Start-Up Advice for New End Dump Business

Jun 28, 2018 at 01:44 PM CST + 3 - 1
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. So I am brand new to the end dump business. I have done my math and I know what my break even point is, but I'm a little unsure what the market is like. I have been hesitant to provide haul rates because I don't really have a good feel for what the going rates are right now. I'm definitely not too impressed with some of the offers I have received so far, but I'm guessing that could be because I'm new. I don't want to haul too cheap because that's not good for anybody, but looking for a place to start. I have been told around $2.50 - $3.00 per mile is a realistic expectation. I'm also wondering if this is all miles or just loaded miles? Any thoughts, guidance or information would be greatly appreciated.

Replied on Thu, Jun 28, 2018 at 02:46 PM CST + 2
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. Just loaded and you will be lucky to get that.

Replied on Thu, Jun 28, 2018 at 05:59 PM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. This isn't something you just want to jump into. First check and see if you can get insurance, endumps are considered High risk, most insurance companies won't write a policy for them, and the ones that do usually require verifiable experience. Dumps are tricky, tip over easily and often hit overhead objects like power lines, resulting in death, so insurance companies don't like them. The best thing you can do is lease on to a company that specializes in dumps, and learn the ropes. After you do all of that, you will have a idea of what to expect, and where the market is. Everyone thinks the grass is greener on the other side, until they get there, most segments of trucking are about the same, when it's all said and done, it's not how much you gross that matters, it's what you walk away in your pocket after expenses that counts. ( It also explains the high turnover rate in trucking). Good luck.

Replied on Thu, Jun 28, 2018 at 05:59 PM CST

Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.

This isn't something you just want to jump into. First check and see if you can get insurance, endumps are considered High risk, most insurance companies won't write a policy for them, and the ones that do usually require verifiable experience. Dumps are tricky, tip over easily and often hit overhead objects like power lines, resulting in death, so insurance companies don't like them. The best thing you can do is lease on to a company that specializes in dumps, and learn the ropes. After you do all of that, you will have a idea of what to expect, and where the market is. Everyone thinks the grass is greener on the other side, until they get there, most segments of trucking are about the same, when it's all said and done, it's not how much you gross that matters, it's what you walk away in your pocket after expenses that counts. ( It also explains the high turnover rate in trucking). Good luck.

Replied on Thu, Jun 28, 2018 at 06:52 PM CST + 1 - 1
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. I really dont understand why people thumbs down someone asking for advice or being new. Someone please explain that to me...in detail.... I have no end dump experience so i cant provide an opinion on expenses. But if you can keep alot of your miles loaded, you can make money at those rates, in my opinion. just make good relationships with good companies and be safe and the rest will take care of itself

Replied on Thu, Jun 28, 2018 at 06:52 PM CST

+ 1 - 1

Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.

I really dont understand why people thumbs down someone asking for advice or being new. Someone please explain that to me...in detail....

I have no end dump experience so i cant provide an opinion on expenses. But if you can keep alot of your miles loaded, you can make money at those rates, in my opinion. just make good relationships with good companies and be safe and the rest will take care of itself

Replied on Thu, Jun 28, 2018 at 07:56 PM CST + 1
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. Thank you Dale! No worries, I wouldn't have posted to an online forum if I didn't have thick skin! I'm honestly interested in hearing it all, the good, the bad and the ugly!

Replied on Thu, Jun 28, 2018 at 09:34 PM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. End dump work seems to be very seasonal. You may have to pivot to different things in different seasons. I couldn't figure out how to make money with end dumps in NC so we parked our 6 trailers.

Replied on Fri, Jun 29, 2018 at 12:29 AM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. Quote: "End dump work seems to be very seasonal. You may have to pivot to different things in different seasons. I couldn't figure out how to make money with end dumps in NC so we parked our 6 trailers." Any for sale?

Replied on Fri, Jun 29, 2018 at 02:26 AM CST + 1 - 1
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. I've been end dumping OTR for the last 3.5 years. business is booming plenty of money to be made. call me I'll tell you everything I've learned. 435 214 9077 Brian

Replied on Fri, Jun 29, 2018 at 06:34 AM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. Is there any segment of trucking that isn't booming right now in the trump economy? Good money can be made anywhere, but what is the definition of good money? A carpenter working seasonally at 40-50hours a week, making 70k a year with full benefits, would say he's making good money, while a trucker who works 70-80 hours a week all year long, would tell you 70k is good money.

