Expert: Bob Stephens - 5/21/2007

Question
I have a small construction business and bought a 24’ racecar (box) trailer to haul tools to a job out of town. Now I’m thinking of putting the trailer to work hauling and was wondering if there is a need for this type trailer. I have been using a Ford F250 diesel to pull it.  If so do I need to get set up with DOT sence the trailer in less than 15,000 lbs

Answer
Hi David.

You may choose to haul cars.  My friend has a 24' race trailer, and realistically, he can only get one car in it.  You could look into hauling high line cars like Porsche, Mercedes, etc.  I know of one guy that makes a good living hauling only Ferraris throughout Florida.  He's built up such a business that owner's call him to ship their cars to the dealer for service.

You will need a DOT number.  If your hauling commercially, it needs to be on your truck.  You should also get commercial liability/cargo insurance.  Don't get caught without it.

Past that, you may also look into hauling cars to the track.  You have the trailer set up for it.  The weekends you don't race, you could have a "package deal" where you delivery and pickup a car from a day or weekend of racing.  Now the logistics and cost may prove to be too much, but it's worth a thought.

I would get legal, form an LLC, or whatever and call on high end dealers.  Mr Wealthy buys that Ferrari, he doesn't want to put 200 miles on it driving home, he wants it shipped!  There is where you come in!

Good luck!

Bob Stephens