Hauling rates question - Diesel Forum

Roy_Boy · 03-02-2006, 11:00 PM

Looking for input on how much to charge to haul an oversize load for a custom harvester about 100 miles a few times a year. It would be loaded one way, empty back home, empty to pick up again, and loaded back home. (Self- propelled chopper). I have all the permits and insurance, CDL, etc, was thinking about $2.50 per loaded mile, but some input from you all? Thanks.

tall_green · 03-02-2006, 11:35 PM

Figure time,vehicle,drive,fuel,profit.

I would charge one single price after all of that is put into consideration first but with plenty of profit left over but don't over do it because then the guy will say "your f***ing crazy" like i been told to by some penny-pinching tight wad's in my life.

I say this since you say it's not consistent towing or a contract and because it's not much of a drive it sounds like.

How much weight are you hauling and what are you hauling it with?

Dually or medium duty,class 8?

LongRider · 03-03-2006, 12:22 AM

<font color="green">For a hundred mile trip with a gooseneck load of cattle, or one head for that matter, I get minimum of $300.

No permits, escorts, wide-load banners, etc.

What you are describing is something not everyone can/will haul.

I would want at least $450 for the first hundred miles.

People that don't pay the expenses of running a truck might have a spasm; but, if it don't pay good, don't fool with it. </font>

Roy_Boy · 03-03-2006, 10:52 AM

Ok, you all can stone me now, I am using the truck in my sig/ picture. The chopper is supposed to weigh 22,000. I have a feeling it is more than that. If it's any more than 24,000 no way will I haul it. The other problem is the height, I think it will be like 14'9" on my trailer. I am permitted for 16' high, but I know you are responsible if you hit a line or anything. You don't need an escort, but I think you are supposed to check the heights. It's not a bad drive, only a few small country towns, otherwise good state highways all the way. The only reason I consider it is it can help a lot to justify the expense of the truck/ trailer/ permits/ insurance, as I have the rig mainly to get farm equipment to my shop for repair.
Alright, you all can blast me now and tell me how crazy I am. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

4WHEEL · 03-03-2006, 11:50 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Ok, you all can stone me now, I am using the truck in my sig/ picture. The chopper is supposed to weigh 22,000. I have a feeling it is more than that. If it's any more than 24,000 no way will I haul it. The other problem is the height, I think it will be like 14'9" on my trailer. I am permitted for 16' high, but I know you are responsible if you hit a line or anything. You don't need an escort, but I think you are supposed to check the heights. It's not a bad drive, only a few small country towns, otherwise good state highways all the way. The only reason I consider it is it can help a lot to justify the expense of the truck/ trailer/ permits/ insurance, as I have the rig mainly to get farm equipment to my shop for repair.
Alright, you all can blast me now and tell me how crazy I am. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

1 pulling that much weight is going to be a bi#@h on your truck
2 14'9 on small back roads chances are good your going to catch a telephone line crossing the road to a resident or at least a tree limb into the glass on the cab of the machine (if it has one)
3 you might want to call your insurance rep. because most policys do not cover you if you are hauling for hire(unless you tell them)

The list can go on and on.
I am not trying to be negative just a few things that I have ran into in the past so take it with a grain of salt.

fred_1 · 03-03-2006, 04:09 PM

I have hauled many loads like yours on my triple axle dove tail both width and heigth wise. If I couldn't make about 500.00 on that load I would pass on it to hard on equipment for one thing.

WVBartman · 03-03-2006, 05:26 PM

Roy: I pay $2.09 for a regular load, $3.50 for over width (no flag cars)includes permits, this is based on ROUNDTRIP mileage, not one-way. Yes, it is a 80,000 lb road tractor and trailer, you may be able to operate your rig cheaper since initial cost is lower. Just some numbers for your consideration.

Leader · 03-03-2006, 08:33 PM

I deal with oversized loads everyday. No way he can get that load hauled for under $500. I'd be surprised if he finds someone to do it under $1000.

tall_green · 03-03-2006, 10:01 PM

What kind of trailer you have?

I would prefer a lowboy since its safer for stuff thats top heavy and when the weight isn't distributed evenly.

Duallys are safer and more reliable but you can get by using a srw pick-up.I use mine all the time but im replacing tires more often.They get eaten fast when towing heavy.

Roy_Boy · 03-03-2006, 10:46 PM

Roy_Boy · 03-03-2006, 10:51 PM

Roy_Boy · 03-03-2006, 10:54 PM

T_Bone · 03-03-2006, 11:53 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Ok, you all can stone me now, I am using the truck in my sig/ picture. The chopper is supposed to weigh 22,000. I have a feeling it is more than that. If it's any more than 24,000 no way will I haul it. The other problem is the height, I think it will be like 14'9" on my trailer. I am permitted for 16' high, but I know you are responsible if you hit a line or anything. You don't need an escort, but I think you are supposed to check the heights. It's not a bad drive, only a few small country towns, otherwise good state highways all the way. The only reason I consider it is it can help a lot to justify the expense of the truck/ trailer/ permits/ insurance, as I have the rig mainly to get farm equipment to my shop for repair.
Alright, you all can blast me now and tell me how crazy I am. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi Roy,

I don't think you'll do it with a stock truck. Your clutch will be the weak link.

I pulled 31kGCW this past summer, 2-ag-tractors, and at 26kGCW I felt was about a maximum cost effective load weight. I used 1800rpm to pull the load weight and the same rpm I use to pull my RV at 16kGCW, however I then added another tractor for 31k and that was a huge weight increase for my truck and I now had to use 2200rpm to maintain 50mph to 60mph on flat roads. If I was not careful upon acelleartion I could slip my clutch by adding fuel pedal too fast. My truck has 23k miles so it's like new.

Your going to be at about 39kGCW loaded. Can you load the chopper on the trailer to where the load weight is directly over the trailer axles? Or will some of the load weight be shifted forward? I don't think your SRW will take the pin weight if the load sits forward of your trailer axles.

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

Leader · 03-04-2006, 01:28 AM

The higher end of that is because of hieght but that's what YOU have. Charge for what YOU are goimg to go down the road with. Most of that charge is just being oversize.

Roy_Boy · 03-04-2006, 10:34 AM