Can I Haul My Own Freight When Empty ...?

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but so far I didn't find that particular section. My question is this: Say for instance I have a trailer and I know that I am driving 350 miles before I get loaded. If I could secure a 4-wheeler atv, a piece of furniture, a riding lawnmower, a pair of Harley's, etc.etc.etc. ... could I legally do so? I'm speaking in terms of driving for a company of course. This may sound outlandish to some of you experienced drivers, but I'm just curious here. If the items mentioned above could be picked up and dropped off at interstate exits that are already on my route, could I legally do this? Thanks!

 

No. Somebody has to be responsible for the cargo in the event of an accident. The company is going to have a problem finding there is a claim against them (the carrier) when they weren't even generating any revenue. Plus, there are a number of other legal issues involved in this that say "no".

You could in theory be held liable in the event of an accident where you were hauling freight that the carrier was unaware of (did not authorize). You going to pay the carrier $2.50 mile for the use of their fuel, equipment, and driver so you could make a few dollars on the side?

 

If any of you tie this post to another of mine, you will see that I mentioned something about Uship. I had very good success at bidding and driving other people's cars and trucks in the past using that site. And the site is not just limited to cars and trucks, but an assortment of different categories, even a couple that deal with tractor trailers. I.E: LTL, FTL, Heavy Equipment. I know that some people prefer hiring someone that has their own insurance, but in every case where I physically drove other people's vehicles, I specifically stated that I didn't provide insurance and that they, -the shipper-, would have to be okay with that. And as always, because they liked my price, I would win the shipment and drive a vehicle from point A to point B. During the times I did this in the past, I used to always think that if I had a truck driving job, I could possibly squeeze in a few shipments of my own to make a little extra money. Of course, if the item(s) in question where picked up and delivered in between loads where I am empty and itineraries that are within my route(s). Can't help but think now about ... pets. There are many shipments on that site under the category "pets" that could simply ride up front with you in the cab.

This is just a thought, I'm not saying I would do this, but if it were possible I would consider it later down the road after getting some OTR experience.

Thanks & Cheers!

 

If you figure a way to do this legally and won't get fired by the company for it let me know. There will be 7000 gallons of beer coming to my house

Just kidding obviously but you could imagine right?!

 

No you cant

 

God forbid jerry moyes and the boys upstairs would lose their billions! Yep pay those new drivers that .25 a mile baby

 

And your next job will be at McDonalds.

 

Well no...cause then you wouldn't be empty.

 

No way you can't I own my truck (pay the insurance) I use there trailer but have my own 53' van and still can't haul anything not though them in my trailer While running under their authority.

 

I have done it once. My aunt was moving to Milwaukee from Cleveland and i asked my boss if i can haul her furniture and he said no problem. Found me a load of mattresses going to Madison and was only 2/3 of a trailer and her stuff was about 1/3. He never even charged me for fuel driving out of route i just had to pay for tolls going up on I94. That's one good thing about driving for small family owned trucking company.
So to answer your question, yes but it all depends who you drive for