Trailer hauling to midwest.. where to find deadhead transport drivers?

[JDerrig]

Was doing some brainstorming. Where would you find drivers that would be interested in hauling a truck box trailers from the Pacific NW (Spokane area) to Minneapolis, St. Paul MN area? Was thinking if I got into the loop of deadhead transport drivers coming from Seattle, Spokane, WA area heading back to Indiana, that maybe I could ease the cost of their otherwise running empty across the country? Here's a pic of what I'm looking at running back to that area, basically a hitch up and go unit, with spare tire, working taillites etc. Any ideas of forums of getting into the RV transport loop? What do you think?



Thanks for your help!



-J

 

[HBarlow]

I don't know of any forums unique to transporters. Most of them are trying too hard to make a living pulling loads to be sitting somewhere browsing or posting on a website.

You could try running ads in the Elkhart IN newspaper. There are a number of transport companies operating from that area and some drivers might read and become aware of your back haul opportunity.

The legitimate transport companies like Horizon or JET will not help you because they are providing operating authority (DOT numbers), loaded liability insurance, and cargo insurance to their leased drivers so they don't want them hauling for anyone else. The'll fire their drivers for doing that if they catch them.

The more legitimate leased drivers would not want to get involved with it because they wouldn't have a bill of lading on the letterhead of the company they're leased to. It would be possible to write-up an informal bill of lading on a standard driver form from a truck stop but some DOT inspectors would probably question it because it would not be the transport company's bol. The driver has no DOT authority to haul for hinself.

Other drivers probably wouldn't be willing to waste time or travel distance on it because it doesn't sound like you want to pay enough to make it worth their trouble. Contracting to haul an old junk home built trailer like the one in your picture with rotten old tires and questionable wiring and lights would not be something I would have been interested in when I was transporting. More trouble than it would be worth.

 

[GCP]

Contracting to haul an old junk home built trailer like the one in your picture with rotten old tires and questionable wiring and lights would not be something I would have been interested in when I was transporting. More trouble than it would be worth.

I could not stop laughing when I got to this portion of your post! . In all seriousness good point.

 

[mwilson]

I could not stop laughing when I got to this portion of your post! . In all seriousness good point.

Plus towing somthing looking like that just begs for a good overhaul by the LEO's... equal to spray painting the words "Stop me, I'm in a constant state of violation" on the side of the tow vehicle... .



You would have better luck finding a flatbed or drop deck looking for some "get me home" freight than attempting to tow it as is.



Do you have any flatbedders based in your area that you could contact???



Mike.

 

[HBarlow]

Yep, that's precisely what a DOT cop would think when he saw it. I can guarantee anyone that pos trailer does not have required safety chains or a legal registration and license plate. For a transporter to move it it would have to have both. The transporter could not hang his company's transporter license plate on it because he doesn't have a matching bill of lading and his company would drop him like a leper if they caught him doing that which they would because the DOT violation report he would earn on the first trip would go back to Horizon's or other transport company's safety officer.

 

[Bob4x4]

There is a company that puts out loads for bid to member drivers. I don't remember the broker company name but it appears on the tv show where they show a half dozen people low balling to get the load.

 

[Bob4x4]

The show may be callled shipping Wars
The broker company is uship.com

 

[jgillott]

I know of a guy out of Georgia that hauls beds, cabs, etc. all the time. You're best bet is to load them like he does. He ends up with a half dozen or so trucks loaded in the back of a box trailer or 24' box truck with a lift gate if he has a smaller load.

If you are only going to be shipping one at a time, give a call to some of your local trucking companies and explain what you want to ship and where it is going. These outfits, especially the smaller ones, don't want to run their trucks partially full. If they have a partial load going in that direction, they will find a way to get those items loaded and out to your location at a fraction of the cost of what you would pay for someone to pull that thing as is, if you could even find someone.

 

[GCP]

The show may be callled shipping Wars
The broker company is uship.com

Be CAUTIOUS with hiring a transporter on UShip. There are countless outlaw transporters lurking on that website. Verify any bidders by checking their DOT# and MC# and verify the operators insurance coverage. Otherwise hire at your own risk.

