New business idea

We have both trucking authority and household good authority, our niche is long-distance moving. In our area, we are well known and have to turn down long-distance moves in the summertime because we are booked up. Obviously, long-distance moving pays way better than broker freight.

My idea is to create a website similar to internet truckstop or DAT but for the self-loading/unloading moving industry. To compete with ABF U-Pack, PODS, Pack-Rat, U-Box, and Smartbox.

For a 53ft trailer, we currently charge $7.60 per mile hauling household goods, we turn down work at this rate in the summer because we are booked up. At the moment we average around $3.00 a mile hauling general dry van freight.

It is my understanding that a trucking company can legally haul household goods as long as they are not involved in any part of the loading/unloading. Also, an average trucking company does not have household goods cargo insurance but most homeowner's or renter's insurance covers catastrophic events such as the truck tipping over or catching on fire (my homeowner's insurance does). And since the trucking company is not involved in loading/unloading there would be no liability for scratched or broken items.

A family member of mine was recently quoted $11,000 for 2 PODS (16ft each) to go from San Diego to Houston. At our current rate of $7.60 per mile, it is at $11,000 but we provide a 53ft van.

Some concerns would be:

Since we would be taking a percent of the $7.60 do we need broker authority? Not sure how that would work since you can look at it two ways 1. The trucking company is paying us a percentage or 2. The moving customer would be paying us a percentage. If broker authority is needed not a problem.

It's much more complicated than what I am posting but this is the basics, I am aware I need an attorney if I decide to proceed. I have had my own operating authority for 30 years and am knowledgeable in the moving industry running our own trucks, this is a brokers forum so you would know more than me.

All I can say is that it's an idea, be factual but kind.

Darren

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Good thought and I agree

 

At the moment I am thinking 24 hours to load and 24 hours to unload with an hourly fee if it takes longer. Comparing it with today's load board rates for dry van I would gladly do it for that. Once again, it's a long shot and these are all ideas.

 

We already have a moving company for 30 years using 53ft flat floor vans. We can only take on so much work because of hiring drivers (we currently run 9 trucks) We are trying to expand using outside carriers with 53ft air ride flat floor vans willing to get paid around 2 times the amount that broker freight pays.

My post is to find more about broker authority, Insurance, and legality. Once again I will call an attorney just starting with some questions here on the "Freight Broker Forum"