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

If you shop around you can buy a brand new Ram 4500, or 5500 for as little as $42k. One of our guys just did. And the trailers we use cost $8,600.00 brand new. A lot of guys are even using 3500's to do this type of work. We run a mix of 3500/4500/5500 here at my company but nothing bigger than a 5500. I've owned semi trucks for a lot of years and while fuel mileage on semi trucks are starting to come up a little its still a far cry from 10 to 12 mpg our guys are seeing. Of course to see this kinda fuel mileage these trucks and trailers need to be spec'd out correctly, and you have to set a reasonable max load weight limit. And to spend the same amount of money ($42k) buying a bigger truck, you're going to get a older, worn out tractor that doesn't get the better fuel mileage.

And if you buy a 2 axle semi, or Mid size like a M2, 330 Peterbilt, etc, and register it at 60k you won't be saving anything compared to 18 wheelers out there.

What truck is going to work best for you really depends on what you plan on hauling with it. If you're going to be hauling heavier loads than we do, absolutely go with a larger truck.

Myselff, I've been trucking for 33 years now. I switched out to these smaller trucks approx 13 years ago. I have zerointerest in ever switching back.

 

That's the "real world" info I was looking for. Thank you.
Right now I'm not real sure I even want to take the chance. I'll make $55k+ this year and should crack $60k next year without worrying about breakdowns, fuel costs, insurance, etc., etc.
Plus I'm home everyday. But, who knows where the future will go?
I talked to a 5car hauler with a 5500 who offered me a job at pretty good pay. He is putting a 7 car hauler on the road and wants someone to take over the smaller truck. It's awful tempting.

 

hot shot all about volume.. gotta do ALOT of it for it to pay cuz the weight limits..

 

Flatbedcarrier, I saw your comment regarding the trailers your guys use. I hope with your experience you can steer me to the right trailer. I need a 2 car hauler only, 12k max load, very tight turns in the mountains of Colorado but mostly flats. 2 10k single axles, a triple axle or tandem duals? what do you think?Thank you very much for any advice, Travis.

 

Will a 3/4 ton Ford F250 4x4 work for hotshot loads?

 

If all you plan on hauling is light weight freight. You really need to know what you types of loads, weight etc before you can make that decision.

 

I've heard some who does this for a living (LTL/hot shot) say that he is more likely to run out of weight capacity first than run out of room. I'm in New England and as a starter I have no way to properly gauge a trailer length.

The assumption appears to be the frequency of loads or multiple loads that require such length (40'). Is that correct?
My interest is in a BigTex 22GN @ 30'- 33'. It's lighter than what PJ, and Loadtrail has to offer at that length which means more payload.

Plus you have the empty trailer weight and its effect on mileage and your truck: 6300# for a 30' vs. 7200# and 7500# for a 36' and 40' respectively. I am cutting myself shot with 30-33'?

 

Myself, I wouldn't buy a trailer with less than 40' of deck space for hauling freight OTR. I wouldn't suggest that anyone buy a single rear truck for hauling freight OTR either.

 

You only plan on hauling vehicles? And on;y 2 of them at a time? If that's the case you could get a trailer similar to what we use. And if you're using a dually you could probably get away with two 7,000, or 8,000 lbs axles. You could even haul freight on it if you wanted ro.

I recently purchased a short gooseneck tilt trailer. It's got 26' of deck space with two 7,000 lbs less. I use it for multiple local jobs around my place (tight areas, mountains, etc) but the main reason I bought it was for delivering 20' containers that I modify in my spare time.

The big question is how much deck space do you need? An you get away with a 34', or 36' deck with the vehicles that you'll be hauling?

 

I only have enough saved (and still saving) for a single truck & trailer. With you being someone who has extensive experience in trucking, I'm inclined to take what you recommend though I prefer 30'.

Here's an example of what's going through my head: I prefer a GM powertrain because many over the road tests have confirmed that their exhaust brake and tranny are superior at holding weights at a desire speed when going downhill.

So, the 3500 model of interest has a max tow of 22,900# (I don't intend going much farther than that). A 40' trailer with tools, straps, etc., would weigh an est. 7500-7700# (BigTex). If the heaviest I can tow on the gooseneck does not exceed the trucks GVWR, then that would give me just over 15,000# of payload. Would that be enough as an LTL carrier?

Do I plan to haul cars? If its profitable. I know it would give me a diverse range of customers.