Dump Truck

I just started with my dump truck business i have a tandem can only carry 12 tons and i have so many questions i am currently working for someone as an owner operator. I am currently located in San Antonio Texas and want some pointers on how much to charge for material and how can i start my own dispatch or does anyone know of a broker or dispatching company i could use here in San Antonio
I am a beginner and i need advice how to take my business to the next step and learn how to land contracts thank so you much in advance

 

dump trucking doesnt pay squat in the san antonio area

 

You wont be getting much. So bags of money to lay on is out.

You will find a way to put way more than 12 ton in the bin, don't worry about that. MR stone will be sure to take care of you at the Slate and Quarry where Fred works to this day. Its weight limited bridges you need to worry about.

You also need a place for that truck where you either do not have neighbors around because there are times you are spraying diesel into the bed for blacktop example to let it sit and drain a overnight towards morning partially tilted. (Spray bottle from garden center with a couple gallons at most for the whole bed when empty. then a flat edge shovel to get the stubborn bits off in the morning)

You will need a place to shop that truck. Sooner or later that work will munch into your revenues. Especially once DOT got ahold of you now and then. If they see that you are putting on shiny new spring hangers and so on and make a effort to stay 100% mechanical they will treat you nicer.

Then there is matter of tags, stickers and registration along with fuel and payroll for yourself or driver you hire. If you put on a trailer to that pintle you will be limited in how to load that trailer. But all is well. Especially if you can get a pickup dually for a tool truck to toss everything else into it.

And it spirals into something you cannot let go of in your life at some point. It's literally holding a tiger by the tail.

Have a nice time.

 

There is no work for tandem axle dump in most states. Customers want maximum tonnage. In pa that’s a triaxle hauling 23 and a half tons. I make 800-1000 dollars a day and same goes for rest of owner operators here. Alls it takes is signing on with big local construction company’s locally hauling quarry materials, blacktop or hauling dirt. Like I said though, nobody will hire a tandem axle anywhere.

 

So you mean when it's -20 and I have to have to haul snow it's frowned upon to just pull up to the gas station and pump 3-5 gallons in my bed on my way to work at night? Maybe that's why I get all the funny looks from people!

 

We had a rather large fuel store that offered fuel to the small dumps because there were three plants less than a mile over the hill that provided blacktop, stone and custom stone by rail. So it's not a problem to zip through there and fuel everything.

Our big Mack had 300 plus gallons being a former over the road truck in her day and there were times it became a tanker keeping the paver and such going.

As far a the looks, don't let that bother you. That tells me you are potentially living in a region where people need a churching up with what a working man needs to do with his fuel now and then. If you want to see the looks, check out the Manassas VA Sheetz as I work my 18 wheeler around all of the people getting gas to the one side to get coffee and food off US 15. Been going there all my life with the exception of my time here at home in Arkansas.

 

Never has, never will.

 

Your best bet is to call Alamo Cement, Hanson, and the other pits and ask what their carrier requirements are, that way you can get in with them and they will call you with your dispatch. Also ask what their rates and FSC are, that way you'll know what kind of revenue you will be receiving.

 

I have a question about tags permits when becoming a O/O in PA. Do you think you could answer some of my questions? Would much appreciate if you could help!

Thank you

 

Hey I’m a driver from PA looking to become a O/O in the philly area. I was wondering if you could help me some question I have able tri Axle permits and tags. If you can that would be much appreciated.

Thank you