About Bob Stephens Expertise If you need advice on truck and trailer purchasing, DOT regulations, start up costs, I can help. I also can help new drivers pick a company thats best fits them, what to look for in a company and what to expect if your new to truck driving. If your starting a business, what commodities to haul, working with Brokers and more.
Experience 16 years in the Trucking Industry. 8 years as an over-the-road driver traveling cross country. 4 years as a local driver in Chicago and Tampa, Fl. 4 years as co-owner of a small trucking company.
Organizations American Trucking Association
Education/Credentials AA, 1991, Liberal Studies, Purdue University
Awards and Honors Numerous Safe Drving Awards with the American Trucking Association.
Question Hey Bob,
I have a 2006 f-350 PSD,CC,LB, I want to start hauling somethng with it and put it to work, and make a little extra money. Do you have any suggestions? I live here in Bradenton FL, And run a Small horse boarding facilty with my wife. I thought of hauling new horse trailers for companies, but dont know where to start or what i need.
Do i need a CDL, or a DOT number? Or is there any need for this seems how i live here in south west fl?
Thanks for any advice you can give me!!!!
Have a great day
Casey
Answer Hi Casey.
You may look into hauling palm trees for Nursuries in your area. You may have to buy a flatbed trailer, but it opens up a bigger market for you. Then contact Turner Tree in Bradenton or Amerson Nursery in Terra Ceia about hauling trees for them.
Also, contact all the trailer manufacturers in the area, along with all trailer sales companies. If you want to specialize in Horse Trailers, I would contact the manufacturers directly and find out who is in charge of shipping. It won't be that easy, so keep at it. Companies like O'dells in Clearwater are not big, but would be worth a stop by on a sales call. There are a ton of trailer companies in the Tampa Bay area. Look also in the Yellow Pages.
There is also a big need for hauling campers to Florida from up North. If your willing to do this, stop into some of the local RV dealerships. I know there are a few big ones in Plant City and North Port.
Finally, you shouldn't need a CDL, but might have to get a DOT number. Go to www.myflorida.com and contact the state for exacts.
Finally, go to sites like www.expeditorsonline.com and www.ooida.com for help.
