Hot shot trailers

Depends on what you expect to carry. Size your trailer based upon what your truck will handle and what types of loads are going to be available. If you wind up with a large enough rig, do what you have to for the cdl.

I bought a 20' deckover. I've only missed out on 1 load because of bad spec from the broker. Because of where I am, 20' is sufficient to keep me busy. There are, however, a LOT of loads that I'm too small for. If you're in an area where most of the loads are larger, get a larger trailer. You can carry small loads on a big trailer, but not vice-versa.

Features! I have a battery and a receiver for a winch on mine. Handy for dragging stuff around if you need to move it. What I don't have that I really miss are: AIR RIDE! Have missed many good-paying loads because I don't have air ride; Drop-down dovetail. I love having the whole length flat, especially with a 20-footer. If your dovetail lifts up, you can carry longer flat loads and still have the ramp if you need it. Alternative is power tilt, but you're talking some money there; Motorized foot. I get tired of cranking. This will be added to mine before spring is out; Sliding tarp system if you're flush with cash. Really would speed up the tarping process, and let you handle van-type loads as well.

Wood deck is my preference both for non-slip when walking on it and ability to nail or screw pallets and dunnage to it. Have as many storage boxes as you can fit, and a rack underneath for carrying dunnage would be a plus.

Try to get the trailer with US-made tires. I have and friends also have had many problems with the cheap Chinese tires.

 

I will haul whatever pays, I have a good ram 3500 and am getting ready to purchase a new trailer. probably a 32-34' gooseneck with fold flat ramps. I do have a 18' 7k car hauler that I think would give me an economy option when a small/light load is on the books. I have made contact with a dispatcher in fl that says he can keep me busy ( I have a friend who hauls for him to confirm) but was thinking about getting my own loads off the boards.

 

Light bug, I would PM you but don't have the required 7 posts to do so yet. Would you be interested in letting me buy you lunch to pick your brain? I need to fine tune my business model and would like a local veterans advice.

 

How long until you are ready to roll? You are close, I can help you out. Sometimes cover loads for other people ( most time when break down is involved, sometimes broker can not find anyone because they are out of area)

 

4-6 weeks. waiting on my ins. agent to get my quote together then pull trigger on authority/MC# and order trailer once I have decided on the size/specs. I go back and forth on that one a lot... If your around I would like to pick your brain over lunch, I want to make sure that I have all the facts so that the roads are my only navigation hurdles.

 

There are some guys on here that run a big truck. Read their post about how they negotiate rates with brokers (very informative) also read the Broker Forum.

 

Early March we will get together.

 

Lite Bug, when I apply for my IRP plates how long will it take to get & do they give me my IFTA sticker the sameday?

 

Sorry Firstdeville I run under 26K and don't know.