 

[Bob4x4]

Lol that's what makes the show worth watching

 

[JR]

I saw that show one time, I wondered if it was even real. Between the idiot with the van and the long haired dame that runs solo it resembles more of a circus show than anything :-laf Its just hard to believe theres people out there like that that call themselves "professionals"

 

[Bob4x4]

I saw that show one time, I wondered if it was even real. Between the idiot with the van and the long haired dame that runs solo it resembles more of a circus show than anything :-laf Its just hard to believe theres people out there like that that call themselves "professionals"

Few reality shows are real but some are entertaining... ... ... ... .

 

[GCP]

Few reality shows are real but some are entertaining... ... ... ... .

Agreed. And UShip is one of the more entertaining ones precisely because the idiots they have on that show!

 

[JDerrig]

My feelings are hurt! Trailer is made to Federal NHTSA and Idaho DOT specs and gets inspected at the DMV with VIN plate made, don't know how else to make a good box trailer other than with new 5" channel with multipass welding, grade 8 bolts, utility trailer plates, new 2"hitch, shocks and safety chains, load range E tires with great tread, new DOT wiring and taillites! Trailer is under 80" wide and under 30' long with less than 8500GVW, so no side markers req'd. I've run them 1700 miles across the country with no problems. I've seen "utility" trailers driving across the country, any recommendations what else to improve?



So what I'm seeing is that I should just drive them myself and spend the 350 bucks in fuel to get it done one way? Do transport haulers private or commercial get paid to drive back cross country empty with nothing in tow? What do the Indiana 1ton truck camper haulers driving out to Seattle do when they offload their delivery? Are they off the clock and pay out of their pocket to drive back for #2 delivery? I'm trying to figure this out how $ is made hauling oneway and hauling air the other way?



If this is a legit trailer, it sounds like there's really no easy way for anyone to haul it across the country. I would have thought a 30ft camper would be more work to haul than a utility trailer! : ) I know I could go through putting the trailer on a "transport trailer" but was inquiring more about the trailer being hauled.



I just figured than taking my diesel truck and 18ft trailer to haul stacked trailer over to the midwest and then "deadheading" back to the NW, having one driver loaded both ways instead of two drivers running empty would make sense.



Thanks all for the advice, any other ideas? or even phone #s of private individuals (if this would even work?)



=Jimbo

 

[KB0OU]

The biggest problem I have with the picture on top is that you have a unsecured load as far as I can see. That will get a guy pulled over quick in some states even if they don't go through a scale. If they go through a scale I can't see doing it without being stopped.

 

[NIsaacs]

The biggest problem I have with the picture on top is that you have a unsecured load as far as I can see. That will get a guy pulled over quick in some states even if they don't go through a scale. If they go through a scale I can't see doing it without being stopped.

When I do any hauling, I secure the load..... I don't see the problem.



Nick

 

[HBarlow]

Be CAUTIOUS with hiring a transporter on UShip. There are countless outlaw transporters lurking on that website. Verify any bidders by checking their DOT# and MC# and verify the operators insurance coverage. Otherwise hire at your own risk.

That is excellent advice! Several of the airheads featured on the silly "Shipping Wars" program are not displaying DOT motor carrier numbers on their doors. I'm sure they don't have required commercial liability insurance or cargo insurance to cover the value of their loads. It's only a matter of time until DOT takes them off the highways. I know this because both are expensive and those reality show airheads aren't earning enough money to stay afloat.

A uship contactor could simply sell, steal, or damage whatever he/she is entrusted with and disappear. There would be no recourse to the shipper.

 

[HBarlow]

My feelings are hurt! Trailer is made to Federal NHTSA and Idaho DOT specs and gets inspected at the DMV with VIN plate made, don't know how else to make a good box trailer other than with new 5" channel with multipass welding, grade 8 bolts, utility trailer plates, new 2"hitch, shocks and safety chains, load range E tires with great tread, new DOT wiring and taillites! Trailer is under 80" wide and under 30' long with less than 8500GVW, so no side markers req'd. I've run them 1700 miles across the country with no problems. I've seen "utility" trailers driving across the country, any recommendations what else to improve?

