New to Car Hauling

SLANT6 · Mar 17, 2017

sampsoniteburrito said: ↑

...hahahaha ..... dam dude, i swear you are dealing with the wrong people in this business, and your 20 year mentor seemingly only mentored you into constantly nagging about all of the negative things you can think of about this business. it is nowhere near as complicated & unrewarding as you want to make it out to be post after post. "success" is rated at many different levels - it would seem to me & many others reading that you are unsuccessful because apparently you are miserable in this business. i don't know if you are making or are wanting to make like 15-20k a month, which sure is very do-able in car hauling - but most are or would be very happy making 10-15k a month (that's net my friend) with a 5 or 6 car trailer, never driving more than 100 miles either way per delivery/pickup/dropoff, & be home every night (which is about the NORM for owner/op new freight to dealership local car haulers in northern cali). i honestly, truly am saying this with all seriousness...... i believe it went wrong for you somewhere, you don't know the right people &/or don't have the right connections, or have had some of THE WORST luck in your haulin cars endeavor. you've been doing this a few years now - about the same as my friend with the dually & 5 car - and way less than my friend with the 10 car trailer ... & i can tell you with 100% positivity that neither have had anywhere near as many negative experiences as you semingly have, do not look at it in the negative fashion that you do what so ever, & actually suggest it/recommend it to anyone that is serious about getting into it. & i'll repeat that it is way often who you know as opposed to what you think you know in car hauling & seemingly you know a large amount of the wrong people. i will also add - THE WORK IS NOT THAT HARD ONCE YOU LEARN THE BUSINESS - IT REALLY ISN'T REGARDLESS OF WHAT ANY NEGATIVE NANCY WANTS TO SAY - IT LITERALLY IS DRIVING CARS ONTO THE TRAILER & UNLOADING THEM AT THE DEALERS, THEN RETURNING TO THE RAIL YARD(S) FOR YOUR NEXT LOAD - now OTR i have no knowledge of what so ever, nor do i care to as i would never have any need to with all of this rail yard new car work right in my backyard.
..... i'll wait around for your next negative rant lol, all while seeing exactly the opposite on a daily basis from friends in the business, & with my own eyes when i go at least twice a week just to shuttle them to cars (oh - we did 4 loads with the 5 car today in under 10 hrs, 1700 bucks - 400 to me).
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Hold on a second. Is this you doing the work or are you in Mira Loma yard shuttling and shagging cars so your pals can bang out 4 and 5 loads?
Big difference with a one man operation and having your loads shagged and staged. Especially in a large ramp like Mira Loma.

sampsoniteburrito · Mar 17, 2017

SLANT6 said: ↑

Hold on a second. Is this you doing the work or are you in Mira Loma yard shuttling and shagging cars so your pals can bang out 4 and 5 loads?
Big difference with a one man operation and having your loads shagged and staged. Especially in a large ramp like Mira Loma.
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you're about 100 miles or so off, but close !

sampsoniteburrito · Mar 17, 2017

HaulinCars said: ↑

4 trips in 10 hours = 2.5 hours per trip. This includes loading, driving, unloading, driving back. Assuming 30 mins to load and properly secure 5 cars and 20 mins to unload leaves 100 minutes for driving. That's 50 minutes each way. At an average speed of 60mph for the entire drive (which is all but impossible) your trip is 50 or less miles each way, more likely 30 miles or less.

4 loads of 5 cars is 20 units. $1700 ÷ 20=$85 per unit. So your telling me somebody is paying you $85 per unit to move a car less than 50 miles?

At 50 miles that's $1.70 per mile per unit and at 30 miles it is $2.83 per mile per unit! Really?

$1,700x5 days a week x 48 weeks (that means you take 4 full weeks off a year! So your only working 11 months!) And your making $408,000 a year..!

And according to you, these are new units and there are as many of them as you want every day, all year long.

