What is the going rate for a one-time haul?

[Radshooter]

I got a call today from a guy in an RV park we lived in last month. He needs to move his trailer from there to here and sounds desperate to get it done. It is about 80 miles one way, fairly level haul, nothing tricky. If it is the trailer I think it is, it is a 30' Couger fiver. We live in and pull a 38' Travel Supreme, so I don't see how it could be heavier than ours. He has been paying double lot rent--1 rent where it is now, and one rent here to hold the lot-- for about 3 months now.



I searched for rates here, and found anything from $0. 98 loaded mile up to $1. 25/mile round trip. By the time we drive over there and back we will be looking at about 160-170 miles.



I don't want to gouge anybody, but I will have to change our weekend plans to do this if we do this. It will have to be worth our time (wife wants to ride along and get towing tips). She wants to learn to tow our trailer. I said she could learn on someone else's trailer this weekend (just kidding).



This will be a one-time thing for us. We don't plan on getting into the hotshot or transport business. What do you guys think would be a fair rate? Any other input or thoughts would be appreciated also.



Thanks... . Steve

 

[klenger]

I can't help with the rates, but make sure you are aware of any insurance and CDL implications, especially since you will be collecting $$$.

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks Ken. Those are the kinds of things that make me wonder if it would even be worth it.



Steve

 

[VicR]

And you'd probably have to be licensed with the state and pay taxes on the income, if you really wanted to be legit.



You might be better off doing it as a favor for a couple cases of beer and a full tank of fuel...

 

[RedRam401]

Here is what I did for a guy I worked with back in '96.

We used my pick-up and car trailer to travel 400 miles one way to pick up a '65 TBird from his parents house. (Sweet car, original owner)

We drove up Saturday, loaded the car and spent the night at his folks, then came home on Sunday.

He bought all of the fuel and gave me $200 ($100 per day) for my time.

In your case, I would ask for fuel and $100. 00 for your time.

If he rides along there is no hassle about having any kind of ICC Authority to operate as a legal carrier.

Of course if you want to charge full rate, I'll send you the link where you can spend $300 for your authority and then pay $10,000 a year for insurance like me

 

[MMeier]

I charge $1. 25 a mile, if someone does not like that they are told to go buy their own $45,000 tow vehicle and... darn, where's that kiss my ***** smilie like the other guys have!!

 

[JKinney]

Red Ram;



That was great advise. If one is not in the bus not to mention only 80 miles. When you take on a project always remember the prep work etc.

Just think 10 miles down the road and a wheel bearing freezes :{



As a landscaper I get these requests all the time Yesterday a customer called me he's worried about his culvert because both ends are burried under 3 feet of snow. He wants me to come over with a small backhoe and dig it out. All of my equipment is down back in the barn with two feet of snow between it and the road. The last time I tried such a stunt was three years ago and I put a dent in my bumper trying to back up through snow to hook to the trailer. Now I do no work in the winter unless the money is really good.

 

[The patriot]

$100. 00 a day + fuel, food, tolls (all expences) sounds very reasonable to me.



IIRC my neighbor wont start up his phord dually for less than $300. 00 a day.

His last big haul was bringing a car to Florida. $1300. 00 cash. He gets his own backhauls.

Eric

 

[CarlJensen]

Be very carefull. I won't even hook up to anybody unless I know his or my insurance is in effect when I move!! Friend of mine got a real hosing over that once, cost him a bundle and "customer/friend" bailed on him!! INSURANCE!!

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks guys. After all your advice and talking to my insurance agent, I think I will pass. I just don't think it would be worth the risks.



Thanks again.



Steve

 

[klenger]

I'm currous about what your insurance company had to say.

 

[ndurbin]

You might be able to get him to sign a waiver releasing you from responsibility if anything was damaged and have him cover your fuel expenses.



Nathan

 

[Radshooter]

When I talked to the insurance guy, I made the mistake of using the "H" word. When he found out some one wanted to HIRE me, he said I would need CDL and all the other stuff you guys talked about above. If something happened while I was working "for hire", it would be tough to get coverage unless I did a bunch of upgrading on the insurance. I decided it was not worth it for a one-time trip.



Thanks again all who responded.



Steve