Building a car hauler business

I talk to thousands of car haulers a year... some successful... some less so. The successful car haulers have a few things in common.

1. They establish their own relationships with key customers like dealers, moving companies, collectors, etc.

2. They actively market themselves... make phone calls, pass out business cards, follow-up with people.

3. They totally dedicate themselves to quality service... this means returning phone calls in a timely fashion. Following up on quotes. Providing EXCEPTIONAL service.

4. They always ask for more money, and they effectively communicate that this is a business necessity, not just desire for more money. Good customers will understand and pay. Bad customers will take their low-paying work to some other poor S.O.B.

5. They maintain their truck and equipment adequately, and understand what it costs them to run that truck. They have proper insurances.

6. They keep accurate business records of what trips cost and how much they made. In short, they know how much their making or losing.

7. They take the long view, and always do what's right for their customers. This leads to repeat business and referrals.

8. Later on, they do the fancier things like get a website, sales people, etc. But first, they make sure they are delivering good service to good customers who pay their bills.

9. They are willing to fire bad customers. A bad customer is one who provides incomplete information. A bad customer is one who doesn't pay when they agreed to pay.

10. They recognize that if they are running a business and act accordingly-- that means that if they aren't hauling cars, they're dialing for dollars to find new customers... not just trolling load boards, hoping for a miracle.

I will be getting out of the army in 6 months or so. I have been looking at a dodge 4500 and a take 3 3/4 car trailer. I will be moving back to Indianapolis IN is there a market for car haulers in the mid west. Ive looked into insurance cost ECT im just trying to see if its worth trying. I also need to find a start up plan for this type of buisness

I am just trying to figure out what I need to do to start a car hauling business. I have a diesel truck I just need to know where I can get a trailer. And, what is needed to be done before I can start this business. Any ideas out there or any advice email me.

The most important thing to remember when getting into car hauling is insurance. CYA meaning Cover Your A$@. I'm the Regional Ops Manager for a car hauling and brokering outfit. I've helped a couple of friends start up their own rigs. It's not hard. You have your truck already. Just buy yourself a 3 car wedge( you can find them at auctions Kauffamn is a decent brand) get the insurance you need, and register with the website Central Dispatch and your ready to go... Or are you? Ask yourself some questions. Do you have the capital to work out of pocket for a month before the money rolls in, or will you need to take loads that are all COD(cash on delivery) or quick pay( pay within so many days after you fax in the bills less a whatever % fee) I'm not trying to discourage you. There is money to be made. But make sure you make the wise choices. If you have any questions feel free to email me directly and I will answer them best as I can, or get the answers for you. Heather@jamupautotransport.com