Unfortunately, unless you are able to haul something that every other dry van can't haul, then I think finding a niche pulling a dry van are slim to none, unless you find a shipper who will lock you in with a contract for a killer rate (not likely to happen).

This business eats guys up, and spits them out. It isn't easy.

Some carriers will let you in the door, some won't. I know that Graebel requires at least 2 years HHG experience, with a certain amount of verifiable linehaul, and a minimum of claims. Others, like United and Atlas and Allied, may let you in. Remember, though - if one of those agents turns you down, another agent for the same van line may accept you. United and Atlas and Allied all use independent agents.

 

That's were i'm positive, confident(hopeful). Goal is to get connected with a shipper that ships more exotic freight, not sure who or what, but know when the time is right I'll find them. (and yes... legal exotic loads :lol: )


I could imagine. For what it's worth, moved cars for 1.5 years. Did this while living and working in the NE area. Cold winters, frozen gloves 9 vehicles, 5 of them being SUV'S... Not saying HHG is any easier, been not shy of getting dirty/sweaty/sprains etc etc.


There's nothing worse then going backwards in pay, but if the pay off is worth it as it appears, it'll be an option I leave open to myself to consider. Thanks for the info


seems the spell check is gone.. any one using an updated ver of FireFox should see red lines underneath misspelled words.. select word, right click and you should see a list of suggested words.

 

hey Rev.,never asked you this before,do you do any of the unloading yourself or do you concern yourself more with the inventory and packing type stuff?.
I know that if I was gonna spend that much on labor I would hope I could keep my "lifting" to a mininum.

 

When first arriving at a shipper's home, I do my inventory. I can do an entire house in about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Then I stay in the trailer, doing loading. My labor brings stuff to me. If there is something in the house that I know is going to be tricky getting out, then I am on one end of it. If something is going to be damaged getting it out of the house, I want to be responsible for it (as I can probably prevent it from happening).

 

Rev, how is your labor handled? Is it like a temp service that you pay for at a flat rate and they handle taxes and workers comp? Or are they on Graebels payroll. Do you have control over how many guys you get to do the job, thereby controlling the labor cost?

Also, on other threads I believe you mentioned your not incorporated. That's a lot of 1099 money, I'm wondering why your accountant doesn't have you do an S-corp? Only you and your accountant know your business and situation so I'm not questioning why your set up like that but, I'm wondering how he makes it work for you.

I save money on social sec tax with my S corp but, as you know, I'm in construction, trucking might be different.

How long have you been a O/O? and how long in HHG?

 

If we have an office somewhere near where I'm loading or unloading, I call our office for labor. If we don't, I call another moving company that is nearby. The labor I hire is responsible for their own taxes - they are "technically" not employees. The labor receipt I supply substitutes a 1099 for them. Most of them are not on Graebel's payroll, but are just kept in a "labor pool" by Graebel for contractors that call for labor. I supply workman's comp insurance for the labor.

I always have control over how many men I hire, and, if I know the area, who I hire.

As a single truck O/O, there's really no reason for me to form an S-corp. I manage just fine as a sole proprietor.

I bought my truck in June of 2005, and I was in HHG for about a year and a half before that. I've been driving since 1997.

 

How does that work? Do you carry a workers comp policy? What's the percentage for movers anyway? just curious. For me in construction doing drywall and interior walls and ceilings it's 9%. My brother in law is in roofing, it's 63% :shock:

 

Yes - I have to carry a workman's comp policy for the labor (which frankly sucks). Why I have to carry a workman's comp policy for labor that is technically not even an employee is beyond me. I've argued it until I was blue in the face to no avail. But, my contract states that I must keep a policy active.

I believe it's about 10%. I'd have to call my insurance agent to find out for sure.

Remind me never to go into roofing. :lol:

 

REV.

I was wondering is there a fixed price for the labor u hire? also does your truck have to be a certain color? why did u choose your company over the other HHG companies out there? just curious

thanks jermaine

 

I don't blame ya, I wouldn't like that either. I guess their saving money by making you assume the risk, especially at 10%. Do a lot of guys get injured on the job?