New to Car Hauling

Hello guys just wondering if there are any current Hansen and Adkins drivers on here ? I have 22 yrs driving experience and thinking about trying car hauling. I'm from SC about 75 mi from Columbia where H&A have a terminal . Thanks in advance for your help.

 

I have been an owner operator with them for about a year and a half. I hope to stay with Hansen&Adkins until I am too old to work, many years from now. I have never had a shortage of freight and my income is up to me, within reason. My experiences with them have been very good. Most of the company drivers I talk to like it as well. Call the terminal and ask them all the questions that should be important to you and see if you think it would be a good fit for you. They should tell you income potential for that terminal and how often you can be home. Carhauling isn't for everyone and it will most definitely suck at first. If you stay long enough it will be the hardest job you probably have ever had that you actually really do like. They are also very good people to work with and that is very important in my book.

 

Thanks Banker. I'm looking at the company side right now. And as far as hard work I've thrown chains and tarps in the dead of winter, but believe me I have the utmost respect for what you do. Also I'm with you on the age thing just wanted to try it before I get too old. I will definately give them a call. And if you don't mind I may be bending you ear with all types of carhaul questions lol

 

Not a problem. Many people can handle it but some people don't want to work this hard. It does get easier the longer you do it.

 

I'm 24 years old and have decided to jump into the business. (no experience at all) I just took this decision since I would like to work for myself and not for a company. I have my CDL learner's permit and i'm schedule for the driving on June 28. Last week I bought my F-350 and I'm expecting to receive my two car hauler trailer on/or before June 23. My parents had advised to to get experience first but I just didn't listen. Right now, I received a call from an owner/operator that one of my friends knows. He has offered me to train me for 6 months. I would be working for him and pay me cash while I get my CDL. After I receive my CDL he would be paying me with a check.
My question is, well my parents lol
How would I protect myself against bad people that will put drugs in the vehicle you're driving?

 

24 y/o, CDL LEARNERS PERMIT, zero experience of any kind in trucking, ignoring the very good advise of your parents to go to work for a company and get some experience and "how do I protect myself from people putting drugs in the car" is your question?

*Do you have proper commercial insurance? If not a simple accident can ruin your life for years to come.

*DOT numbers?

*Registered business name (or Corporation or LLC) with the state?

*Fuel money for 3-6 months? (Or longer..)

*Repair money? That used F350 better be in super mechanical condition because it is going to be working hard and working all the time. It's going to go through a lot of very expensive parts.

*Rent and food money for the first 3-6 months (or longer) while your trying to get a new business started?

*Business (not personal) bank account? You do know it is illegall to commingle (mix) business and personal funds right?

* Do you know how to repack and replace wheel bearings on a trailer?

*Don't forget to have the truck and trailer officially DOT inspected before you start working, (and annually) you do know that's mandatory in all 50 states right?

** Did you at least read this entire thread before you decided to risk thousands of dollars by jumping head first into a difficult business which you know nothing about? If so.... Well I guess all I can say is good luck. You might be in the group of 5% or so that starts from your position and is still in business after a year...

 

HaulinCars is right, after I read this thread I did decide to apply by the end of this year (still o/o on a semi) and go from there. My goal is to be o/o for a big car carrier company.
Good luck though!!

 

Drugs in the cars are the least of your worries! I can't beat you up too bad because I just had to have a 379 Pete at 24. I knew how to drive it so why shouldn't I be able to make money with it? I didn't make much money but I learned a bunch from it. It took me 20 something more years in trucking to buy my current Pete. I thought I knew enough by working for others to make money this time and so far I was right. If I were you I would get the 6 months of training, sell the pickup and work your way up to a $100,000 a year company job hauling cars. Then later when you know how to be a good car hauler, money manager and mechanic, buy you a rig if you still want one.
Rule #1 in life from this point forward, listen to what Mom says.

 

Thanks a lot for the encouragement!
I guess I will leave truck to dad and go on and hunt experience.

 

You can do more with the 379 Pete than an F-350 any day of the week. At least it's a legit piece of equipment.