Can anyone give me some tips on how to start a transport business?

[Mtrain]

With the economy sagging like it is I was thinking about finally going into business for myself.

A friend of mine has a big Ford F350 truck, and I have a very nice car hauler, trailer.

I figured we could combine, and just make ten to twelve hour runs with small stuff like maybe picking up a car someone bought off of ebay, or picking up an engine, you know just small stuff with relatively short hauls.

I figured if we can get into something like this using just what we have now, we will do better by not being into debt right off the bat, and we can also grow into bigger trailers, newer trucks down the road when/if we get big enough.

Is there any huge fee out there that would kill us before we get started? {I know that some businesses have to pay $$$$$ to get bonded, etc.

Anyone doing this, some tips would be greatly appreciated.

[Maxum96]

You'll have to get a DOT number. You'll also have to a commercial license and keep a driver's log if you're driving interstate . The license doesn't need to be a class B or class A, unless your truck and trailer combination has a combined GVW or 26,001 lbs or more.

[horsehead]

Maybe off track but if you get started keep records of every expense you have. Gas, meals, vehicle maintenance, repairs, motel accommodations (if needed). All can be write offs. Also get some business cards made. Make sure you have the right insurance coverage for sure.

[69mach351W]

I'd say that the person you might haul their vehicle for might have a few questions: #1 How much experience do you have? #2 Do you have the proper Insurance coverage in case of accident, fire,theft,etc., while your on the road?

I know thats just a couple questions I'd be asking the transport company before I had them haul my resto in progress or that prize possession....Just a thought.

[bartl]

I've checked in to the same. First, you'll need to register the truck for whatever the maximum GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) you'll be moving (that's the weight of the truck, wet, the trailer and the contents) or else you'll be subject to a ticket for exceeding your registered weight. Next, you'll need to make sure you have insurance, not only property and casualty, but liability involving the business operation. Also, you'll need to comply with highway weight and length limits for the different highways you'll be traveling. Subscription to some of the many sources of trucking info would be helpful, especially ones with current highway conditions, weigh station locations, permits needed, etc. The last thing you need is to drive 50 miles and have to turn around because of a weight limit on a bridge, etc. You'll need ways to get jobs and places like UShip, Freightnet, and other freight broker sites are useful, as is advertisement at auctions, car shows, etc.

I wish you luck... I did a lot of number crunching and the only way I figured that I could make it work was with a 2 (enclosed) or 3 (open) car hauler and multiple jobs done concurrently.... the overhead and fuel costs are killers, then you have maintenance and wear and tear, and after all expenses I found I could make more as a WalMart greeter.

Also, said F350 might be okay for a small, single car hauler, if it's diesel but even that's going to take a pretty good beating. Once you start piling on the mileage, immediately start thinking "replacement truck and trailer" and saving for the same.

[Mtrain]

Good advice guys.

Thanks, and keep them comming.