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Hoppers

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by iowabmw, Jul 26, 2007.

  1. Jul 26, 2007 #1
    iowabmw

    iowabmw Medium Load Member

    388
    23
    Jul 15, 2007
    Quad Cities, IA
    0
    Is there anyone that can give some info on pulling a hopper around. I live in Iowa and there is ALOT of farming around here and you see ALOT of hoppers. I have been researching what route would suit me best. I would like to know how far they usually run, how much the average pay is, how much time is spent sitting around, and anyother valuable information I should know.
     
    iowabmw, Jul 26, 2007
    iowabmw, Jul 26, 2007
    #1
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  3. Jul 26, 2007 #2
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    18,756
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    the road less travelled
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    Most hoppers in Iowa are running short haul, pick up and deliver to a terminal, or industrial user. Most are hauling grain. Anything that you can sweep out of a hopper gets hauled in them, so you see them hauling salt and dry fertilizer, meal products and other flow able materials.

    There are long haul hopper companies, and some materials get delivered to urban areas, but not like box freight. There are some specialized hoppers with higher sides for lighter materials and with 3 or 4 doors and spread axles. Most of the hoppers you see are 39 to 43 foot long with tandem axles and 2 slides made of mostly aluminum. They may have springs if older but most of the newer ones are air-ride.

    It's a place for someone under 21 to start driving if they haul only in state.
     
    25(2)+2, Jul 26, 2007
    25(2)+2, Jul 26, 2007
    #2
  4. Jul 26, 2007 #3
    iowabmw

    iowabmw Medium Load Member

    388
    23
    Jul 15, 2007
    Quad Cities, IA
    0
    Thanks! I am actually not wanting to go OTR I have had enough of that and I have a new baby as well, so I would like to be home at night. So is owning a hopper a good deal to get into? I have had someone tell me before it is really hard to make money in the hopper business, is there any truth to that? If you ask me it is hard making money in any trucking business.
     
    iowabmw, Jul 26, 2007
    iowabmw, Jul 26, 2007
    #3
  5. Jul 26, 2007 #4
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    18,756
    45,806
    Sep 18, 2006
    the road less travelled
    0
    You need loads and the hoppers aren't cheap, lot's of jobs available driving for others. I'd try that or lease on with someone if you own a tractor. Weight is a factor, many companies are going with small block engines and light tractors. Try looking around to see what you can find. Good Luck Also don't have to log if you punch a clock for the local hauling under 150 air miles.
     
    25(2)+2, Jul 26, 2007
    25(2)+2, Jul 26, 2007
    #4
  7. Jul 26, 2007 #5
    bullhaulerswife

    bullhaulerswife Forum Leader/Admin Staff Member Administrator

    28,512
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    Jul 23, 2007
    Midwest
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    With the Ethanol plants going in around here, I think that hoppers will be more in demand. I can tell you of about 5 that are within 200 miles of Council Bluffs. Living in the Corn Belt can't hurt. Maybe some others have some ideas on this.
     
    bullhaulerswife, Jul 26, 2007
    bullhaulerswife, Jul 26, 2007
    #5
  8. Jul 26, 2007 #6
    iowabmw

    iowabmw Medium Load Member

    388
    23
    Jul 15, 2007
    Quad Cities, IA
    0
    Thanks! I can get a hopper for around 30k for what looks to be a decent one.
     
    iowabmw, Jul 26, 2007
    iowabmw, Jul 26, 2007
    #6
  9. Jul 29, 2007 #7
    farmbig_01

    farmbig_01 Bobtail Member

    16
    1
    Feb 15, 2007
    0
    I hauled grain for local farmers and local elevators for a few months when I first started and dont intend on hauling another kernel again (other than on our own farm). It was the worst pay, but it seemed like everyone in their dog wanted to haul it. It was all local runs within 150mi, but we would set around at elevators for hours waiting to dump. The good thing is during harvest you can get some hours in as most elevators are open till 7-8pm. During the winter though, most elevators shut down at 3-4pm. Anyway, id suggest going ahead with the dump trailer idea like you had mentioned in another thread. You can still haul grain but also have the capability to haul other loads like rock, sand, fertlizer, coal, ect... For 30K you ought to be able to buy a new aluminum hopper if you do go that route, and will weigh in 1000-1500lbs less than a dump. I just bought an 05 Vantage 39' T-91ss and would think you may be better with something like that. Just my opinion.
     
    farmbig_01, Jul 29, 2007
    farmbig_01, Jul 29, 2007
    #7
  10. Feb 21, 2010 #8
    montana cowboy

    montana cowboy Bobtail Member

    35
    18
    Feb 13, 2010
    kindersley saskatchewan
    0
    which ones are the best and why, what are the down falls
    Timpte! Wilson! Loadking! Dopker(spelling)!!
    Are lift axles worth the price and will they save on tire life!
    Will be doing a lot of farm deliveries!
    Also I am in Canada and it will set of doubles!
    Thanks to all for any advice and thoughts in advance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    :biggrin_25514:
     
    montana cowboy, Feb 21, 2010
    montana cowboy, Feb 21, 2010
    #8
  11. Feb 21, 2010 #9
    RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

    12,812
    6,137
    Jul 22, 2008
    Owensboro , KY
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    Try this thread . http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...rator/80808-hopper-dump-o-os-and-drivers.html
     
    RickG, Feb 21, 2010
    RickG, Feb 21, 2010
    #9
    montana cowboy Thanks this.
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