Rv transport

I have read this entire thread and it has been very informative. I'm new here since this is such a good thread i thought it best to just ask my question in here.

Im an out of work homebuilder in this economy. And live right near all of the RV companies in Northern Indiana, so thats why i am considering doing some RV transport.

There are some benefits for me to get involved RV transport at this time.

1. I have no work and see no construction coming in the near future, I think RV transport can help me get thru this rough economy. Im not gonna retire off of doing it, but if i can make 40k a year ish it will help a ton.

2. As a general contractor, new home builder, I dont have to be at the job everyday, therefore I can continue to do transports and build homes when the opportunity arises, as long as i can be home 3 days a week?

3. I have to have a truck for construction, so i would just be upgrading to a 1 ton rather then my current 1/2 ton.

4. I have extensive mechanical abilities, owned my own shop for 10 years. I can do much of the maintenance myself.


One of the major issues I see from many of the folks that have posted about this subject is deadheading back home. How possible is it to find freight to bring back by using the different load boards.

Any thoughts from you guys would be great.

 

I would absolutely NEVER count on ever finding a load home and base your business plan on that. If it did happen it would be a bonus but it would be highly dountful.

 

I plan my runs for the advance to pay the entire way out and back. It leaves the entire 50% as profit.

I know some plan to use the other boards and such and do agree to pay the 20% to the company for the insurance costs and such.

It is up to each person. However, it is best to plan any backhaul as a gravy run.

Some companies like Quality and Horizon do have many backhauls. They problem with these loads is that they pay considerably less than the out bound freight.

 

I know a few drivers that do this, but I have always wondered why they haven't changed from a standard pickup bed to a more utilitarian flatbed that could do a 5th wheel or a gooseneck, but still be able to haul a small LTL piece of flatbed type freight instead of deadheading. Any thoughts?

 

Mainly because you have to watch on the fifth wheels when turning. A flatbed has corner which can dig into the fifth wheel where the pickup bed is curved.

In addition, you have to carry many things in the bed to achieve the load where they would be open to view and problems on the flatbed.

It is something many have tried and found not to be as easy to work with.

 

You guys ever heard of Lake Country Transport? I've been thinking of trying my hand at this stuff, not that anyone would give me a chance with an old 91 Ford.

 

I may have. I might have one of their cards or a friend does. In Missouri, I think.

91 ford is before the powerstroke and air to air.

Not a real good idea.

What state are you in?

There are some in some other states like OK, OR, CA, ID

 

That's exactly right!!! It just something to do.

 

Missouri. The truck was bought by an old man who wanted to tow his show car around the country. Heavy half ton with full tow package, 302cid gas engine, 5 speed manual transmission, dual fuel tanks for about 370 mile range empty. Has bumper hitches, receiver hitch, gooseneck in the bed. Electric brake controller with plugs in the bed and on the bumper.

I know it's not the ideal setup for running long term but I dunno if it's enough to get a foot into the business. Run a few loads with it and put a down payment on a newer vehicle.

 

I would wait until at least February.

It is somewhat slow now.

I know some use gassers. It could get you in the door.

The age of the truck is a big problem. Most want 5 or newer.