Truck Movers

Hey slopok could i get you to pm me so i can pick your brain?

 

Love reading about all of the ###### being shoveled.

 

Is it more cost effective or would you have better options if you have a small tow vehicle w a tow bar?

 

Dennixx, I spoke to a recruiter yesterday who recommended exactly that. Moving solo trucks, you pull your vehicle to your delivery spot, then drive your car to the next job. Here's his advice:


Website to verify if car is towable
Store : Remco

This is contact information for Elkhart Hitch Shop. Cost is $600 plus shipping. The web site shows most of their specialty equipment in regards to the driveaway industry.

Elkhart Hitch Shop
Elkhart Hitch
3502 Cooper Dr.
Elkhart, IN 46514
574-266-0475
Contact - Val



u-bolt style, this hitch is rated for 6000 lb. and the cost is about $600
Tier 1 Fabrication, LLC

14373 Wheatley Rd
Mayview, MO
Contact: Kris White
Cell: 816-716-5366








Hitch installation video, start at 17 min. 50 sec.



Tow bar and base plate options

Roadmaster

Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories

Roadmaster Inc. | Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories



Blue Ox

Tow Bars | Blue Ox | Blue Ox

Find a Baseplate | Blue Ox | Blue Ox






Lighting options


1) Magnetic tow lights - Northern tool, WalMart, Lowes, Home Depot, Harbor Freight, cost $10 to $50


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2) BX8869 Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit from Blue Ox, cost under $40 if purchased through TruckMovers

Product Description:

Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit
Does not tap into vehicle existing wiring, simple to install, fits most vehicles with clearance in taillight housing, operated by the towing vehicle.
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3) BX8848 Tail Light Wiring Kit, Diode, cost under $60 if purchased through TruckMovers

Product Description:

Connects towed vehicle light system to the RV’s wiring. Includes diodes to prevent electrical feedback.

 

I'm researching the "decking" position. I've been talking with a recruiter, and his backup for about a week. This info is to the best of my recollection from over the last week.

First, you need at least 18 months verifiable experience to qualify for the job.

Once qualified, and you've given your urine sample and passed, you get yourself to whichever terminal you need to get to. They have you go out with a mentor for a couple of weeks to learn how to put the axles on. The routine is, you get yourself to the terminal. You deliver the decked trucks. You put the axles on. I found out today there is a list of tools to have. (below). Once you're done, they fly you to your next terminal. You're out for at least two weeks. After you make two weeks, or whatever, worth of deliveries, they fly you home. The only travel you worry about is getting to the terminal. Frequent flier miles seem to be a given.

You need to have the doubles/triples endorsement on your CDL.
You have to be bonded, you pay a total $1500 from a small amount they deduct weekly, and insurance (about $25/week). You pay for the fuel. You make something like $1.20/mile decking. The amount goes up if you haul more than one truck. From the sounds of it, you earn it putting the trucks back together.

I found out about the job from one of their drivers who I bumped into at the KW dealer in Charlotte. He said he has made about 35k in six months. He said they use EFS cards that are also Master Cards. You can be paid direct deposit on Friday or the next day if your pay goes to your EFS card.

For each trip you're advanced 57% to pay for your fuel; the balance you get either the next day or Friday. You get the FSC, or an FSC. I don't remember much more discussion on that. Recruiter said they get about a f50 cents/gallon discount on fuel.

You can have a passenger; cost is $30/month

Um, for the solo guys, some tow their car or have a chase car. They just pickup and deliver. The deck guys have the axle fun, from what I understand.

Tools needed
1/2" impact wrench – cordless is best
1/2" drive ratchet handle (at least 12” in length)
3 – 4 lb. hammer
1 ½” knock-off wrench
9' straps with pads
Tin snips
Open end wrenches
1 1/16" open end wrench (brake lines)
7/8" open end wrench (brake lines)
3/4” (or gear wrench) – caging bolts
5/8” - differential shipping bolt
8-10” adjustable wrench
All sockets need to be deep well
impact sockets: 1/2" drive
1 1/2" or 38mm (J-bolts)
1 1/4" 33mm (u-bolts)
1 1/8" (axles)
15/16" (axles)
3/4” - hardware for temp mud flaps
5/8 or 15mm (stacks)
Regular sockets
3/8” and 1/2” (drive shaft)
12 mm x 12pt. (drive shaft)
13 mm x 12pt. (drive shaft)
Miscellaneous
knock-off wrench - pick up at terminal
Straps (slings) - pick up at terminal
Electrical kit to repair 12 to 16 gauge wiring on light bars
contractors bag with rollers (easier for flying)

 

If you're carrying all those tools on the airplane every time after you deliver how much extra do they charge you for the weight?

 

I do like the idea of closing out my trucking career w driveaway co.
I've heard it's hard to actually earn enough of a living to make it a long term option.
I know it's all about the drop locations too.
Maybe do a tow job and then do a couple fly and drives then get back to your 4 wheeler to go home or to next towaway.
Just sold my 08 civic w manual trans which would have been a perfect tow vehicle
Thanks for the info

 

I don't understand why they can't pay those guys adequate enough to where they can make a descent living and not have to live like a hobo. Have the towaway company earn all the frequent flyer miles and fly all the drivers back to their next pickup.

The RV moving industry is the same way. Pay juuuusssst enough to keep it interesting if you're retired and don't rely on the job to support a family. Considering the cost of these units, a $300 plane ticket, and a decent outbound wage is not going to make a significant different in delivery costs.

 

I left ATT nearly 4 years ago - couldn't get away fast enough. Strangely, they are considered the best new truck driveaway company to work for but their lengthy thread here in 'Best Trucking Companies is buried several pages back and for good reason. Very good medical plan that I never used and wasn't there long enough to be vested in their very good union pension plan. Out of 8 people in my class only one is left - he's a perfect fit because he has nothing and has never had anything. He has remarried several times, probably because of...I had better not say here but he was a 'prime candidate' for the job LOL!!! A small number of independent contractors make good money at it but most don't. The shills are easy to spot - go the other way as fast as you can.

 

This is not totally accurate. I worked there 3 months as decking and undecking. They are already decked yes. And you can just do hub runs with them. If you drop at 1 or more than 1 location, a lot of times you are paying for the wrecker out of your pocket and truck movers pays you back. Not supposed to eat, drink, sleep, or smoke in trucks. But i did all that anyway when i worked there lmao