Movin' on Up! --- Adding a Class 8 Tractor...

The only difference between hotshot freight less than 12K and class8 freight 48K is there is more class 8 loads out there. Both pay about the same. Cost more to run an class 8 truck. Until rates increase nothing will change.
If you've have been operating your hotshot over 3 years and still have a home and meal when you want it
you won't do that much better with a class 8 truck. Most hotshotters are gone in 18 months or less.

 

The fact If those same failed hotshotters you mentioned that failed within 18 months, if had purchased semi trucks they probably wouldn't of even lasted that long. Doesn't matter what type of trucking you're in, if you don't have what it takes, or lack experience you just aren't going to make it without some type of help.

I keep hearing how guys are buying semi trucks and can't find loads paying more than $1.60 per mile. Many are running for $1.30/$1.40 per mile. At those rates what's their profit margin, maybe 10 cents per mile, if they're lucky? This type info can easily be found on trucking forums, and in Facebook groups. I keep track of just about all aspects of trucking.

The average hotshotter has a op cost in the $0.65 to $0.85 per mile range. And I don't know about everyone else but the "average" rpm on the hotshot loads we're moving right now are in the $1.80 to $2.00 per mile range. It's not hard to figure out who's bringing home more profit between the two.

 

Thanks for the heads up on the Maxxforce engine fiasco! We'll steer clear of those. Since we more mountains than plains, I'll keep a look out for a good 13 speed (the wife would like an automatic).

Our plan is to stick to the smooth pavement of the interstate, so we'll just avoid the farm rigs.

Thanks. We'll look for 2008 and newer, non-International, 13 speed, that's not been a farm truck. Great start, and I appreciate the input.

Casey

 

That would be great information to have, to make a better informed decision. Could you perhaps refer me to some of those forums and Facebook groups? The spot market rate flatbed loads in our area are currently at the $2 range. We'd focus on the expedited full loads, team drivers stuff, that goes for $3+ per mile.

Our op cost is $0.78 mile, and we're experiencing the same as you with loads currently moving in the $1.80 to $2 range.

Casey

 

I would shy away from paccar mx motors also. OIl field trucks are the same as farm trucks, tend to be beat up. But, if the price right, a little suspension rejuvenation isnt too pricey. Do you due diligence and research prices, most dealers are high on crack when it comes to the first price they quote you. If you are looking used, check out auctions near you, amazing deals are to be had.

If you want an automatic. Volvo i shift, Mack M Drive, and Eaton Ultra Shift Plus transmissions are the best in my opinion. I have driven them all, and they all "act" very similar.

 

This sounds familiar there was a guy named gary, he'd sell the pipe dream to lemmings who knew no better about the BIG money they'd make, hauling cheap ltl freight.
I seen a couple of them loads looked like Sanford and Son rolling down the road.
Gary was the only one making money dispatching these noobs they would be gone weeks at a time
running here and there picking up this cheap crap and dropping it. Time all was said and done
most made less than a dollar a mile for all the miles they ran.
While gary was making an average of a 1000 per driver working load boards for them.
This is fact no one like the truth invest 60-70 in a new hotshot setup and see how much money you make for real.
I started nine years ago with realistic expectations after I found out quickly most people in this business are liars and the truth isn't in them.

 

Yeah here's a Facebook group you can see those types of posts. Rate Per Mile Masters.

 

I dont agree on everything that @flatbedcarrier does, or how he runs his business. But the guy has been around a long time and has alot of experience and knowledge. Like that saying goes. Eat the fish and spit out the bones.

 

hahaha, Sanford and Son Loads. Thanks for the laugh.

I am Gary, never hid that on here. I'm not going to be a part of turning LiLRIG's thread into a argument. So this will be my last post in this thread. LILRIG, if you have any questions for me you're welcome to send me a message. Anyone that wants to, can look at any post that I've made on this forum and see that I've always offered good advice, and been as helpful as possible.

LILRIG, If you decide to make the switch from little truck to big truck, I truly wish you the best of luck. Just make sure you do plenty of homework beforehand. If you have a load board account look and see exactly what's being offered on them. Not much.

There's lots of articles out there right now about big companies downsizing, and getting ready to lay off hundreds if not thousands of employees. Even Cummins, and Peterbilt Just came out reporting losses and saying they'll be laying off thousands of people. The industry could be coming upon very lean times. Increasing your op costs right now could be a very big mistake. I'd recommend waiting until around March/April to see exactly how the industry is doing before buying a semi truck.

 

Thanks for the referral to the Facebook group. Trying to guesstimate typical maintenance expenses for a big truck is really the kicker. I know what the small ones take! We've been keeping an eye on auctions and local for sale by owner deals, more rigs seem to be hitting the market the closer we get to the end of the year. I'm guessing that's more related to accounting write-off... Anyway, I appreciate the advise and referral. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!