What Class of Truck for Hot Shot

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by Cummins757, Jun 9, 2015.

  1. Cummins757

    Cummins757 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2015
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    I've been looking at starting a hot shot flatbed business. I cant decide on what class of truck to get. I see pros and cons in all of them. One thing I cant seen to wrap my head around is the fact that a 3500 can tow more than a 4500 or 5500, and then the fact that a sport chassis barely tows much more than that and costs A LOT more money. Then you have to think about sleepers. After all of the towing capacities and then the sleeper and the long term use of the truck, why should I or should I not get a 1 ton, 4500, 5500, sport chassis, or big rig? I really would like to see all sides of the fence here. THanks
     
    tompetty69 Thanks this.
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  3. lfod14

    lfod14 Road Train Member

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    I'd go Semi Tractor. It'll work less to pull the trailer and cars. I think people go with pick ups because of a perceived MPG difference, but there's no way those trucks are even getting close to what they claim when that's what their doing. Plus the tractor won't wear out as quick. I did auto transport for years and considered it myself, I'd say tractor. Plus if you can get the business, why limit yourself to a trailer that can only pull 3 cars?
     
  4. Cummins757

    Cummins757 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2015
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    Do you think it would be harder to find loads with a tractor and flatbed vs a LTL?
     
  5. Cummins757

    Cummins757 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2015
    New Jersey
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    Another thing I was thinking is that if I still have to have a sleeper, and since it would be on 26,001 lbs all the paperwork would be the same, what is the downside of going with a tractor?
     
    Tony850 Thanks this.
  6. SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

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    There isn't one, I went from a dually to a class 8 and wish I would of done it earlier.
     
  7. Cummins757

    Cummins757 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2015
    New Jersey
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    Sho tyme, can you tell me why you wished you would've done it earlier. Why not start out small and work up. I'm just playing devils advocate here to get all the sides. Can you tow RV's with a class 8?
     
  8. SteelWheelin

    SteelWheelin Bobtail Member

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    Dec 21, 2014
    Henderson, kentucky
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    Hey cummins,

    If you didn't wanna go full class 8 tractor right off the track, maybe upgrade to a class 6/7 tractor? I know some single axle smaller freightliner or international tractors that might appeal to you. They still get pretty good gas mileage and handle payloads better, longer. Plus for the price of a brand new ram 45/5500, you can get a freightliner m2 single axle tractor that is 5 times the truck for the same price or even cheaper used.
     
  9. SteelWheelin

    SteelWheelin Bobtail Member

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    I can't tell you how many people I've seen pulling their monster tow behind campers with a sport chassis freightliner
     
  10. Cummins757

    Cummins757 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2015
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    Is a sport chassis considered lass 6/7? Can you get it with a sleeper? Are they less to maintain than class 8?
     
  11. SteelWheelin

    SteelWheelin Bobtail Member

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    Henderson, kentucky
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    Roughly the same. The sport chassis is based on the lighter duty freightliner m2 106, which is class 6, but you could also get the m2 112, which offers bigger/more powerful engines, transmissions, and heavier axle weights. I had a dealer in Dallas tx offer to order and build me an m2 with a sleeper. You can get then integrated or bolted on. Also, the extended cab can be ordered with a bunk instead of the bench seat in the back. Internationals counterpart is the dura star series 43/4400 trucks.
     
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