So you want to hot-shot? (Will be updated/edited frequently)

When your piecing a load like this together. How far out of route for pickups and drops did you go for that single piece? I know as a company driver, they never ran us over 50 miles out of route to pick up stuff. And tried to keep it in that on drops. Had loads that may have 7 or 8 drops. But the pay was unreal. And worth it even in a semi and van.
Hauled one load years ago. 24 barrels that only weighted 100 lbs each. Pay for that full trailer load was $5.99 per mile for 585 miles back in 1986. 2400 lbs of Gun powder for the military. No placards allowed and we hauled those loads 1 or 2 times per month for 7 months. I know there's good loads out there. But finding that link to them can be tough.
But always wondered how far you can go to pick up a extra piece to fill out a trip. Also what is your normal gross weight you shoot for on these? My truck is on the heavy side, and if I get started in the hot shot hauling. Know I will be 4000 lb or more less the pickup guys empty weight off the bat.
Pete

 

Generally I'm picking up stuff as close as possible but the price a piece is paying is going to dictate how far I'll go to pick it up.

I generally limit our load weight to 15,000 lbs. is there time we will go a little over that? Yes but only if we feel it's safe, and it's legal for us to do so.

 

Nice list of things put together here guys, thanks.

I have a few questions that I didn't see.
1. Do I need to have a DOT inspection on my truck?
2. Do I need to have DOT inspection on my trailer?
I have been told yes and no to both. I have no idea what to believe.
3. Can I sleep in the backseat as long as I don't log it as "sleeper birth" time?

I will post a few other questions later.

 

Yes, you need an annual trialer inspection.

Yes, you can sleep in your truck just log it as off duty.

 

You need DOT inspections on both, your truck and trailer.

 

1st thank you flatbed carrier for all the good info. I wished I lived a little closer and could pay you for all this good info even if it was just a good steak dinner. I currently have a semi truck tractor ( older in good shape) and would like to get into what you are doing. Is it wise to start with what you have or wait until I can make a change in power unit?

 

Advice is always free. You're welcome, glad I can help.

It really just depends on the operating cost with the equipment you currently have.

What I mean by that is? With the current freight rates that are available to you, is there enough left over for you to live comfortably on after all op cost has been deducted?

 

I currently do power only but to go your route I would either drop an axle,get a different power unit altogether . I just got onto your forum and for now I will just keep doing research and asking questions. Thnx again for return.

 

I would look at the buy-in cost, and at the ongoing operating cost as FBC said. What will it cost you to modify your truck and buy a trailer vs. what will it cost to buy a different power unit and trailer. Plus, can you sell the existing tractor.

Then look at the cost of operating the two setups. Even if it is somewhat less expensive to keep the current and modify it, a more efficient rig could make up the difference pretty quickly.