Tell me exactly where this is and who your working for and after I verify it I'll pack and move the next day. It's Thursday now, I can be there by Monday.
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..... as stated it's sometimes who you know as opposed to what you know! you i believe simply know all of the wrong people ... and $1700 was what was made that day (well i don't wanna lie so yea my bad it was $1643) - 1 load to fremont, ca (40 miles) - 1 to livermore (44 miles) - 1 to tracy (66 miles) - & the home load was to lodi, ca. - do whatever math makes you happy (each load obviously pays slightly different) - but yup you're on point as each vehicle varies anywhere between 70-90 per car. there are the OCCASIONAL BUT NOT TOO OFTEN $60-65 cars. ............. but no worries you have it all figured out - i mean you have since the beginning of your posts in this thread, correct? or wait a minute .... maybe it's me that has it all figured out!!!??? i'd love to keep responding to you & really you are probably a decent guy & i have nothing against you, but sorry i've got to focus on getting back to ...... assisting & learning/saving up for dually & trailer for now but nonetheless ...HAULIN CARS !!!

HaulinCars · Mar 17, 2017

So again, I ask, where exactly is this and who do I call to verify your numbers and availability? It's Friday afternoon now. After I verify on Monday I can be there Wednesday. Thursday at the latest.

SLANT6 · Mar 17, 2017

sampsoniteburrito said: ↑

you're about 100 miles or so off, but close !
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I doubt it. There is no other rail ramp 100 miles from Mira Loma. BNSF in San Berdoo, UP in Vegas, or UP up in Benicia. And as I said, if all you are doing is shagging units, banging out 4 or 5 is doable in CA traffic.

SDOT · Mar 22, 2017

Hello guys. I've logged back on today after not coming on since posting this thread. I appreciate all the replys and information here, but I just couldn't keep up with them all and reply to each reply. I was very busy around that time looking for jobs and getting everything in order. After taking some advice from here and other resources and just thinking logically, I decided not to pursue starting my own business as of yet. I would like too in the future, but as of now, I'm going to get into the trucking industry and get my feet wet first, learn what I can, and get some experience for the first few years at least, and go from there. I've applied to several jobs since obtaining my cdl in January, and have landed a job with an LTL company out of East Windsor, Ct. For the first 3 months here, it is starting at roughly 50-55k, then raises after that. It is between 8-12hrs a day depending on the load. Roughly 8-14 deliveries a day, with 4-8 pickups in between, again, all depending on the load each day. It is paid hourly though, so your getting paid for each hour put in. The loads are mostly palletized, and just dropping/picking pallets off/up at a dock, pretty minimal work and not too much of breaking down. I also have an offer to go work for PFG- Performance Food Group in Springfield, Ma. The pay there is minimum of 65k, $250 a day base, and then anything over 10 hrs is $22/hr. Each day is at least 10 hours, and can vary from 10-16 hrs a day. Roughly 10-16 stops a day. This job seems like very tough work, and is basically breaking down and going through the truckload of pallets all day at every stop to locate the correct products for each customer. I don't mind working hard, especially if my pay reflects that, but just not sure which route to go. I would be off weekends at both jobs, and have a newborn at home, so having home time is pretty important to me as well. So now I ask, taking all that into consideration, which would you experienced drivers suggest I do?.. I don't want to leave this current job, to take a job, with yes more pay, but have a much harder job, and be killing myself everyday, and in the end not have it be worth the extra money. Any info would be appreciated, or if anyone has any information on PFG, that would also be helpful. Thank you.