So what I'm seeing is that I should just drive them myself and spend the 350 bucks in fuel to get it done one way? Do transport haulers private or commercial get paid to drive back cross country empty with nothing in tow? What do the Indiana 1ton truck camper haulers driving out to Seattle do when they offload their delivery? Are they off the clock and pay out of their pocket to drive back for #2 delivery? I'm trying to figure this out how $ is made hauling oneway and hauling air the other way?

If this is a legit trailer, it sounds like there's really no easy way for anyone to haul it across the country. I would have thought a 30ft camper would be more work to haul than a utility trailer! : ) I know I could go through putting the trailer on a "transport trailer" but was inquiring more about the trailer being hauled.

I just figured than taking my diesel truck and 18ft trailer to haul stacked trailer over to the midwest and then "deadheading" back to the NW, having one driver loaded both ways instead of two drivers running empty would make sense.

Thanks all for the advice, any other ideas? or even phone #s of private individuals (if this would even work?)

=Jimbo

Sorry, the intent was not to "hurt your feelings" but you asked and we provided the answers.

You are correct that transporters usually run unloaded half the time which destroys their profitability. Sometimes an experienced transporter figures out the tricks and can stay loaded more or find additional hauls to keep him loaded a higher percentage of his travel but more often than not, a driver pulls a trailer out of Wakarusa, IN to a PNW or BC dealer then deadheads all the way back home.

The way for you to participate in this system and get your loads moved is to contact Horizon Transport and arrange for their drivers to pick up your trailers after a drop in WA, OR, BC, SK, or ID. If you send pictures showing full DOT equipment including the safety chains we couldn't see on the trailer in your photo and a safety brake lanyard and battery they should be willing to haul your trailers. They'll charge you approximately $1. 50/mile. I did lots of moves like that.

You might try pm'ing TDR member GAmes (Gary Ames). He's been a transporter for probably ten years and hauls a variety of trailers all over the country. The company he works for is pretty "laid back" and Gary might be willing to haul for you. I can guarantee you he's not going to do it for peanuts though.

 

[JDerrig]

Thank for your your advice!



I should have taken a better picture of of the hitch hardware, there is about 2ft of the front of the pic missing with everything described above, 5000# 2" aframe, chains etc. . Load is secured to a 7ft shipping pallet which is actually anchored to the bed at 6points, not to the bed sides pockets which I personally thing aren't safe to hold down a load with the few spot welds that hold them on! It only took one extra safety inspection to pass the DMV inspection so I think I did alright, since I tried to research everything first.



So they require saftely brakes on a utility trailer? When I spec'd out a 10ft utility trailer with a 3500# single axle and ~2000# load capacity there were no trailer or safety brakes available. The axle on this trailer is an 8 bolt 9 1/4" Chrysler 3/4ton truck axle. All of the regulations I have read so far on Idaho state DMV trailers brakes are not required on utility trailers (which the DMV has classified on my trailer registration) with an unladen weight less than 1500lbs which this trailer is qualified for. Is that something that can be added? What have you seen other states require? I know my other 7000#GVW 16ft trailer weighs 1550#. What is the starting weight limit that brakes are required for?



Maybe I just have to find the right driver, @ $1. 50/mi is making a killing hauling and I don't think would be interested in something small scale like this, IMO. What is considered peanuts? To me I think you have to have @ least 2000 paid miles per week to do well which can be done just doing a west coast runs (which may mean running back 2000miles unloaded per week). 8000 miles/month. Me personally I would try to find some way to run something (anything! maybe a utility trailer! :-laf) to not eat the fuel cost being running unloaded even if it was enough to payfuel costs and driving time. I just didn't think haulers would run empty as much as I've seen on the I90/94. Would it be any different if I just loaded a pallet of cargo onto their empty 8ft pickup bed or truck flatbed? easier? less headache? Would a guy charge the same rate?



