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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/17/2008 8:41:09 AM
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| good moring all, After 35 yrs of driving and operating cranes I took an early retirement. Now I need to go back into the world of making money. Hate work,love driving. Have a 2004 f250 super duty in near showroom cond. Can I make a modest income hauling for someone allready established? I dont want to start a new company. Have valid class a cdl and live 1 hr north of Atlanta.I would be greatfull for any advice. thanks Jim.
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/2/2007 12:59:51 PM
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Well, first off, I'm not sure how much work you will have for a 3/4 ton pickup.
Secondly, if you start running "Hot-Shots" it wont be in "Near Showroom" shape for very long!!
Now, if you had a 1-ton dually flat/stake bed then that would be a different story!
I recently leased my equipment on to ACME Truck Lines and like it! I am doing pretty well with them (read: better than I was doing independently). But, be ready for odd hours and long days/nights! I am on 24/7 'On Call' status!
In your area there may be a market for the smaller truck... I don't know. Start by googleing or yellow page searching for 'Hot-Shot' or 'expedited' truck services in your area. Also, you might try sitting down at the local fuel stop watching for trucks like yours and talking to the drivers!
I completely understand not wanting to start a new business, the expenses are extremely prohibitive! (Insurance alone will run you around $10,000/yr!!!)
Good Luck! And if you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Laterz,
Gator
>|--|~
Gator >|--|~ 
Kinetic Freight Services, LLC
Now "Hot-Shotting" for ACME
Love your Freight? Check your carriers AUTHORITY!!!
USDOT: 1680208 MC-617460 TXDOT: 6295987C
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2/23/2006 12:17:56 PM
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| I rarely see anything that is truely "hot shot" freight on this site. I think a better description is "cheap shot" freight. There are several guys from the NJ area that have done well with little trucks, but most also have a trailer. One example is Jack. Jack (Indian) runs a 3/4 Duramax and about a 24' enclosed trailer rigged for hauling motorcycles. I don't know what kind of operation you'd want to set up, so it is pretty hard to try to help with your questions. There are a lot of variations, as you probably know from your experience. Example...how long are you willing to be gone? or.. how often do you want to run? But whatever you decide, you'll need to use other boards and brokerages besides uShip. Real "Hot Shot" loads are almost none existent on here. These loads seldom pay enough by themselves and there's not enough decent paying loads to keep you very busy. A lot of that is because of the retired part timers and especially the illegal haulers driving the prices and rates down. Another big part is that this service was designed with the intention of luring in "cheap" shippers so they don't want to pay a fair rate. The so called "price estimator" that many used doesn't give a realistic estimate....but that's what a lot of the shippers base their "should cost" on and won't pay more. Good luck // ....Don
Designated Observer *****Counseled & Advised by Bup, The Adventure Dog***** 1473552 - 556329  (no longer using uShip for loads)
****************************** SEMO Motor Transport Service
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/17/2008 8:41:09 AM
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| thank you both Jim. p.s. when I said my truck was in near showroom cond I only meant it was in great mech cond.
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/20/2006 8:50:02 AM
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I've got a trailer I'll make a great deal on.....
JH
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/6/2006 5:21:41 PM
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I got a dually to go with that trailer, bargin priced.
Eric When the going gets tough, the tough drink more, and more, and more, and more.
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/2/2007 12:59:51 PM
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Hmmm.... I knew about John's trailer... now there is a dually to go with it? Do tell! I may be needing a second rig soon
Gator >|--|~
Kinetic Freight Services, LLC
Now "Hot-Shotting" for ACME
Love your Freight? Check your carriers AUTHORITY!!!
USDOT: 1680208 MC-617460 TXDOT: 6295987C
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2/23/2006 12:17:56 PM
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 I bet it is a red professional grade truck too.........
Designated Observer *****Counseled & Advised by Bup, The Adventure Dog***** 1473552 - 556329 (no longer using uShip for loads) ****************************** SEMO Motor Transport Service
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