How to start MC with container and dry van

What kind of containers are we talking about? domestic 53ft or ocean 20/40/45 containers? big difference in requirements, and no you can't just get an authority and pull containers, it's a big headache, insurance is a lot more expensive for intermodal, now for a new authority insurance is already expensive and you don't wanna add intermodal specific coverages to it, it get astronomical.
Each container or chassis is owner or leased by an EP, you will need to have an interchange agreement with each and every equipment provider before you can pull their equipment, Maersk for example will NOT have interchange with any carrier that has 0 roadside inspections.

Now to the security clearance part, the driver needs to have a TWIC card, and be registered by the carrier in the intermodal driver database if they're doing rail ramp work, for port work it's TWIC alone, or TWIC plus sealink card in the case of NJ/NY ports, and trucks have to have a RFID transporder. plus no trucks older than 2010.

And last but not least, no customer will send their container work order to a new operation, it's a pain to get work unless you've had 2 years in the niche and have references.

Short answer is: it can be done but have a lot of money set aside before jumping in.

 

[QUOTE="georemo, post: 11654091, member: 298749" plus no trucks older than 2010.[/QUOTE]

That's 2010 engine; the emissions stuff for NY/NJ port is based on the year of the engine.

Older units currently working are grandfathered; as long as they were active in Port Truck Pass within the prior 24 months, we just watched a guy buy an older truck, complete with RFID tag and showing in the PTP system and could not activate it as it had been siting on the dealer's lot for 30 months.

They just killed the 96 and 97 year engines [after a 12 month COVID postponement] and the next round to die has not been announced; YET.

There was a rash of 'misidentified' units, originally the system allowed the carriers to enter a newer engine year [2007 at that time] and once they figured it out, they now require an uploaded picture of the emissions label listing the 'Engine Family' code every time a change is needed; like a new license plate or new owner coming into our company, etc.

 

Containers are a giant pain in the neck and don’t pay very well.

I’d avoid them , unless you have an exclusive shipper and some good paying cargo lined up

 

It will also bankrupt you, if you dont know what you are doing.

 

It will also bankrupt you, if you dont know what you are doing.