transportation advice

[Dhruv Patel]

I'm 19 years old and I'm interested in transporting wood, but I have no knowledge, I was wondering if I can get help from some people and guide me, or if anyone has knowledge about the business.

 

[Michael E]

I think you may have to give more information: What size wood? What quantity? What distance? Also, where are you located? Transportation advice might be different for the US compared to Europe or Asia, for example.

 

[Dhruv Patel]

I don't know all of that yet but I am located in Columbus Ga

 

[Lee192233]

There's a big difference between hauling firewood and saw logs for a mill. I think you need to be more specific before anyone will give you advice.

Good luck!

 

[Dhruv Patel]

Hey, what do you mean by more specific?

 

[Lee192233]

Hey, what do you mean by more specific?

What kind of wood to start with.

 

[Dhruv Patel]

Lets say timber for example

 

[Lee192233]

I can't answer that. I think asking the question and starting a new thread, "What do I need to do/buy/insure to start hauling timber?" would be a good way to start.

Are you looking to haul for someone or starting your own business? Those are two very different ways to get started in any career.

 

[Dhruv Patel]

Im looking at opening a bussiness that hauls wood place to place.

 

[Michael E]

OK, sounds like you are not very specific in your questions because you are not very specific in your plans yet...

Let me begin to tell you about my own - very specific - transportation setup. I only transport firewood, but often over a distance of 300 miles. I use a trailer that is rated at 1500 kg/3300 lb, because my vehicle (2004 BMW 320d station wagon) has a tow capacity of 1600 kg/3500 lb. The trailer has high side walls, so I can really fill it to capacity. Towing the full trailer, I still get 30 miles per gallon of diesel on the highway.

My setup may not apply to your needs. But if you already own a vehicle with some towing capacity, buying a used trailer is a very low-cost way to start a transportation business. Of course, having a commercial truck, crane, fork lift, etc. gives you more possibilities, but at a much higher investment.

 

[GenXer]

Guys that do that around here have a semi and a self loading trailer.