Auto Transport Rookie, seeking veteran advice

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by autoxtransport, Apr 4, 2011.

  1. autoxtransport

    autoxtransport Bobtail Member

    7
    0
    Apr 4, 2011
    Fort Lauderdale, FL
    0
    Good afternoon everyone,

    I'm interested in getting into the business. I have a couple contacts to make entry a bit easier, however, I really need to know what I'm facing in the big picture. Below is what I have. Please fill in any blanks you may see. I feel like I'm missing something major.

    Let me first say, I AM A NOVICE. I will be an owner.

    I'm looking to purchase a 9-10 car hauler, $25,000-$40,000, plus the plates, permits, etc. at $2,200.

    I have 2 drivers willing to run as a team. They have OTR experience, however, neither have ANY car hauling exp. This may be a nightmare.

    I have 2 dealer auction buyers which are long time friends who will keep me supplied with cars. 2 trips/week, 4-5 suv's per trip at $800-$1,000. Then I'll supplement with Central Dispatch, etc. to fill the balance of the primary runs and returns. Is 2 trips/week too aggressive, even though they are the same route, I feel it might be a bit of a stretch. If I don't do 2 trips/week, my numbers don't work.

    Here is the list of expenses I have, this is where I believe I'm missing something.

    Monthly: Based on 200,000 miles annually

    Fuel-$1,300 trip (1000-1400 miles av.) X 16 trips= $20,800
    Payroll- $1,000 week, each driver= $8,000
    Payroll unemployment Ins.= ?
    Driver worker's comp (not sure if required yet, but if so)-$3,000
    Tolls- $200
    Taxes- (road, use, fuel, fed) = $292
    Outside services- (accounting)= $150
    Repairs & maintenance- $1,683
    Truck wash- $116
    Misc. supplies, (straps, chains)- $200
    Reserve fund (unexpected costs)- $2,000
    Rent (truck storage)- $250
    Telephone- $150
    Insurance- $1,000
    Tires- = $383
    Truck payment- $1,000

    Total monthly expenses: $39,224

    In addition, my other major concern is having 2 inexperienced drivers starting out on their own. Is this a HUGE concern? Is the learning curve too great for 2 new guys to successfully get this venture up and running? I understand there is risk involved with anything.

    I invite your thoughts/comments.

    Thanks,

    New Hauler
     
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  3. Yost69

    Yost69 Light Load Member

    50
    18
    Aug 2, 2010
    0
    It doesnt take to long to get the hang of things.

    I sure hope you have at least some experience hauling cars? Three people who don't have a clue is not going to be good.

    It takes a little know how as to get the jist of things like which way the car goes on, where the car needs to be positioned on the trailer etc.

    2 trips a week should not be a problem running teams. They just have to be willing to run their time. I think you can average 700 miles a day per driver. 4 days for two trips at 2800 per trip. Roughly. and a 5th day for all the loading and unloading and misc stops (breaks, fuel, etc.) for two trips. Shoot if they are willing they can work 1/2 day saturday and still get their 34 restart.
     
  4. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    12,908
    12,210
    Sep 17, 2006
    WY
    0
    1st let me say ......... good luck, you are gonna need it.

    2nd let me say........ RUN, Forest, RUUUUNNNNNN while you still can.

    3rd don't trust your friends. If I had $10 for every time that I was promised car haulin biz when I was in the biz I'd have never gone under.
    ONLY trust the cars that land on your trailer and the checks that cash. Nothing else. Until you load the cars and cash the checks all those "friends" promises are just air.


    I lost at least $30,000 in less than a year of car hauling in 08/09.

    If I never haul another car again in my life it'll be too soon.
     
  5. walleye

    walleye Road Train Member

    3,028
    4,306
    Aug 21, 2007
    Land of Cheese
    0
    Don't sugar coat it Brick,.................Tell em' how you really feel,...

    To the OP,....I know where you can buy a Freightliner 120 with a Boydstun 9/10 car set up for fairly cheap,....

    Pics in my profile,...
     
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