Is It Worth It? (Dump owner/operator)

Hey folks!

I’m new to the forum and hope I’m posting this in the right thread/section.

Anyway, I’m relatively new to SWFL and have been driving dump trucks for just over three years now. I got my start in NY, and have been working for a good company here in SWFL. Essentially, I’m here for input from you seasoned owner/operators, as I’ve been hearing a million varying opinions as to the perks of being an OO and to the contrary, a million opinions on how terrible of an idea it is, especially in SWFL.

By good fortune and luck I have come into a bit of money and was seriously considering purchasing my own Dump. The series of questions I have are endless, but here are my main concerns.

1) Is there money to be made with one (tri-axle, tandem) and working as a sole proprietor?

2) Would you guys (or girls) advise getting a 30k-50k truck that’s heavily used? Or a lightly used kenworth t880 that’s selling for around 130k. Assuming the latter, I would need to finance the truck.

3) My niche market. Based off the fact I would have one truck operated by myself, which market do most folks in that situation focus on?
I’m probably missing some of the key points I wanted to ask while I was driving earlier but I’m sure it will be expounded upon by you fine people.
Cheers!!

 

Do you have a big pile of dirt with an excavator on top that you need moved? Or another business that is doing really well that you would like to throw money away to knock Uncle Sam Down a few notches?

otherwise no, small bunk tractor with a bucket might or might not work for you, but Atleast you can pull the pin and do something else if you have to

 

How's your Spanish?

 

Lol

 

That’s easy. Ton/mile rate. That’s a truck operators cue to run away fast before you do something you’re going to regret.

 

Haul asphalt…. You need to get in with a very busy/good plant.

good luck

 

Dump trucking is always a tough one to break into, many of these O/O's have had the account for years. It's probably the hardest on equipment, boring as heck, and generally never paid the best, it was the 7-3:30 hours and "can't get lost" that's the cheese. KW is simply the best truck today, and most rock haulers use them, but if you really want to get into trucking, I suggest flatbed, it's all I ever see out here.

 

Great points, thanks. Was weighing the option of Tow Truck/Flatbed as well. Have some experience in that.

 

You know, I was a dump/ reefer/van guy forever and never thought of a flatbed, but as the world continues to deteriorate, boxx pullers( van/reefer) will be a dime a dozen and dump or flatbed takes a bit of common sense. Today, and trucks still catch my eye,,,until I die, all I see is flatbeds, hauling you name it, mostly building stuff, but the only "boxes" I see are company trucks.

 

If your running local dump be sure to line up customers and be a 100% confident they’ll keep you busy before you do anything. Unfortunately straight dumps are only good for one thing and aren’t versatile. With that said it’s a big gamble since you only have one target market.
I’d recommend an end dump so you could switch gears if need be and pull multiple types of trailers this vastly broaden your market audience.
Just my opinion of course