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Super Heavy Haul Costs

Discussion in 'Heavy Haul Trucking Forum' started by Juno123, May 21, 2019.

Page 1 of 14
  1. May 21, 2019 #1
    Juno123

    Juno123 Bobtail Member

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    Hello everyone, looking for some insight with some super heavy haul q's. I currently work for a freight forwarder that brings in large press components from overseas and they land portside on the east coast or houston. Weights typically in the 140k lb- 210,000 lb range and these move on 13 and 19 axles.

    We do quite a bit of volume with these though- roughly 15-20 moves per year, and on a 19 axle run that's say 500 miles, we pay apprx $65,000 to a specialized outfit. Let's safely assume we tender out 13 total 19 axle moves on these guidelines- that's $845,000 in payments we made to specialized outfits. Should we be looking into buying our own 19 axle trailer/ truck and hiring a company driver? To my understanding, these trailers can run close to $1,000,000 per, correct? A quick google search for a 13 axle trailer is showing approximately anywhere between $180,000- $250,000, for reference. The math suggests to me we should be able to pay off this truck/ trailer in just a few years?

    I think the savings could be worth it to hire our own experienced company driver, or try to find an experienced HH driver as say a 1099? Just looking for some insight- I'm essentially just a project manager, and my experience in the actual operations side of a carrier outfit is minimal. Any comments/ concerns are welcome.
     
    Juno123, May 21, 2019
    Juno123, May 21, 2019
    #1
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  3. May 21, 2019 #2
    ibcalm19

    ibcalm19 Road Train Member

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    I would say it is very possible to hire an experienced driver to do it on a contract basis as its only 15-20 moves a year. I know you know to cover all your bases on the insurance of what if this happens. That's the advantage of the specialized carrier they cover all of that. You sleep better at night because of them. As far as the equipment & pay to the driver have to get that right. I'm pretty sure you know dealing with that weight & size it all has to be on point ( don't cut corners or be cheap) I stress again that what that specialized carrier brings to the table. No fear or doubt it can be accomplished. All the best to you in your pursuits
     
    Last edited: May 21, 2019
    ibcalm19, May 21, 2019
    ibcalm19, May 21, 2019
    #2
  4. May 21, 2019 #3
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    1099 a specialist?

    I don't know what your trying to do other then capture more revenue, but I can tell you one thing, your idea has a serious high risk involved, your profit increase will be wiped out with one accident.
     
    Ridgeline, May 21, 2019
    Ridgeline, May 21, 2019
    #3
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  5. May 21, 2019 #4
    ibcalm19

    ibcalm19 Road Train Member

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    Yes that was my point why I said the specialized carrier let's them sleep well at night & l forgot enjoy the day as well. You have to ask if the savings is worth the risk of the day a what if happens
     
    ibcalm19, May 21, 2019
    ibcalm19, May 21, 2019
    #4
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  7. May 21, 2019 #5
    062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Are you planning on being self insured? I would like to see the insurance quote for a startup running 19 axles.
     
    062, May 21, 2019
    062, May 21, 2019
    #5
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  8. May 21, 2019 #6
    not4hire

    not4hire Road Train Member

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    Worst idea you've had (or will have) all year.
     
    not4hire, May 21, 2019
    not4hire, May 21, 2019
    #6
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  9. May 21, 2019 #7
    Rontonio

    Rontonio Road Train Member

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    Next time you move one these loads on a 19 axle - you should get on an airplane and go see what it takes to do the job.It is a team of people to get one of these trailers to move - not just one guy hopping in the seat and driving away.

    There is also the time and expertise of the project manager getting the approvals from the various state county city entities to allow the load to legally move. Oh, not to mention the cost of those permits.

    There are traffic control plans, route plans, utility approvals.

    My guess is that this not an area where you will see significant reduction in cost. What you are likely to see (assuming everything go exactly as planned) is resources being thrown at this - that should be focused on your core business.

    There is a reason the wind energy guys farm out the transportation.
     
    Rontonio, May 21, 2019
    Rontonio, May 21, 2019
    #7
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  10. May 21, 2019 #8
    Juno123

    Juno123 Bobtail Member

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    I'm asking for insight- surely there is a smart way to do this.

    Whether it be to hire an experienced driver and keep them on in house (in this event we would most likely buy say a 6-8 axle set up just to find steady work and keep the driver busy, as the 19 axle moves are more rare), or just find a 1099 driver.

    We would make sure each move is fully insured in order to minimize risk. I suspect we would be able to get an insurance policy on 1 truck/ trailer for say $75,000 annually? $100,000 annually? Guessing that covers you up to approximately $2,000,000 in cargo coverage? Again, I'm stressing that I'm a newbie here and I dont know a whole lot- fully ready to admit that, ha.

    Just seems to me there's a smart/ efficient way to keep the profit in house if we already have a big chunk of this business on a yearly basis.... the hardest part I suspect would be to find a safe/ reputable driver with 10 years experience etc
     
    Juno123, May 21, 2019
    Juno123, May 21, 2019
    #8
  11. May 21, 2019 #9
    not4hire

    not4hire Road Train Member

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    You're getting it; you just need to pay attention to the answers. Do a little research on what @Rontonio does, and his posts.

    There is... stick to what you know.

    Very wrong.
     
    Last edited: May 21, 2019
    not4hire, May 21, 2019
    not4hire, May 21, 2019
    #9
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  12. May 21, 2019 #10
    Juno123

    Juno123 Bobtail Member

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    Alright well does anyone have an estimate on what a 19 axle set up costs? I've been told upwards of $1,000,000...
     
    Juno123, May 21, 2019
    Juno123, May 21, 2019
    #10
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