Tony
12-08-2009, 10:27 AM
<P>You probably already have decided that you will be transporting vehicles. So the obvious next step will be to purchase equipment that is able to carry automobiles. The decision on the type of equipment is one of those to be made after being informed. You need to make a decision on the types of vehicles you will be transporting. Some trailers are great for hauling compact to midsized cars, but cannot simply fit a medium to large pickup truck.</P>
<P>You will also need to make a decision on the number of cars you want to typically carry. From experience, under 3 cars is completely unprofitable and you will fight just to survive. You can choose to carry 4 cars which is also a tough market, but can be done. Anything above that number and you will start to look beyond a 1-ton pickup truck. Even with the 4-car trailer, a pickup truck is nearly outclassed by the weight.</P>
<P>Most startup transporters begin by using a truck which they already own. These are typically Dodge 3500 pickup trucks. The major issue that has been seen is in the case of MegaCab or Shortbed pickup trucks. In that case, there is not enough space between the back of the truck cab and the front of the car hauling trailer. If this is the case, contact an administrator on the forum to discuss options with you.</P>
<P>The next option "up" from the pickup truck is a Medium Duty truck. Mostly these trucks come without a bed but from that point forward look identical to a pickup truck. There will be some customization that will need to be completed before that truck is ready to be run down the road. This is typically the best "auto expeditor" class of truck depending on the model. It is capable of pulling trailers of 4 and 5 cars depending on model and configuration of the trailer, etc.</P>
<P>Your second decision which will also assist in confirming the first truck choice is the trailer. The style of trailer, its cost and capabilities is an important focus. You may have found what you consider is the "perfect trailer". But are you sure that you can carry the number and weight of cars that you need to become profittable? Will the truck be sufficient to pull it safely and legally? These are important questions you will need the answers to before going any farther.</P>
<P>Will you be able to continue making payments on this equipment should there be some "issues" with your company? What about if the equipment breaks? Will you be able to survive and pay for the repairs? Think hard!</P>
<P>If you have questions, now is the time to jump into the forums and ASK QUESTIONS of other transporters.</P>
<P>You will also need to make a decision on the number of cars you want to typically carry. From experience, under 3 cars is completely unprofitable and you will fight just to survive. You can choose to carry 4 cars which is also a tough market, but can be done. Anything above that number and you will start to look beyond a 1-ton pickup truck. Even with the 4-car trailer, a pickup truck is nearly outclassed by the weight.</P>
<P>Most startup transporters begin by using a truck which they already own. These are typically Dodge 3500 pickup trucks. The major issue that has been seen is in the case of MegaCab or Shortbed pickup trucks. In that case, there is not enough space between the back of the truck cab and the front of the car hauling trailer. If this is the case, contact an administrator on the forum to discuss options with you.</P>
<P>The next option "up" from the pickup truck is a Medium Duty truck. Mostly these trucks come without a bed but from that point forward look identical to a pickup truck. There will be some customization that will need to be completed before that truck is ready to be run down the road. This is typically the best "auto expeditor" class of truck depending on the model. It is capable of pulling trailers of 4 and 5 cars depending on model and configuration of the trailer, etc.</P>
<P>Your second decision which will also assist in confirming the first truck choice is the trailer. The style of trailer, its cost and capabilities is an important focus. You may have found what you consider is the "perfect trailer". But are you sure that you can carry the number and weight of cars that you need to become profittable? Will the truck be sufficient to pull it safely and legally? These are important questions you will need the answers to before going any farther.</P>
<P>Will you be able to continue making payments on this equipment should there be some "issues" with your company? What about if the equipment breaks? Will you be able to survive and pay for the repairs? Think hard!</P>
<P>If you have questions, now is the time to jump into the forums and ASK QUESTIONS of other transporters.</P>