Terry270 · Mar 22, 2017

SDOT said: ↑

Hello guys. I've logged back on today after not coming on since posting this thread. I appreciate all the replys and information here, but I just couldn't keep up with them all and reply to each reply. I was very busy around that time looking for jobs and getting everything in order. After taking some advice from here and other resources and just thinking logically, I decided not to pursue starting my own business as of yet. I would like too in the future, but as of now, I'm going to get into the trucking industry and get my feet wet first, learn what I can, and get some experience for the first few years at least, and go from there. I've applied to several jobs since obtaining my cdl in January, and have landed a job with an LTL company out of East Windsor, Ct. For the first 3 months here, it is starting at roughly 50-55k, then raises after that. It is between 8-12hrs a day depending on the load. Roughly 8-14 deliveries a day, with 4-8 pickups in between, again, all depending on the load each day. It is paid hourly though, so your getting paid for each hour put in. The loads are mostly palletized, and just dropping/picking pallets off/up at a dock, pretty minimal work and not too much of breaking down. I also have an offer to go work for PFG- Performance Food Group in Springfield, Ma. The pay there is minimum of 65k, $250 a day base, and then anything over 10 hrs is $22/hr. Each day is at least 10 hours, and can vary from 10-16 hrs a day. Roughly 10-16 stops a day. This job seems like very tough work, and is basically breaking down and going through the truckload of pallets all day at every stop to locate the correct products for each customer. I don't mind working hard, especially if my pay reflects that, but just not sure which route to go. I would be off weekends at both jobs, and have a newborn at home, so having home time is pretty important to me as well. So now I ask, taking all that into consideration, which would you experienced drivers suggest I do?.. I don't want to leave this current job, to take a job, with yes more pay, but have a much harder job, and be killing myself everyday, and in the end not have it be worth the extra money. Any info would be appreciated, or if anyone has any information on PFG, that would also be helpful. Thank you.
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Congrats man! Definitely a safer bet especially in these times. I don't have first hand experience in ltl or food service so I'll let someone else comment on that

HaulinCars · Mar 22, 2017

SDOT said: ↑

Hello guys. I've logged back on today after not coming on since posting this thread. I appreciate all the replys and information here, but I just couldn't keep up with them all and reply to each reply. I was very busy around that time looking for jobs and getting everything in order. After taking some advice from here and other resources and just thinking logically, I decided not to pursue starting my own business as of yet. I would like too in the future, but as of now, I'm going to get into the trucking industry and get my feet wet first, learn what I can, and get some experience for the first few years at least, and go from there. I've applied to several jobs since obtaining my cdl in January, and have landed a job with an LTL company out of East Windsor, Ct. For the first 3 months here, it is starting at roughly 50-55k, then raises after that. It is between 8-12hrs a day depending on the load. Roughly 8-14 deliveries a day, with 4-8 pickups in between, again, all depending on the load each day. It is paid hourly though, so your getting paid for each hour put in. The loads are mostly palletized, and just dropping/picking pallets off/up at a dock, pretty minimal work and not too much of breaking down. I also have an offer to go work for PFG- Performance Food Group in Springfield, Ma. The pay there is minimum of 65k, $250 a day base, and then anything over 10 hrs is $22/hr. Each day is at least 10 hours, and can vary from 10-16 hrs a day. Roughly 10-16 stops a day. This job seems like very tough work, and is basically breaking down and going through the truckload of pallets all day at every stop to locate the correct products for each customer. I don't mind working hard, especially if my pay reflects that, but just not sure which route to go. I would be off weekends at both jobs, and have a newborn at home, so having home time is pretty important to me as well. So now I ask, taking all that into consideration, which would you experienced drivers suggest I do?.. I don't want to leave this current job, to take a job, with yes more pay, but have a much harder job, and be killing myself everyday, and in the end not have it be worth the extra money. Any info would be appreciated, or if anyone has any information on PFG, that would also be helpful. Thank you.
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A good friend of mine with a lot of CDL years under his belt has had jobs in many segments of both local and OTR.

He was helping me pull some cars (33 of them) earlier this week. Just outside the lot was a sign, "CDL JOBS" and the name and # for a local food hauling company. He saw that sign and laughed saying that was the hardest CDL job he had ever had.

Now normally I would temper that with a certain amount of lazzy factor but I have seen this guy chop wood all day just for something to do, so you can take his comment for whatever you think it might be worth...

