I have been a local truck driver for 3 years. Its time for me to move on from local. I was wondering if any of yall have experience in using a 1 ton diesel pickup instead of a semi? Its not the most practical, i understand that. But at the moment it seems like the least risky. Any info would be helpful. I really would like to know how to get my MC# and DOT#. Basically i just wanna know how to get started and if im just in the wrong thinking i can actually make money with a pickup truck. Thanks.
Before you go trying to figure out how to get your authority and insurance and all of that, I ask you this ... Who will your customers be? Are they willing to pay the rates you will need to operate this business while at the same time pay yourself more than you are earning now? Also keep in mind, your competition is not going to tell you squat about who they are hauling for and what they are being paid. Would you tell your competitor that? Also - do you see 1 ton trucks in your intended operating area hauling freight? You didn't just watch shipping wars and think there is a hidden gold mine in your pickup truck, did you?
Im advertising my services at the moment and have got some response in the past couple weeks. Its all just random things. I honestly dont know any solid customers I could have with just a pick up truck. Yes, I do see pick up trucks where im located hauling, mostly livestock. Haha nosir.
Ok, the next thing is to estimate what your costs are, so when you are talking with your prospective customers you need to know an amount you will haul a load for. Don't forget your truck will eat fuel for empty miles also, so figure out how many empty miles you will do. If you deliver a load to the middle of a field, there may not be another load to pickup for a distance ...
I think you can get a highway tractor for less money than a diesel dually pickup. Spec'd properly, loaded fuel mileage will be approx the same as the pickup.
Alright, thanks guys. I Already have a diesel pick up thats why i wanna try using it instead of going out and buying a semi. Its a lot less of a risk, if i fail it wont kill my finances.
I've seen carriers putting up billboards offering $0.10/mi to 1 ton O/O's. I laughed for at least $0.30 worth of miles.
get yourself and enclosed trailer to pull and get your loads from u-ship and who knows we could possibly see you on shipping wars.
