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Post Info TOPIC: A New Vocation
4-door Chevelle


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A New Vocation
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I have been 3 months unemployed now and for various reasons am considering doing something other than what I have done for the last 20 years ... computer support. I would love it to be car related. I think I would be a great service writer at a dealership but just not wanting to work that hard or those hours for something I am not that passionate about. I may have to accept less money than what I have been making so am prepared for that. My son bought a 1998 Camaro that we are getting shipped from Michigan and it sure is taking a long time to get on a truck.

Soooo... anybody have any insight in to driving for a living transporting vehicles? My son wants to do this with me which would be cool. I already know I can't afford the $30,000 to get a 1-ton dually and 3-car wedge so that is out.

Any ideas appreciated!



-- Edited by 4-door Chevelle on Thursday 20th of March 2014 07:26:59 AM

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Darren - Crystal, MN
1972 4-door Chevelle driver/racer
2003 Silverado 1500HD Crew Cab
Lost in the 60s


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As a retired driver I don't encourage anyone from pursuing that vocation. You will spend a lot of time away from home, lots of money on fuel and food and not get enough back to justify the time/expense. You also need to meet/deal with DOT regs and HOS. As a "hotshot" auto transporter, you are locked in a small product window that can involve lots of down time and deadhead between pickups/deliveries. The "per vehicle/mile" rate can seem tempting but with any trucking, if the trailer is empty or not moving, you're losing money.

You could sign on with a major transport as a trainee and see if you like the life, but you will most likely be locked in a contract to work for them for about a year. The usual scenario with that is they say you can be home often but for some reason, once they get you a thousand miles away, they can't find any loads going back to your home town.



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Mitch D.   River Falls, WI

Lifetime member of the "Cars apart Club"

1966 Chevelle SS 396 M20

1970 Chevelle SS 396 M20

1967 Camaro SS/RS 350 M20
4-door Chevelle


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Thanks Mitch. I appreciate the "inside information" that helps me decide on this line of work. I found some 3500 series trucks and a 3-car wedge but they are outside my budget. I will still take one last look at 2 movers in St. Cloud, Parkway and Hasselbring.

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Darren - Crystal, MN
1972 4-door Chevelle driver/racer
2003 Silverado 1500HD Crew Cab
Dan Williams


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Darren, I know Winnebago is backed way up around here with motor homes that need delivery. Maybe you could hook up with Bennett Drive Away, (www.drive4bennettdriveaway.com)  they are the company that has the contracts to deliver all of them. It would maybe give you a feel for what car transporting would be like. Pretty small town here, I pretty much know everybody and don't know anybody that does or has worked for them, but I think they have a deal with Winnebago that they leave the local labor market alone as Winnebago can never find enough help. Maybe not being a local you can get your foot in the door. I have heard that if you can pair up with a partner, like your son, get loads to the same area and pull one vehicle and ride back together, you can make some decent money. You could try it for awhile and pool your cash, maybe you could get the 1 ton dually wedge setup you want. Or maybe you would do it for awhile and you would find out it is not for you and you are not stuck with a truck you can't use. On my way home from the shop, I went by the plant and there are hundreds of units waiting. Just my 2cents



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Forest City, IA
4-door Chevelle


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That does sound interesting Dan so thank you for the tip. I definately will check in to it and report back here. Thank you!

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Darren - Crystal, MN
1972 4-door Chevelle driver/racer
2003 Silverado 1500HD Crew Cab
Dave Seitz


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Darren,
I talked to Mitch and others about driving and all said you better have a good back. Kurt Eastburg used to drive dump truck for asphalt companies and said great pay but long hrs during summer and never see the family. Other have talked about how this does test married life and family involvement with community and church. Driving is no longer a 9-5 career with weekends just a day to pack in even more things and less time at home. Also check out the show shipping wars on what else takes place out there. How about looking at just some of the local delivery services/couriers in town that allow you to drive anything from car to truck?
I just changed careers this year and so far the new company appears to be a step in the right direction for me.


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4-door Chevelle


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Well folks ... as enticing as all this sounds I did land a job doing computer support for a non-profit. I started last Monday and it is a contract job, suppose to last about 2 months but could go permanent if the conditions are right. In the meantime, I will keep my job search alive considering all options but am really looking forward to enjoying the summer season. Thank you all for your valuable input that I really appreciate!

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Darren - Crystal, MN
1972 4-door Chevelle driver/racer
2003 Silverado 1500HD Crew Cab
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