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 Hi, my name is William and I'm 18. My parents have a carpet business but i don't want to go that route. I want to haul cars for myself using a 3 car trailer and dually. I've started on my business plan, but I'm at a stand still for finding the work. I live in Greenville, NC and graduate in June and want to start right after graduation. Could you please give me so advise looking for business and getting started, before investing my money into buying truck, trailer, and insurance any advice will be helpful thank you.
Answer Hi William.
Sorry about the delay, but sometimes I have to hop in the truck myself. I would start looking at other hot shot businesses in your area. Or, other guys running a hot shot car hauler. Basically, you'll find the work in one of three ways.
One, lease out to a company and let them find the loads.
Two, advertise on your own and put your name out there.
Three, call load brokers for loads.
I would contact all the car haulers I could in NC, SC, GA, VA, etc. They often will subcontract out loads that they cannot cover.
Next, hit up car dealers, auto auctions, and any performance shops in your area. Have a brochure and a business card. Drop it off and keep calling on them for loads.
Finally, advertise! Get into as many publications as you can that may need autos hauled. The phone book is a great start, but expensive. Keep it simple. Look into small ads in specialty magazines like "Grassroots Motorsports". Guys are buying and selling race course across the country. Look into your local auto/truck trader and places like that.
Getting your name out there is half the battle. Don't be afraid to do some cold calling, either. Focus on some businesses local to you that haul cars, or receive them, and it will make it easy on you.
