Car delivery/transportation business question

Rick V · 09-07-2013, 02:05 PM

I am currently unemployed and frankly not looking to stay in the auto repair business, so I have been looking to find something else to do. My wife has suggested that I do a car delivery service as in I go anywhere in the country and drive a car to anywhere else in the country. I would of course be licensed, bonded, and insured, but there is one twist. I don't want to do the truck and trailer route since it will require a load to have for a return trip. I was thinking I could fly in to city X, pick up your car and drive it to city Y.
I am a multi-decade mechanic so breakdowns aren't really anything troublesome, and my driving record is clean.
My question is would there be a need for this kind of transportation?

kaisen · 09-07-2013, 02:20 PM

From your perspective it would be less expensive to not have an empty trailer headed back, but would it be less expensive for the customer? My guess is no. You still have to pay for a one-way flight. And you still need to get to their door, on both ends -- from where you live to where the car is, then from where the car is to where it is going, then from where it is going back to where you live. Would you take a cab? Would you expect them to pick you up and/or drop you off at the airport?

If it cost me the same to have my car trailered 1000 miles or have it driven (by a stranger) 1000 miles, I'd always pick the trailer. How much less would it have to be to take all the risks (and wear) associated with someone driving my car?

Pick a lightweight enclosed trailer and you can subscribe to freight-hauling websites to find loads coming or going. Cars, motorcycles, parts, or any other freight that would fit in, say, a 20-24ft enclosed car trailer. You can charge more hauling a car or motorcycle enclosed, and most other freight (think cardboard boxes) needs to be enclosed.

Do you want to buy yourself a job?

Zeke · 09-07-2013, 02:33 PM

Every time this is discussed the consensus is the same. It doesn't work until you reach the point where volume pays dividends. If you want to travel, why not try a little OTR trucking? Not much pay driving for a big shop, but you'll never run a negative. Maybe you'll find a niche and you can lease or buy a rig and do that.

Are you willing to move? I looked at your town on google maps and it looks all but boarded up and broke.

Rick V · 09-07-2013, 02:40 PM

My town is fine and but I wouldn't mind moving. I am actually looking to do that right now. I am just looking to not go back to turning wrenches anymore. It has taken it's toll on my body. I think, with the economy in the toilet I am going to have to go back though, and that isn't a bad thing, I am good at what I do, just kind of looking for a change.

