that has such a low deck height as his. He claims that his old trailer was 1 of 2 that were ever built with a deck height that low. I would venture a guess that his new trailer has less of an arch and a few more custom storage goodies than his old one. If I custom built a trailer for him, I’d make him sign a disclaimer....alleviating me of any responsibility in case he “beaches” it somewhere as it would take a super conscientious driver to navigate that thing over cross gutters, railroad tracks, etc. He’s separated himself from others in this regard. If I hooked on to his trailer myself, I’d have to have a 60 ton crane following me around with the pilot car which would essentially defeat the purpose!
     
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  3. Midwest Trucker

    Midwest Trucker Road Train Member

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    Thanks for the info. The last several hours I’ve gone down what seems a deep rabbit hole of trying to learn about this type of trucking. It’s only caused me to have more questions though. lol!
     
  4. tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

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    S.W. Florida
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    I've fumbled with hauling oversize boats out of SW Florida with a certain
    Outfit .

    I know boats and blocking and securing them and very interested in that field.

    The company I am referring to though does not have stellar reviews by its customers in the yacht world .
     
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  5. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
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    I don’t go to California, that’s about all. I usually send a photo of the truck loaded to the agent/receiver and get good feedback, never had one request a new(er) truck for any reason.
     
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  6. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

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    Oklahoma City, OK
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    I don’t get”beached”, just raise the trailer, hydraulic front,air rear, problem solved.

    In my business every inch counts, over 15 foot tall gets more difficult to get around, the guy that came down over 16 tall had a very long route to get to Texas because low bridges getting under I80,I70, and I40.
    The bridges are the easy part, it’s the trees , wires and traffic light that are a problem, your permits don’t allow for them.
    Legal weight permits are $20 to $135 or more per state. Escorts are 1.50 to 1.75 per mile plus $75 a night out. Then there are route surveys and police escorts if you get too big.
     
  7. RStewart

    RStewart Road Train Member

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    Aug 21, 2015
    Norman, OK
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    And that's why you get paid the big bucks. That and your ability to do the job correctly. Definitely a lot more exciting than just throwing chains or swinging doors. Just finished securement class, next step is to decide between step and flat. Maybe by the time you retire I'll be LS qualified to pull some of that.
     
  8. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
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    If he’s still there - ask Pete Hietzmann that runs the securement class this question -

    “What’s your top 3 trailers for high revenue and versatility?”

    And get back to me.

    And you’re right - @Old Man will eventually retire, and shoes need to be filled. Almost any driver can do it - but not all will do it without causing a huge mess.
     
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  9. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    12,000
    60,365
    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
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    Here’s a quick scratch together from last month - you have to sit down and calculate before shooting a price. Basic load, multiple pieces, only one barely oversize - many dimensions missing from the agent.

    The second page - I guessed a few of the state costs, but your permit service will charge $22 or so per state, and LS gets you for $5/state up to 5 states.

    Like @Old Man said - overshoot miles, $1.50 to $1.75/mile for each escort, plus $75/night. They go to a motel or sleep in their vehicle.

    Route survey and police when stuff gets big, I’ve yet to get that big.
     
  10. Nostalgic

    Nostalgic Road Train Member

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    PA
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    It's easy to lose money if you want to run legal and don't know what you're doing. I looked at one going to NYC that would have cost me around $2500 all said and done. I'm sure it moved by white volvo for his rate. Problem is, the stuff I see on the boards has an endless supply of said white volvos that I refuse to compete with. Haven't touched my oversize signs since I did my first. This is one of the areas where being leased to LS is a major advantage.
     
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