Roll-Off Truck Business?

Discussion in 'Waste Removal and Garbage Truck Driver Forum' started by six6nine9wpk, Jan 16, 2018.

  1. six6nine9wpk

    six6nine9wpk Bobtail Member

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    Jan 16, 2018
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    Im new to the board and would like to introduce myself by saying hello to everyone. I searched the forums and was unable to find anything that answered my questions, hopefully you guys can give me some insight. I live in the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia) there is a lot of new construction in this area and the roll-off haul business seems like a business that would thrive. Im looking to capitalize on small contractors and DIY'er's. So Im looking for a setup for 5yd to 12yd setup. I have a lot of questions to ask; thank you in advance.

    1) Trailer vs Roll-Off Truck- I don't know what setup would be the best for a 5yd to 12yd setup. DC has tight alleys and one way streets. What are some truck options for both type of setups.

    2) Where is the best place to purchase a truck and container?

    3) What other license, fees, insurance, and general overhead should I expect in the roll-off business?

    Thank You
     
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  3. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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  4. Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I may be wrong but having worked for Waste Management for 11 years running roll-off, I think this is where you may have to recalculate. I'd say 99.9% of the customers are going to require you to drop the container & come back another day or days & pick it up for service. One container aint gonna work in my experience. You're going to need several containers based on the number of customers you expect to have. At a few thousand dollars each, multiplied by how many customers you expect to service in 3 - 5 days, is gonna get expensive. Even at $5000 each, 10 will be $50,000.
    I'm just sayin'...

    To answer another question, I'd say a truck.... no trailer working in a major city. The down fall to truck only is, you cant haul as much weight. If you go with just the truck, try to buy a truck with a tag axle with full size tires.
     
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  5. OldRed98

    OldRed98 Light Load Member

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    I've have a business that we use about 15 rolls offs per year for residential construction. 99% of the time I get a 30 yard. Sometimes I get a 20 yard or a 40 yard. I pay $325 here in Colorado for a 30 yard for 3 weeks.

    My opinion would be to get a truck that can haul many different size containers. It will cost more in the long run but you will be able to scale your business (providing 5 - 30 yard dumpsters). I could be wrong unless 5 - 12 yard dumpsters are popular in your area. As a business that remodels 15+ houses per year, I never get anything less than a 20 yard.

    You could look at Richie Brothers Auctions for a truck and containers. I've bought a lot from them... Be careful though... Their prices are good but I've ended up with a lot of equipment that needed more work than it was worth.
     
  6. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Roll off truck with a 2 axle trailer behind it, Tight spots no problem, still able to carry 2 40 yard bins,.
     
  7. sandboxpirate

    sandboxpirate Bobtail Member

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    May 27, 2018
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    I run a small roll off business in NC. We use a dodge dually and a 3/4 ton duramax. We have 12 yd. and 20 yd. containers. We bought a trailer from Nedland Industries in Wisconsin. It is rated at to carry 8 tons and is a fully self contained unit, very heavy duty with standard width rails and reeving cylinder (no winch to burn up). To turn containers and get cash flow you need at least 10 containers, expect to spend at least $3500 each container to buy and a good trailer is $16k. If you buy a small truck you are looking $30k used in decent shape. You probably won't do enough business to solely support from the get go...my father in law farms and I work an 8-5, we sling containers in between all that, weekends, holidays etc. Its like anything else, you won't get rich quick, you have to establish a customer base and provide good service. You also have to do your pricing homework, its a competitive business. There is money to be had for sure but you have to get in it with the long range plan in mind.
     
  8. Fredy

    Fredy Light Load Member

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    Hey so did you start your business?
     
  9. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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    Well holy ####! You still runnin yours? Hows been? Aint seen you round since your auto tarp took a little friendly fire....
     
  10. Fredy

    Fredy Light Load Member

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    Haha well hello street beater! Yup business is going strong, many positive reviews now just looking for a part time driver to help out. I see your still here giving out great advice to us newbies
     
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  11. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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    Dude that is awesome! You fought like hell to get it moving. Glad to hear its a going concern. Out of curiosity (and ego.....) was i at least helpful? ;)
     
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