Hey,
Like a couple of posters in this forum, I am looking at a career change. Been doing the corporate thing for the last 17 years as a sales analyst but things are always changing and layoffs are happening to people with more seniority.
I'm 57 and exploring things to do either when I voluntarily retire or am pushed out the door. I am getting tired of staring at the 4 walls and desparately need the scent of fresh air (with a small dose of CO and diesel exhaust, lol) Saw an ad for Horizon RV Transport in a Texas job newspaper. Went to their website, saw the promotional video, etc., etc., and read many of the posts here about that segment of the industry, so I am "up" on the general cpm rate, busy/slow times in the industry, very limited availability of backhauls and such. I've also looked at some of the websites for other transporters as well.
A few questions for anyone working in the RV Transport segment (but welcome to comments from all in the OTR industry).
CDL vs non-CDL: Colorado doesn't require CDLs for RV drivers or non-commercial towables over 26000 lbs. but I am guessing that a CDL will make a difference to companies on whether I'm serious about doing this. Comments?
Equipment: 1-ton PU with 8-foot bed 5th wheel, gooseneck and several ball sizes - I get that. DOT-approved sleepers appear to be a necessity unless I want to pay for a motel. Are sleepers that can be installed on this size of truck comfortable enough to sleep in or do I need to be less than 5'4" tall to make that work well?
Double Loads: I've seen websites for companies that modify truck chassis with platforms, ramps and winches to enable a transporter to haul a trailer on the back of the truck and pull one behind, giving a higher (not double) cpm rate than a single load. Do many O/Os in this segment have that type of equipment and if so, what percentage of their loads are doubles?
Larger equipment: I've seen a couple of websites for companies that modify tractors or straight trucks to do double loads (one company in Calgary that converts Volvos and can't remember any of the others). Does anyone use that size of rig for RV transport? Almost all of the transport companies I've looked at don't ask for (but don't disqualify) rigs bigger than the one-ton pickup.
Honest feedback is always appreciated. Feel free to send a PM if you don't want to answer in the public forum.
Rick in Denver