Replied on Fri, Jun 29, 2018 at 06:34 AM CST

Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.

Is there any segment of trucking that isn't booming right now in the trump economy? Good money can be made anywhere, but what is the definition of good money? A carpenter working seasonally at 40-50hours a week, making 70k a year with full benefits, would say he's making good money, while a trucker who works 70-80 hours a week all year long, would tell you 70k is good money.

Replied on Fri, Jun 29, 2018 at 08:17 AM CST + 1
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. Maybe look into hourly construction work because any brokered dump load we see are around the $2.50 mile range and flatbed loads we haul are $3.50 up to $5.00 a mile. That's here in the midwest I'm sure it's up or down in other parts of the USA. With flatbed freight your deadhead/empty miles are minimal and you don't have that "Trickbag" backhaul thing going on. It always seems there's dump trailer or bulk loads available but there's always the middle man with his hand in the pot getting his cut. Find some direct haul customers/clients if you can ride the time it takes to get paid. Otherwise most brokers want to charge 2.5 to 5 points on your money to pay you early unless you use a factoring company it's the same scheme with some glorified terms. So make sure you have done your research and have enough capital to ride it out for the first 90 days without seeing any pay otherwise the vultures will pick through you like you roadkill. Our insurance on our dumps is higher on replacement value over other trailers, but the cargo is the same because most loads don't have a value over $25,000. Of course those factors depend on the area you operate and if you plan to haul any Haz Mat. Good luck and of all the advice you receive remember one thing, you are entering into a tough game and the competition is tougher. Many will offer good advice and some will steer you in a direction of doom.

Replied on Fri, Jun 29, 2018 at 08:17 AM CST

+ 1

Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.

Maybe look into hourly construction work because any brokered dump load we see are around the $2.50 mile range and flatbed loads we haul are $3.50 up to $5.00 a mile. That's here in the midwest I'm sure it's up or down in other parts of the USA. With flatbed freight your deadhead/empty miles are minimal and you don't have that "Trickbag" backhaul thing going on.
It always seems there's dump trailer or bulk loads available but there's always the middle man with his hand in the pot getting his cut. Find some direct haul customers/clients if you can ride the time it takes to get paid. Otherwise most brokers want to charge 2.5 to 5 points on your money to pay you early unless you use a factoring company it's the same scheme with some glorified terms. So make sure you have done your research and have enough capital to ride it out for the first 90 days without seeing any pay otherwise the vultures will pick through you like you roadkill.
Our insurance on our dumps is higher on replacement value over other trailers, but the cargo is the same because most loads don't have a value over $25,000. Of course those factors depend on the area you operate and if you plan to haul any Haz Mat.
Good luck and of all the advice you receive remember one thing, you are entering into a tough game and the competition is tougher. Many will offer good advice and some will steer you in a direction of doom.

Replied on Fri, Jun 29, 2018 at 12:00 PM CST + 1
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. Shoot me an email, we move bulk feed ingredients out of MD, PA, IN, OH, NC, etc. [email protected]

Replied on Sat, Jun 30, 2018 at 10:07 AM CST - 1
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. Dale, are you ever looking for trucks in Milbank? I live in Milbank and I am looking. Thanks Jeremy I have a hopper and can pull live bottom.

Replied on Sat, Jun 30, 2018 at 03:40 PM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. Give me a buzz some time. 605-467-0732. Maybe we can meet up and chat sometime. I hate to make working relationships without a drink or two... seems irrational

Replied on Mon, Jul 02, 2018 at 10:20 AM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. I here in newport news ,

Replied on Mon, Jul 02, 2018 at 02:33 PM CST - 1
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.	Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member. You need a company that specializes primarely in dump freight. Page Transportation has 15 offices all over the country. My office is based near Charlotte NC and have no issue staying busy year round. It is all about the customer base and amount of time in business. We lease on trucks or you can run under your authority with your equipment and we can route and dispatch you. If you are interested, please give me a call... Sherry Quinn.. 704-964-8877, i will be glad to talk to you .

Replied on Mon, Jul 02, 2018 at 02:33 PM CST

- 1

Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.

You need a company that specializes primarely in dump freight. Page Transportation has 15 offices all over the country. My office is based near Charlotte NC and have no issue staying busy year round. It is all about the customer base and amount of time in business. We lease on trucks or you can run under your authority with your equipment and we can route and dispatch you. If you are interested, please give me a call... Sherry Quinn.. 704-964-8877, i will be glad to talk to you .

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