3 Facts About Owning A Dump Truck
Owning your own business driving a dump truck puts you in charge of your career. If you haven't owned or operated a dump truck in the past, however, you may not know much about them or the rules/laws surrounding them. If you think you might want to get a dump truck to start your own business, check out these three facts.
You'll Need a Different License
You probably already have a Class C license because this is what you need to drive most normal vehicles like sedans, pickup trucks, etc. With a Class C license, you can drive a vehicle up to 26,000 pounds, and there is also a limit on how much you can tow. A dump truck alone may weigh more than 26,000 pounds, but once you start hauling stuff, you'll definitely surpass that, which is why you will likely need a different license to drive your dump truck: a commercial license.
Commercial license are mostly used for people who drive big trucks, vans, etc. for deliveries, pickup, etc. There are multiple types of commercial classes, so you'll need to determine which is best for you. With a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL), you can drive a vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more, making it good for tractor-trailers and livestock carriers. A Class B CDL is more common for dump truck drivers because you can carry even more weight, making them good for dump trucks and box trucks.
You'll Want to Install a Tarp System
You'll want to install some kind of tarp system on your dump truck. This will keep the items inside the dump truck safely secured, so they don't fly out and hit anyone else on the road, which can lead to lawsuits and your small company going out of business. In some states, it may even be required by law to have a tarp system, so check with your local and state codes. A good tarp supply company should be able to tell you if it is required.
Some tarps are manual while others are automatic, and because there are multiple different types of dump truck options, there are also lots of different types of tarps from which to choose, including roll tarps. Make sure you talk with your tarp supply company to help them choose a perfect tarp for your truck.
You Can Purchase Used
A dump truck is an investment, especially if you are using it to start a small business. However, it is an expensive investment, making it difficult for people just starting their company. A new dump truck costs between $100,000 and $150,000. For new small business, it is not always possible to spend that much. Luckily, you can get used dump trucks. They are incredibly affordable, starting at $21,000. Lastly, you can lease a dump truck, but because you don't own it, you get no benefits, such as claiming it as an asset.
You'll also want to consider the operating costs. One cost to consider is maintenance. Maintenance on dump trucks is expensive, especially when you have to pay to replace the massive tires. If you aren't careful, and don't get a quality good used truck, you may be paying for a lot of frequent maintenance. You'll also need to pay for insurance, which is usually much cheaper with a used vehicle because it is worth less to replace.
There are many benefits to getting your own dump truck to start your business, but it can be difficult to succeed if you don't know what you're doing. If you are ready to start shopping, get started today by choosing which type of truck and tarp system you want. For more information, contact companies like Glider Systems Inc.