In trucking, like most jobs I guess, the more your willing to do the more you (usually) get paid. That said, sometimes the extra $ just isn't worth it.

I guess if your young, willing to hustle/bust your butt to get the extra $ for savings/family for a few years while also getting valuable experience in the industry it might be a good goal oriented deal. For me, in mid 50's with no family to worry about, and enough experience to do what I'm doing/plan to do, maybe not so much..

Just comes down to personal choice. Speaking of choice, you get my vote for having made a good one as far as holding off on going out on your own. 5 years from now you'll look back and and I bet you'll be glad you waited and learned on somebody else's equipment/$ and with minimal risk of running yourself out of business.

Just remember, after 6-8 months and you start to feel comfortable behind the wheel... Familiarity kills. Don't get complacent, stay just a bit "nervous". It will help keep you safe and help prevent stupid incidents (both small and large) which will damage both the equipment and your record...

And when in doubt... G.O.A.L.... EVERYTIME..

Good luck and welcome to the brotherhood...

djbattle · Apr 23, 2017

SDOT said: ↑

What don't you understand?.. I haven't figured all the numbers out clearly.. that's why I'm here asking for information. And when did I say I was going to be home all the time?.. I simply said I don't want to be out for many continuous days, or a week/weeks, that's why I'm trying to figure out if locally would make money. Again, but that's why I'm here.. trying to figure it all out.. what can be done, and what can't. If you don't want to help, so be it. But anything you just told me wasn't helpful.
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In all honesty right now, go to work for united road,they suck, but will train a mexican that cant speak english with a cdl from a crackerjack box,i own my 2nd 10 car hauler .the only way im keeping my head above water is working non stop on the road for 20-25 days a month.it can take five days to book a load.you can only do povs because the new car freight prices are awful.you got to get your money going because if you found a good paying route there .you will have a hard time getting anything worth a crap out.i have to travel greater distances and wait in my lanes for cars to pop up that pay right.i refuse to haul cheap freight .i used to be able to book a good route in 2 hours.dont forget you have to find the cars and maintain equipment,submit billing, taxes, ifta ,irps unified carrier.2 years ago i cleared 10-12k a month working 2 weeks.i can only imagine what the guy with 320,000 truck payments are doing.im hoping for my sake they are close to bankruptcy so my pay goes up.half the drivers i meet now are mexican or russian imigrants .runing there tounge out for 1000 dollars a week before there 1099,but there illegal and dont pay taxes.Id get a dry van,youll make more.car hauling suuuuuuucckks right now. there is a good chance it will get worse before better,but right now would be a good time to learn on someone elses dime

Terry270 · Apr 23, 2017

djbattle said: ↑

In all honesty right now, go to work for united road,they suck, but will train a mexican that cant speak english with a cdl from a crackerjack box,i own my 2nd 10 car hauler .the only way im keeping my head above water is working non stop on the road for 20-25 days a month.it can take five days to book a load.you can only do povs because the new car freight prices are awful.you got to get your money going because if you found a good paying route there .you will have a hard time getting anything worth a crap out.i have to travel greater distances and wait in my lanes for cars to pop up that pay right.i refuse to haul cheap freight .i used to be able to book a good route in 2 hours.dont forget you have to find the cars and maintain equipment,submit billing, taxes, ifta ,irps unified carrier.2 years ago i cleared 10-12k a month working 2 weeks.i can only imagine what the guy with 320,000 truck payments are doing.im hoping for my sake they are close to bankruptcy so my pay goes up.half the drivers i meet now are mexican or russian imigrants .runing there tounge out for 1000 dollars a week before there 1099,but there illegal and dont pay taxes.Id get a dry van,youll make more.car hauling suuuuuuucckks right now. there is a good chance it will get worse before better,but right now would be a good time to learn on someone elses dime
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Why even bother if it's that bad? Surely you can find other ways to make a living and wait this crappy time out?

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