how to become a carhauler

If you live in the south. You have two years OTR. A very clean MVR and can pass a background check. You need apply with USAL. US Auto Logistics.

 

And if live in the east?

 

How about fresh out of school and in the Los Angeles area? I was wondering if driving a cement truck for about a year would qualify as experience?Although I do believe that is a class B job so Im not sure if it would be considered "tractor-trailer". Looking at Professional Auto Transport out here but It seems they might want some experience. Also, are auto transports just day cab work or regional runs? Just trying to ask questions...Got lots of those lol. Anyway thanks folks.

 

Can be day runs or sleeper. The companies that move new vehicles from the plant or marshaling yard, (where the vehicles are unloaded from the train) usually run daycabs as they run within a limited area, some running 2 or 3 loads a day. The sleeper trucks usually run longer distances loading from auctions or private parties shipping cars longer distances. Usually if all the units on a load are the same model or make, and don't have license plates, they are new going to a dealer. Professional Auto Transport has both daycabs and sleepers based in LA. They also have smaller trucks running local. After driving, the skills you need are loading and delivering without damaging anything. You also need to know how to inspect the vehicle before loading and document any scratches, etc. Travel out to the auction in Riverside or Fontana or Mira Loma and watch the drivers loading. Ask questions, most drivers will share basic information on the business. Manheim is the auction in Riverside and Fontana and Mira Loma is an Adesa auction.

 

At your age I don't care how good of shape your in, it is not good enough to start at the bottom and learn how to haul cars. It is one of the toughest jobs on the body that there is. I hauled cars for the last 25 years before I started drawing my Teamster pension and I was only 54 when I bailed out. At 67 I think you experiencing wish thinking. JMO

 

Thank you.

 

With no experience , after getting equipment and my numbers , what would be the next step ? Only trying to run local or not to far from Houston ? Tried getting on with different big companies going OTR but they all want 6months + experience , am I trying to do the impossible or is this possible... I'm only 22 I have a lot of hustle in me once in the door

 

???

 

The next step would be getting work, with no expietence you may have to run off the broker boards such as cars arrive, central dispatch, ready, etc. You will also need to find some direct customers, had but not impossible to do. Age isn't really a factor, just inexperience, I was 18 when I bought my first tow truck, failed miserably but learned a lot. By 26 I had 9 trucks and 14 employees at 2 locations doing a mix of auction transport, light and heavy towing, and truck repair. It can be done, harder today with insurance and such, but if you are clean cut, respctful, and ambitious you can make it work.

Word of advice, try getting an insurance quote first, the cost may change your mind, new car haul business will run you about $15,000 or more for your first year at your age and experience level.

 

Great advice! What you did is basically what I'm trying to do.. I also was told to go to the rail yard and start there , but with no experience will they let me run for them ?