Hot Shot Towing...........

[BlueOx250]

Need info on hot shot towing. Looking to get into the business and would like to know what I'm gettin into. Do I need to get a broker or just rely on local pulls? What kind of insurance? What kind of pricing etc? Thx any help would be appreciated.

[jhaddox]

move it back to the top for ya...good luck on it hopefully you can make some $

[MrJohnWayne]

Best advice I could tell you is to lease your truck to someone like ACME or ACE. That way you can learn the ropes and the details of what is involved...

[BlueOx250]

thanks for the move....and the advice.

[SteveKran]

Here's a pretty good conversation at another forum you might want to take a look at...

Hot shot towing?? - Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource Forums

Hope it helps

[StarDriver]

As the article states, be aware that you have to run under DOT regulation. Just to give you a little example of what I'm doing.

I haul luxury, exotic, collector, and tv/movie cars, my insurance for this year will cost me close to $9,000, that is for 1 truck and 2 trailers. DOT authority isn't too expensive but make sure you get everything you need.

I'm struggling to get by right now, I've started moving trailers for a local Ford/Featherlite dealer to help make ends meet.

Be aware of cheap freight and brokers who pay you in 30 days, starting out, waiting for a check for 30 days SUCKS.........

Also watch for cheap freight, I see some cars that people post for less than $.30 per mile to move. I get anywhere from $1.00 to $1.50 per mile, per car for enclosed transport.

[metallitera]

a buddy and i looked into it, hauling for the oil field business and we couldnt make much money doing it, like $50-$75 profit per load, and that was for a 10hour trip.....not to mention wear & tear on your truck. I dunno what the pay is in your area though.

I also know its hard to get loads home. you might make money on the way there but have to foot the bill outta your own pocket for the trip home. and DOT regs & insurance is hefty as well.

keep us posted.

[EastTexasF250]

Do I need DOT registation to haul hay from MS to TX with a 36 ft gooseneck hauling 28 round bailes? If I had to guess they weigh about 500-700 lbs a piece so that would be 14,000 to 19,600 all togather.

[GLIofMI]

In simple terms, If you are going to make money towing or you weigh a combination over 26,000 lbs it's considered COMMERCIAL.
You are then required to have a DOT number and run a log book.
11 hours on 10 hours off.
Insured, yes.
I run for a transport company out of Mi running RV's from In to TX.
They carry the ins and lease my truck.
I contribute to their ins a little bit each run.
You will make money by turning the tires as much as you can and running the limits of your DOT on duty time.
No money in short running.
Sleeping in your truck and packing alot of food.
I run part time but I also own & run another small business.
Amsoil, rotatating tires every 5K to 10K.
Lots of equipment requirements that will take many runs to break even in the end.
Must have front end money available.
Good Luck.

[davidschaffer]

Originally Posted by GLIofMI

In simple terms, If you are going to make money towing or you weigh a combination over 26,000 lbs it's considered COMMERCIAL.
You are then required to have a DOT number and run a log book.
11 hours on 10 hours off.
Insured, yes.
I run for a transport company out of Mi running RV's from In to TX.
They carry the ins and lease my truck.
I contribute to their ins a little bit each run.
You will make money by turning the tires as much as you can and running the limits of your DOT on duty time.
No money in short running.
Sleeping in your truck and packing alot of food.
I run part time but I also own & run another small business.
Amsoil, rotatating tires every 5K to 10K.
Lots of equipment requirements that will take many runs to break even in the end.
Must have front end money available.
Good Luck.

I am doing something similar and am in Northern Mi.. I mostly tow boats and campers for local marinas and rv dealers. What are you getting per mile? Do you have any interest in helping each other out with work?