why start small?

Ive been looking into hot shotting here lately and I have some questions.
#1.Whats the point of starting out with a 1 ton dually or medium duty?If your going to go into debt 30-60k for a new truck why not get a semi with a sleeper with a REAL bed in it?It also seems like the semi would be better equipped for hauling long periods of time as far as durability is concerned.It seems alot of these brand new duallys running around are beat to s### before the first year both interally and externally.Im not trying to bash these trucks but Im just wondering if im missing something?
#2.As far as dollars to dollars go,which is cheaper to operate and maintain in the long run?dually or semi?Sure,a semi is more durable but when something breaks its got to be exspensive as hell right?
#3.For those of you who would rather keep your dually or medium duty could you please explain why?
Thank you for reading.Like I said before Im not trying to bash anybody or anything as these are just questions that Ive been pondering about.

 

Better fuel mileage, cheaper insurance in some cases. ..

 

Your thoughts are sound, the only reasons that I think some people do it is they look at it like this, IF they buy a P/U and the business fails, they can still use the pick up for personal use.

They may haul their boat, or their camper around, or maybe get into construction or some other job where they can still make the p/u work.

BUT, as far as making it in trucking as a business, you would be much smarter to get a "cheap" semi first. Instead of spending that 50,000 for a new p/u I have seen some 10 year old semi's in nice shape for half of that.

Actually, I have been seeing some medium duty trucks with ext. cab/sleepers that would be perfect as very reasonable prices, just make sure they are OVER 300hp, or they will be a real dog.

 

You could also buy a pickup with just over 100k miles for well under 20k... no need to spend 50k+ on a truck...

 

Yes the point I was trying to make is even the used semi are pretty cheap these days.Thats my line of thinking anyway.

 

Many years ago, I heard an interview with someone, who said "Doing the same thing as everyone else is going to have the same results as everyone else."

And it was about an industry doing badly... with a few exceptions. And how those weren't doing what everyone else was doing.

So, if you want to do what everyone else is doing, expect the same results.

So, the reason people use pickups and smaller trailers is to do something different...specialize in lighter loads, fit in tighter spaces, have smaller initial capital outlays. Or, in other words, a niche market.

In my view, if you want or need a 5500 Dodge and a 3 12K axle, 48 foot with a stepdeck to do what you plan to do, you've gotten away from the premise in the first place. The premise is a light rig, light loads, lower overhead and less fuel burned, a niche market. Combined specializing in light loads moved quickly with lower overhead.

If you're not doing that, then you're doing what every other owner operator with a flatbed is doing.

 

I like that point.

 

Nothing wrong with going small. It's called having the right tools for the job. I drive a 2009 Dodge 3500HD with either a 30 or 35' gooseneck. I average 11.5mpg and am loaded 70% of the time. Tires are cheaper, actually maintenance in general is much cheaper.

If you do decide to go "small", I would strongly suggest the Dodge with the 385hp engine. They are awesome in the hills when you are loaded. 92k so far with few problems.

 

Hey guys im new would it be too bad to start with a f350 dually 7.3 and a 25 or a 30ft gooseneck is there money here i dont need a whole lot nor i need to be rich just work hard and make some cash .. More than the 13 an hr i get now roofing

 

This is a troll post right????

You are right you could just get a Class 8 truck. Then you would NOT be a Hot Shot you would be a Class 8 truck. You would get 5 MPG instead of 9-12 MPG and have to follow all the Class 8 truck rules. You would compete with other class 8 trucks for loads and parking. You would be paying $199 for an oil change instead of $55, You would pay IFTA and IRP and have to get fuel at special pumps and still have to file IFTA reports every quarter. Your HOA would send you letters for parking in the driveway, you would not be able to use it as your personal truck on the 4 days a week you are off. You can buy a brand New Dodge Dually for $50K ( or $20 for a used with 100K miles) and you can buy a used Class 8 with 500,000 miles on it for $60K. You could spend $400 on each tire which you have 10 instead of 6 (or 14 with trailer instead of 18). You could sleep in your truck and take showers at truck stops instead of sleeping in a nice hotel every night and getting a clean shower every day (not to mention being able to crap without everyone pounding on the door). If none of this makes any sense to you than you are better off with a class 8 truck. To each their own.
But if you want a class 8 I say go for it. It's what I did for 15 years and now I do this. It makes sense to me and my family to be home 3-4 days a week and make more Profit than I did in a class 8.