Newbie wanting to Haul Grain

Don't waste your time. Nothing more need be said. My advice to you.

 

That is the tightest good old boy network in the industry. Only way in is to marry someones daughter, but, remember most of those boys have back hoes too.

 

That's interesting. I was curious about grain.

 

We do it and do OK. We haul from the farm to the elevator. Work directly for the farmer.

 

ADM has fertilizer loads to haul out of the twin cities. They post a phone number at the elevator to call to book them. Rates are horrible. Last year they had signs up saying they raised the rates. They were still not good.

 

Its all who you know. Before you made the leap I would advise taking a box of doughnuts to some local elevators and then speaking with them about the work they could provide and what you need to be able to do it. Then talk to your current boss and any other farmers you may know, or don't know yet, and go from there. Most of all when you talk to these people you need to be honest with them and tell them you haven't made the leap yet and don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions, granted not overstaying your welcome. And just keep your ear out for anyone else doing it in your area, and again, take them a box of doughnuts and ask them how they make it work. You would be surprised the amount of successful people who would love to tell you how they've done it.

 

Step One, don't invest in equipment without set work. (Either customers or company)
Step Two, Have a plan B.
Step Three, don't buy a truck

 

I have been trying to do the same thing we have our own trucks for our personal use already and was just wanting to haul out of a few locals to the river. Getting onto them is the trick. All about who you know. I plan on having business lined up to at least break even before I put regular plates and for hire insurance on the truck for sure though.

 

You will need DOT numbers for hauling "for hire" along with insurance etc, easier to lease to an established carrier to get your feet wet and learn more about the business. Where are you located? Just hauling grain to the river is a good way to start, but you should try to get loads back the other direction, too. Moving feed ingredients go all directions, many shippers want to know what product you hauled previously and some require washouts before loading. If not crossing state lines, hauling grain only may be exempt and not need authority. One of the biggest issues will be cash flow as many shippers want 30 days to pay. Good luck on your endeavors.