Small Business - Commerical Insurance Advice

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by antimattercrusader, Feb 1, 2012.

  1. antimattercrusader

    antimattercrusader Bobtail Member

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    Feb 1, 2012
    Fort Worth
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    Hello! I am new to the forum and considering starting a small transportation business using my pickup to do some light duty towing, such as moving boats & other vehicles on a flatbed for hire.

    I called Progressive to obtain an insurance quote for this... I do have a CDL, and would be starting the business as LLC with the appropriate licenses. However, I was told that I cannot obtain insurance to tow a boat with a pickup, including large diesel pickups. They said I would need a minimum of a 18 wheeler, which seems overfill for a 15' boat or a honda fit.

    I feel this cannot be correct? Can anyone offer any input or advice? Also, the quote was around $4,500 per year without any load insurance for only $10,000 vehicle coverage and minimal liability. :biggrin_2556:

    BTW: I have a perfect driving record, and am 25 years old.

    I appreciate any input!
     
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  3. losttrucker

    losttrucker Road Train Member

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    Mar 9, 2008
    greenville,nc
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    First I would like to thank A&E, for giving people these ideas

    Secondly, the idiots on Shipping Wars who call themselves "Shippers"

    And lastly U-Ship, who has made a mockery of freight transportation!
     
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  4. antimattercrusader

    antimattercrusader Bobtail Member

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    Feb 1, 2012
    Fort Worth
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    That was useful.

    But in all honesty, what is wrong with using the tools I have available to try and make ends meet? I am not a full time truck driver, I do not have an 18 wheeler... but there must be a niche available for small time work. Every vehicle I see that is less than an 18 wheeler pulling a small boat to deliver it cannot be uninsured?

    I was hoping there would be some helpful people on here... if not, I am sorry to have bothered you all.
     
  5. losttrucker

    losttrucker Road Train Member

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    greenville,nc
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    Here try this thread:
    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/expediter-and-hot-shot-trucking-forum/
    What kind of truck do you have?

    What kind of trailer??

    What kind of experience do you have??
     
  6. antimattercrusader

    antimattercrusader Bobtail Member

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    Feb 1, 2012
    Fort Worth
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    I will look into that forum, thank you.

    I have a Chevy 1500 pickup (2004, 5.3L) (Probably will buy a diesel eventually, for personal reasons but was hoping to use it for this), an assortment of small trailers, about 300,000 miles of experience with this truck - 50,000 pulling trailers upto 40'. Far from experienced, I know. But have to start somewhere.

    For this instance, I was hoping to deliver small boats to make ends meet, well within the capacity of my pickup.
     
  7. losttrucker

    losttrucker Road Train Member

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    greenville,nc
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    That's a good truck, for weekend boat pulls to take the family out, but that pickup isn't made for all day everyday commercial use.

    Have you thought about contacting ACME or someother hotshot company until you can get a heavy duty truck??
     
  8. antimattercrusader

    antimattercrusader Bobtail Member

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    Feb 1, 2012
    Fort Worth
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    I may get a heavy duty truck in the immediate future, as that one has original engine and transmission - can't imagine it has much more left in it.

    I have a somewhat unique situation. I have a full time job, but its computer based and allows me to work from anywhere there is internet or cell phone signal. My plan was to do runs between Texas & Washington as I have a place to stay there, and can work in either location during the week. I would go back and forth on the weekends when I find a load, maybe a time or two per month. But since I typically only have weekends available, I imagine I can't get a position with ACME etc.
     
  9. antimattercrusader

    antimattercrusader Bobtail Member

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    Feb 1, 2012
    Fort Worth
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    After further research on “HotShot” insurance, it seems it's pretty hard to find, and rather expensive if you're running a part time business.
     
  10. gorteck

    gorteck Bobtail Member

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    Oct 28, 2010
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    With respect I used to drive a cab, a friend who had been in the business for some 40yrs, gave me this advice- "Don't play the game until you know the rules." It seems to me that this advice is good for expediting/hot shot work too.
    It sounds to me like you do not know the 'rules' and that you are setting yourself up for failure if you start trying to do this type of work without knowing the 'rules'.
    I would suggest asking someone if you could ride with them, even if it is sans pay, for a week or two to learn about the job without putting money in the pot. That person could also answer many/all of your questions.
     
  11. Bigarmin88

    Bigarmin88 Road Train Member

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    Aug 30, 2008
    Tampa Bay Fl
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