Don Ro · 09-07-2013, 02:49 PM

"Pick a lightweight enclosed trailer and you can subscribe to freight-hauling websites to find loads coming or going. Cars, motorcycles, parts, or any other freight that would fit in, say, a 20-24ft enclosed car trailer."
~~~~~~~~~~~
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Sent a moto from Portland to the SF Bay Area in an enclosed rig with a guy from Texas who had all manner of machinery on pallets inside the trailer. He said he now/then pulled horse trailers as well as boats. He had been doing this for years, so he said.

Zeke · 09-07-2013, 02:57 PM

Have you looked at facilities maintenance? With a mechanical background you can fix and repair a wide variety of things. With shop and business experience you can manage parts and procedures to keep things running. What's the biggest industry in your general area? What's the 2nd?

When I lived in semi rural AL I couldn't quite figure out what was going on besides the usual businesses you find in a town. I didn't know where the overall gross economy came from. Then I realized it was a lot of dairy, which means farming which means support for the agricultural industry. Sort of a trickle down deal.

Everything from recreation to education stemmed from the base industry. There was logging, too. More agriculture, if you will. Out of that came paper mills and so on and so forth.

stomachmonkey · 09-07-2013, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaisen

From your perspective it would be less expensive to not have an empty trailer headed back, but would it be less expensive for the customer? My guess is no. You still have to pay for a one-way flight. And you still need to get to their door, on both ends -- from where you live to where the car is, then from where the car is to where it is going, then from where it is going back to where you live. Would you take a cab? Would you expect them to pick you up and/or drop you off at the airport?

If it cost me the same to have my car trailered 1000 miles or have it driven (by a stranger) 1000 miles, I'd always pick the trailer. How much less would it have to be to take all the risks (and wear) associated with someone driving my car?

Pick a lightweight enclosed trailer and you can subscribe to freight-hauling websites to find loads coming or going. Cars, motorcycles, parts, or any other freight that would fit in, say, a 20-24ft enclosed car trailer. You can charge more hauling a car or motorcycle enclosed, and most other freight (think cardboard boxes) needs to be enclosed.

Do you want to buy yourself a job?

Pretty much.

Bugsinrugs · 09-07-2013, 06:33 PM

I talked to a guy at the Reno car show who hauled cars on an open trailer. Maybe three or four at a time. He said he has never been busier.

PushingMyLuck · 09-07-2013, 09:51 PM

Can you make a post about why you're leaving the auto repair business? It seems like a very healthy business where good technicians who own their shop make a serious living. Seems like it would take a physical toll and get boring after many years, however.

Rick V · 09-08-2013, 05:04 AM

Like I said in post #4 it has taken it's toll on my body, I don't have a single straight finger, Standing on the concrete all day long had wiped out my knees, and the whole psychological portion of always having stuff dropping on my head and no matter what you try to do to keep yourself clean you will always be dirty.

EarlyPorsche · 09-08-2013, 06:29 AM

A reliable diesel truck and good trailer and you shouldn't have any trouble finding loads. Start small maybe a single car enclosed. If you grow a gooseneck and bigger trailer will come.

Rick V · 09-08-2013, 07:52 AM

I already have the truck, and am looking at an 8.5X24 enclosed trailer. Stay tuned.

MotoSook · 09-08-2013, 08:58 AM

Get a bigger one...two cars will improve your return. High ceiling for taller vehicles will widen your load selection.

Quote:

I already have the truck, and am looking at an 8.5X24 enclosed trailer. Stay tuned.

MotoSook · 09-08-2013, 09:00 AM

I ran into a guy at a hotel once and he had an open trailer with three cars on it. He said he was always busy. So maybe open is easier since you won't be limited to guys who only want enclosed trips.

recycled sixtie · recycled sixtie's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by PushingMyLuck

Can you make a post about why you're leaving the auto repair business? It seems like a very healthy business where good technicians who own their shop make a serious living. Seems like it would take a physical toll and get boring after many years, however.

Yes Rick maybe you just need a break from wrenching but perhaps owning your shop you would not have to get your hands dirty but employ others to do the dirty work.
Sitting in the front of the shop you could schedule appointments, order parts, solve peoples' car problems and watch the $$$ roll in. Driving long distance reminds me of long distance trucking - it could get tedious. However you have to do what your heart tells you and what you enjoy. Nothing ventured nothing gained....

Don't forget all those owners of cars who thought you did good work for them would likely follow you.

URY914 · URY914's Garage

I sure hope you will like NEVER being at home. You'll never make money hauling one car at a time.

VaSteve · 09-08-2013, 10:32 AM

I know a local P car guy moving to KS if you want to try your hand getting started. I'm with the others....I don't want people driving my cars as transport....

afterburn 549 · 09-08-2013, 02:23 PM

The KEY to the whole deal, is a Cert. of insurance from the underwriter .( No matter who they are and what they claim !)
It should be mailed or faxed to you , not brought to you by the driver.
Next is air ride .
There are no exceptions to those 2 rules.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick V

I already have the truck, and am looking at an 8.5X24 enclosed trailer. Stay tuned.

You'll need to look into the DOT regs, but at a minimum you will need to run log books and stop at weigh stations with that rig, and possibly need a class B CDL. Doing it right you can only run 11 hours per day.

With all the DOT crap right now, I would not want to be trying to get into the commercial hauling biz. Nothing like having an AZZHOLE dot officer deciding he wants to do a full inspections and holds you up for 3hrs while he fine tooth combs your rig. And I mean pulling wheels off truck and trailer checking brakes. Finds any fluid leaks and your done. Do not pass go, call a tow truck. I sure wouldn't try to do it with your old truck. I've heard of BRAND NEW peterbilts failing inspections because the guy was in a bad mood.

asphaltgambler · 09-08-2013, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PushingMyLuck

Can you make a post about why you're leaving the auto repair business? It seems like a very healthy business where good technicians who own their shop make a serious living. Seems like it would take a physical toll and get boring after many years, however.

You should search this very topic here.......................................I was him a few years ago. There has been much at length discussion