TowRig.com - Diesel Discussion and Tow Tech

Just wondering if anybody has any experience hauling Rv's for any of the companies such as Horizon Transport,or Bennett Transport,etc.
I welcome anybody's insight good or bad into this.
I'm thinking about getting a dually and I'm curious as to if I can make a go at that or should I look into another type of transport.

i read a post little while back about that.looks like that type of work goes on down south.but i could be wrong,someone will chime in about it.

If you are doing it as an income suplment, ie you are already retired and recive a pension or something its not so bad. Other wise it just is not worth it in my mind. I did it for a short time with Quality. One way pay just dont cut it. And with $3.50 fuel all over I cant think that it would be worth it at all

I was thinking as a supplement to my current income.Maybe 1 or 2 loads per month.

Well then it may work out for ya. But as a full time income you really have to run your tail off to make it work. It can be done, your still not gunna get rich doin it but you can get by. As just a little Xtra to do then its not an awful idea

I own and operate a small trucking company and perhaps I can provide you some information.

Hot Shots are drivers and units that provide a 300 mile radius (give or take) service at an expedited schedule. They charge a premium for this as this expedited cargo usually is a partial load that is needed in short time.

RV Transporters do just as the name implies. They are limited to hauling Recreational campers and boats, and while many of these transporters haul other items, a majority of the time they are not insured to do so.

Auto Haulers also have a very specialized insurance and have a higher liability than do most other cargo insurances.

Horizon and companies like them are not well looked upon from the small trucking companies that use 2 ton or smaller trucks. The reasons are simple:

* These drivers are usually forced into hauling from point B back to point A for lower rates or for free. This forces drivers to settle for lower rates in order to pay for fuel and drives the cost of freight so low that Honest Legal Carriers cannot operate.

* The companies that run under these names are basically telling you to sign your personal truck over to them, they will tell you wehre to go and for how much and you can only say yes or no, and if you say no, you will make no money.

* Find a reputable small company that allows you the opportunity to increase your rates, drive when you want and understands that they work for you! They provide loads to your truck and your personal business.

If you want more information just contact me.

Been doing it for almost 5 years and have made a living. Never been FORCED to do anything. I am actually heading to FL this weekend with my 9 year old for some fun in the sun, we will be hauling a trailer down there. I always get a trailer to my vacation destinations, its nice getting paid to go on vacation. The rest of the year I haul when and where I want.

Thanks Tim.I appreciate the info.

I am currently getting everything I need to start transporting trailers. I've got orientation at a company in northern Indiana next week. I am a single guy with no kids that likes to drive. It sounds like a good way to make some decent money. Yes, there is alot of upfront costs and monthly expenses but at 1.50 a mile and 5,000 minimum miles per month I think I will come out ahead. I am new to this game so I will have to learn as I go and try my best. Any more info on this subject is appreciatedwaytogo

So, do you get paid for running empty, back to pickup another RV?

It would sound like he's pullin a trailer, makin that kind of $. Never heard of a company paying that high just for a 5er or bumper pull. Then again, I am usually wrong :rolleyes:.

I only get paid for loaded mles. Hopefully they will get me loads to bring back.

5000 miles a month is really not worth it for you in my opinion sure it may look like you're making some money at the start but once you take into account of mantaining your vehicle...fuel...food and lodging not much left. If you are going to drive for one of the big companies (Quality,Horizon,Hoosier,Star,Jet) 90% of your loads, or more, are going to be with no back hauls but they are a good place to get experience for you. I average about 12,000 miles a month and it's rough right now with fuel and all. The industy is slow right now also...I haul for a small company out of Ca. with a yard in In. also and that's the best thing for you to do as we have just a handfull of drivers and we run all we want. Anyways...good luck.

2005 Dodge 1 Ton 4X4 Cummins Dually
245,000 miles
ATS Transmission

I haul for a small company out of Ca. with a yard in In. also and that's the best thing for you to do as we have just a handfull of drivers and we run all we want.

Do you mind saying who you haul for?

I am currently getting everything I need to start transporting trailers. I've got orientation at a company in northern Indiana next week. I am a single guy with no kids that likes to drive. It sounds like a good way to make some decent money. Yes, there is alot of upfront costs and monthly expenses but at 1.50 a mile and 5,000 minimum miles per month I think I will come out ahead. I am new to this game so I will have to learn as I go and try my best. Any more info on this subject is appreciatedwaytogo
Surely Horizon is not paying $1.50 a mile!!!rotfl Better check into everything before you sign on. :popcorn:

I only get paid for loaded mles. Hopefully they will get me loads to bring back.

Don't count on it. Even if you do, usually by time you go out of your way to get it and get paid at a lower rate its usually better to just go straight back for another. The only backhauls I do are from the dealer I deliver to or within a few miles. I also stay away from used or repo type units to avoid the roadside breakdowns.

Now who is this miracle company...because no body pays 1.50!!! (unless you are leasing to a Canadian company running only Canada loads!)