I was just brainstorming since I know I can make a few of these trailer setups this winter for hauling truck parts back to our shop for restos. Am always looking for an easier, simpler way!



Any other ideas?



-J

 

[HBarlow]

Thank for your your advice!

I should have taken a better picture of of the hitch hardware, there is about 2ft of the front of the pic missing with everything described above, 5000# 2" aframe, chains etc. . Load is secured to a 7ft shipping pallet which is actually anchored to the bed at 6points, not to the bed sides pockets which I personally thing aren't safe to hold down a load with the few spot welds that hold them on! It only took one extra safety inspection to pass the DMV inspection so I think I did alright, since I tried to research everything first.

So they require saftely brakes on a utility trailer? When I spec'd out a 10ft utility trailer with a 3500# single axle and ~2000# load capacity there were no trailer or safety brakes available. The axle on this trailer is an 8 bolt 9 1/4" Chrysler 3/4ton truck axle. All of the regulations I have read so far on Idaho state DMV trailers brakes are not required on utility trailers (which the DMV has classified on my trailer registration) with an unladen weight less than 1500lbs which this trailer is qualified for. Is that something that can be added? What have you seen other states require? I know my other 7000#GVW 16ft trailer weighs 1550#. What is the starting weight limit that brakes are required for?-J

A trailer with eight lug wheels and 16" tires is not an under 1500# trailer and will be required to have brakes and a safety brakeway battery and lanyard in almost every state. I have no idea what ID law requires but you're trying to sell and transport trailers interstate. You're getting into the big league.

Maybe I just have to find the right driver, @ $1. 50/mi is making a killing hauling and I don't think would be interested in something small scale like this, IMO. What is considered peanuts? To me I think you have to have @ least 2000 paid miles per week to do well which can be done just doing a west coast runs (which may mean running back 2000miles unloaded per week). 8000 miles/month. Me personally I would try to find some way to run something (anything! maybe a utility trailer! :-laf) to not eat the fuel cost being running unloaded even if it was enough to payfuel costs and driving time. I just didn't think haulers would run empty as much as I've seen on the I90/94. Would it be any different if I just loaded a pallet of cargo onto their empty 8ft pickup bed or truck flatbed? easier? less headache? Would a guy charge the same rate?-J

Obviously you have not tried earning a living with a truck. All those empty transporter trucks you see on I-90/94 are because of the reasons I discussed in my earlier posts. Those drivers are familiar with their company policy and DOT regulations. What you want to do can't be done. Federal transportation regulations are detailed, complex, and at least ten times more serious and restrictive than most people know.

I remember well the first load I pulled for Horizon out of Wakarusa. I delivered it in CA near Sacramento. I had spent about four and a half days on the road and earned about $2400. Sounds like a lot until you turn around and pay your own way - four to five days of fuel, meals, and lodging back to Wakarusa. The "rich" driver also has to take time off for a driver's log reset before he starts over. I ran hard when I was transporting, working harder and earning more than most drivers. I was running around 135k miles/year, grossing about $75k, and keeping a net of about $35k not counting the truck. If the driver counts the cost of buying and depreciating a truck it is nothing more than an expensive hobby with lots of travel.

The definition of peanuts for me would be anything less than $1/mile and if it was not a load dispatched by my company I would not touch it. Actually I did haul a couple of private hauls for personal friends but both were travel trailers already insured and legally licensed so I didn't have to put my signs on or run a log book, stop at scales, etc. I just went off the clock and became an ordinary private driver for those two hauls.

I was just brainstorming since I know I can make a few of these trailer setups this winter for hauling truck parts back to our shop for restos. Am always looking for an easier, simpler way!

Any other ideas?-J

Yeah, two. Either get your own DOT MC registration which requires $1M liability, cargo insurance, DOT numbers and signs, commercial inspection decal, fire extinguisher, log book, and stopping at all scales or forget it. There are no shortcuts. You're trying to take a legitimate driver's earnings away from him by sneaking into the world of commerical transportation without paying full freight. There are valid reasons why you can't do that starting with the huge letters of recognition DOT cops will give you to take to a judge.