You cannot be all things to all people. If I were you, I would stick with one thing and do it well. Once you establish yourself and build your bank then expand into other areas, if that is what you want. A good way to lose your shirt is to diversify too much and too quickly. You are not going to get rich with a single truck and driver. There isn't much profit in owning a single truck with one driver. I can cite a number of pitfalls to having drivers, especially one or two. Anyone who has had drivers can tell you some real horror stories. Finding quality drivers can be difficult. Unless you have some driving experience and have run your truck yourself you are more vulnerable to having a driver take advantage of you. You can make a good living if you own and drive the truck yourself.

 

Yes! To some extend, i believe it is. But i don't think, he meant a single truck.. :roll:

 

It might help you being a broker if you had several trucks. A shipper could consider that an asset since you could guarantee capacity. The main reason some shippers tell me they prefer dealing with brokers is that they can cover their loads with a single phone call. They would prefer the broker do all the calling than them. It makes is easier for the broker to cover loads when he owns the trucks.

 

Question for those of you that run flat bed , how many loads ( % ) that would be secured on a standard 48' 102" trailer with tarps , would you not be able to haul if you were using a QuickDraw system , I understand over sized would be out , but how many normal loads would you miss out on ?

The QuickDraw tarp systems do seem amazingly convenient . just curious as to there draw backs .

 

You should be able to haul about anything with a quick draw system as you could with a standard flat providing it will fit on the deck. The down side would be that you may want to go with a 96" wide trailer rather than a 102". If I remember correctly, the quick draw extends the trailer width about 2" on each side. If your trailer is already 102", then you will be over width. Any state could conceivably ticket you for being over width if you exceed 102" wide. Arkansas has been known to bet a bit aggressive in this type of enforcement. Some freight requires a 102" wide trailer. I have lost very few loads with a 96" trailer. With the quick draw, you could haul lumber, steel or just about anything else that will fit. You could also haul some van freight. It would give you some versatility. There is a little more maintenance associated with this type of tarp. Rollers will need to be lubricated and extra care may need to be taken when in snow and ice as you could get some buildup on the railing. If you are being side loaded and a fork lift operator bumps your trailer too hard, it could damage your rail where the tarp will not close. Unless you want to haul over-sized loads it should save you some time.

 

I don't know haw to say this gently but, Gman missed it, you can put a rolling tarp 102" trailer and be legal

Fron OOIDA:

You should be aware that a rolling tarp system can add several inches to the width of your trailer, depending on the manufacturer and how you choose to have it installed. The Code of Federal Regulations in 23 CFR, Ch. 1, §658.17(c) states, "Safety devices, as defined in §658.5(g) or as determined by the states as necessary for the safe and efficient operation of motor vehicles shall not be included in the calculation of width. Safety devices not specifically enumerated in §658.5(g) may not extend beyond three inches on each side of a vehicle. No device included in this subsection shall have, by its design or use, the capability to carry cargo."

Some truckers whose 102-inch wide trailers are equipped with tarping systems have reported to OOIDA that they received tickets for violation of maximum width regulations. The problem seems to lie in the lack of a clear understanding of the regulations by some enforcement personnel.

Tarping systems were not initially named in federal regulations as safety devices. In the 1980s, manufacturers and other interested parties asked the FHWA to clarify CMV width (and length) limitations. FHWA’s clarification was published in the Federal Register on March 13, 1987, and is found in Volume 52, No. 49, pages 7834-7835. In paragraph 9b, FHWA clearly exempts "tarp and tarp hardware" and "tiedown assembly on platform trailers" when determining the width of a CMV.

 

Your advice reminds me of my favorite movie - "The City Slickers"

 

Another useful advice I can give myself is "ride the horse in the direction it is going". I ran into the expression while reading a great book called "The Perfect Business" by Michael LeBouff http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Busine...3352466&sr=1-1

The book is about how you should use your natural talents and skills (as opposed to what other people might tell you're good at) and start a one-man business. The author calls such businesses "micro-businesses" and he himself became a public speaker specializing in time management advice. He made his first million after 5 years (after he quit his job as university professor).

My late Dad always used to tell me I was not a "technical person". He'd be quite amazed to see me operating a 70 foot tractor-trailer Personally I think I can be a better freight broker than a driver because my natural forte is in working with information not machinery.

I also think there's a lot of unhappy drivers in this industry because they do it only for the money and not because they are good at it or enjoy it.

 

I think brainstorming is a great idea, -but not with a general audience. Most successful operators 'will' not' guide you in the right direction 'lest U start eating of their profits.

I belive this would have some benefit to a 'close circle' of individuals like friends and family.

I'm starting a private forum to discuss potential biz ideas and their implementation with friends and family. Need to start inviting them via email/phone with link to such.

Happy brainstorming!

 

All I can tell you is that Arkansas has made a fortune targeting these type of trailers that are 102" wide that have the Conestoga or similar tarping systems. The wider tarping systems are not necessarily a safety feature. They are more a matter of convenience. Alternative methods of tarping are available which would not widen the trailer width beyond 102". If it were me, I would not want to take the chance of a ticket. There have been many trucks that have been cited for being over width with them. I think they are a great idea, but unless I was assured that I could legally operate in my service area, I would either find a 96" trailer or go with an alternative, such as a side kit.