So, do you get paid for running empty, back to pickup another RV?
C'mon now, we all know no one gets paid to run empty... at least not too where it appears outright! :stir:

I only get paid for loaded mles. Hopefully they will get me loads to bring back.
They are not going to get you anything. Let us know how 'orientation" went.

I only get paid for loaded mles. Hopefully they will get me loads to bring back.

Did you quit already?? Still waiting to hear who is paying $1.50.

All done with my classes and gonna pick up my first trailer on Thurs. morning. The back haul thing doesnt look all that promising but when I pull out on thursday i will be getting 1.30 a mile. If I make a certain amount of miles in a month its another .10 a mile. If I go east or west coast its another .10 a mile. Its gonna be a big learning curve for me since I have never even used a log book, but I am gonna jump into it feet first! Already quit my factory job that was paying me 21.00 bucks an hour to try and make this work! Wish me luck and I ll c ya on the open road!!! HA HAwaytogo

Ahhhhh Jet dedicated. If I'm right enjoy your time with the safety directorrotfl, he's a pain in the but and causes many to leave!! So anyway why the big secret on the company anyway??

All done with my classes and gonna pick up my first trailer on Thurs. morning. The back haul thing doesnt look all that promising but when I pull out on thursday i will be getting 1.30 a mile. If I make a certain amount of miles in a month its another .10 a mile. If I go east or west coast its another .10 a mile. Its gonna be a big learning curve for me since I have never even used a log book, but I am gonna jump into it feet first! Already quit my factory job that was paying me 21.00 bucks an hour to try and make this work! Wish me luck and I ll c ya on the open road!!! HA HAwaytogo
Quit $21/ hr to haul RV's?? :doah: Hope that works for ya. So, who are you pulling for, inquiring minds want to know.:stir: 548, check out this site also www.hotshothauling.com (http://www.hotshothauling.com) Nothing but hotshotters and the like there

Thanks guys. The company is Jet. It was a 3 day class, but kept me fairly interested since this is all new to me. The safety guy seems like he could be a real pain, if you screw up enough. They are really strict on all your paperwork being right, and making sure you are legal. I guess thats good but theres alot to it! Gonna make a short run on thursday, then come back and grab one to go the distance. Still waiting on my passport so ill have to stay out of Canada until it gets here.

Of the big Companies out there you went the right way...Jet is a good company and they pay well...not a lot of back hauls but you can pick up in Twin Falls Idaho and sometimes get backhauls off of Quality's lots. I pull a lot of Jaycos and the company I drive for will use Jet drivers out in Ca. if all our drivers are out and there's a hot load. It's fun going on to Quality's lot in Perris Ca. and picking up a trailer when they have 25 drivers sitting there waiting on a load...kinda feel for them. The safety nazi at Jet is who everyone complains about...I had a pal leave our co. and go to Jet and he quit in 2 mos. and came back just becuase he couldn't handle the guy but I'd just learn what you can from the guy and picture your boot in his ass the other times. Anyways...good luck and be safe...me...I'm off to Florida.

Of the big Companies out there you went the right way...Jet is a good company and they pay well...not a lot of back hauls but you can pick up in Twin Falls Idaho and sometimes get backhauls off of Quality's lots. I pull a lot of Jaycos and the company I drive for will use Jet drivers out in Ca. if all our drivers are out and there's a hot load. It's fun going on to Quality's lot in Perris Ca. and picking up a trailer when they have 25 drivers sitting there waiting on a load...kinda feel for them. The safety nazi at Jet is who everyone complains about...I had a pal leave our co. and go to Jet and he quit in 2 mos. and came back just becuase he couldn't handle the guy but I'd just learn what you can from the guy and picture your boot in his ass the other times. Anyways...good luck and be safe...me...I'm off to Florida.

So who do you haul for??

8 months now, hows it going? :popcorn:

Well with production in the crapper at Jayco, I bet he's sitting home like me. Or he quit long ago.

Not running at all, are you haulin?

Not running at all, are you haulin?

Not really. Maybe one a week. I did 3 for Classic in Sept, 2 to Oklahoma City and 1 to Iowa and its not looking like another before months end. I usually run 7-8000 paid miles and I have done just under 2300 in Sept. July and August were just as bad.

I've hung it up for the most part, have a few regulars that are calling me to do short car hauls on the side. Went and took on a full time gig with the county here... regular pay, 3 day weekend every other, benefits, just have to get used to being cooped up in a shop for 9 hours at a time now!!:eek: Know anyone looking for a 40' gooseneck trailer?

Already quit my factory job that was paying me 21.00 bucks an hour to try and make this work! Wish me luck and I ll c ya on the open road!!! HA HAwaytogo


Wish I could find a $21/hr job. My $.02 you screwed the pooch when you quit that job.

Hows this one. I quit a $31.00/hr job that worked 8 months a yr (road construction) and went to $22.00/hr year round (hauling gas/fuel). Of all the times NOT to jump ship, I pick the time when gas costs so much, I can barely afford it myself :doah:.