I've got a friend who's making a long distance move. We've been discussing moving strategies and I've proposed the idea of buying a box truck locally to then sell on the other side once moved in instead of a one-way truck rental. Anybody do this (or think about it) and have some insights or pointers?
Moving trucks
- Thread starter drew gandy
- Start date
Re: Moving trucks
Seems like a gamble. I have been considering doing it with a motorcycle. Seems like if you had a really good dedal lined up it might work. Have you thought about the purchase tax and out of state title transfer stuff?
Seems like a gamble. I have been considering doing it with a motorcycle. Seems like if you had a really good dedal lined up it might work. Have you thought about the purchase tax and out of state title transfer stuff?
Re: Moving trucks
By the time you pay for insurance, there probably isn't a huge advantage.
I would get a quote from ABF and similar vendors first.
By the time you pay for insurance, there probably isn't a huge advantage.
I would get a quote from ABF and similar vendors first.
Re: Moving trucks
It depends on where you're coming from and going to.
Differences do exist in local market value for things like box trucks. If you're moving from a location where box trucks are abundant and cheap to a location where box trucks are scarce and expensive... the business model of buy what you drive could well work-out. If it's the other-way around, then the rental is probably a better choice.
It depends on where you're coming from and going to.
Differences do exist in local market value for things like box trucks. If you're moving from a location where box trucks are abundant and cheap to a location where box trucks are scarce and expensive... the business model of buy what you drive could well work-out. If it's the other-way around, then the rental is probably a better choice.
Re: Moving trucks
You will probably do better by packing their stuff into one of those containers that a service picks up and delivers. I would not want to be caught in middle America (or wherever) in a broken down truck that I own. Assuming that it will make it to the other side and that your friend will be able to recoup most of its value is a wager I wouldn't take.
You will probably do better by packing their stuff into one of those containers that a service picks up and delivers. I would not want to be caught in middle America (or wherever) in a broken down truck that I own. Assuming that it will make it to the other side and that your friend will be able to recoup most of its value is a wager I wouldn't take.
Silas Pradetto
Graduate Student
Re: Moving trucks
Commercial rentals are not expensive, usually around 15 cents per mile. If a cross country move is going to cost him $500 for the rental, just pay it. The 'residential' rates are usually $1 per mile, and that's where it gets expensive. Go to the local Penske, Budget, or other truck place and talk to them.
As others have said, registration, insurance, and other costs are going to be significantly higher than $500. And he has to pay for fuel either way.
Commercial rentals are not expensive, usually around 15 cents per mile. If a cross country move is going to cost him $500 for the rental, just pay it. The 'residential' rates are usually $1 per mile, and that's where it gets expensive. Go to the local Penske, Budget, or other truck place and talk to them.
As others have said, registration, insurance, and other costs are going to be significantly higher than $500. And he has to pay for fuel either way.
Re: Moving trucks
My pointer is "don't do it."
Shit a transmission in a medium duty truck in the Middle of Nowhere® (like Kansas) and wait for a week to get parts, another week for the rebuild and $2,500 - $4,000 worth of wallet lightening.
Just reading Silas' post, while commercial rentals have cheaper mileage charges they're usually based on returning the truck to the renting location. Driving a unit 1,000 miles to return it may well eat up the savings by the time he pays the extra mileage and fuel and either hires a friend to make the trip and return the truck or does it himself and flies back to the destination.
It's a gamble. Does he feel lucky?
My pointer is "don't do it."
Shit a transmission in a medium duty truck in the Middle of Nowhere® (like Kansas) and wait for a week to get parts, another week for the rebuild and $2,500 - $4,000 worth of wallet lightening.
Just reading Silas' post, while commercial rentals have cheaper mileage charges they're usually based on returning the truck to the renting location. Driving a unit 1,000 miles to return it may well eat up the savings by the time he pays the extra mileage and fuel and either hires a friend to make the trip and return the truck or does it himself and flies back to the destination.
It's a gamble. Does he feel lucky?
Silas Pradetto
Graduate Student
Re: Moving trucks
Another option I just thought of:
There are web sites where truckers post availability, or where businesses post requested routes, and truckers take them. The friend might try to post on such a site that he wants to make a trip from point A to point B and hope that there's an empty truck going that way.
Alternatively, he could probably just book a full-truckload freight shipment with Freightquote or other shipping service. Full truckloads are cheap, and he wouldn't even have to drive.
Another option I just thought of:
There are web sites where truckers post availability, or where businesses post requested routes, and truckers take them. The friend might try to post on such a site that he wants to make a trip from point A to point B and hope that there's an empty truck going that way.
Alternatively, he could probably just book a full-truckload freight shipment with Freightquote or other shipping service. Full truckloads are cheap, and he wouldn't even have to drive.
Re: Moving trucks
Or he could stack it up on pallets, shrink wrap it, and send it Forward Air (www.forwardair.com) for a surprisingly reasonable amount of money.
Or he could stack it up on pallets, shrink wrap it, and send it Forward Air (www.forwardair.com) for a surprisingly reasonable amount of money.
Re: Moving trucks
I like the sealed container approach if the price is right, but check rates and compare... It seems testing a used truck's reliability by filling it up and driving it cross country is a gamble with more downside risk than upside reward.
JR
I like the sealed container approach if the price is right, but check rates and compare... It seems testing a used truck's reliability by filling it up and driving it cross country is a gamble with more downside risk than upside reward.
JR
Re: Moving trucks
Pallertize it and contact entertainment trucking companies. They have fairly clean , air ride trailers.
A lot of times trucks are dead heading to or from a tour with less than a full load and you can purchase the leftover space.
You will need to provide a hassle free drop off zone that can accomdate 72feet of tractor/trailer and the loading/unloading labour.
Pallertize it and contact entertainment trucking companies. They have fairly clean , air ride trailers.
A lot of times trucks are dead heading to or from a tour with less than a full load and you can purchase the leftover space.
You will need to provide a hassle free drop off zone that can accomdate 72feet of tractor/trailer and the loading/unloading labour.
Re: Moving trucks
I have been in various parts of the automotive business and have access to a full time big truck mechanic and fully equipped shop. I have owned and also been in charge of several box trucks with my sound company and the previous one I worked for. I am currently purchasing another 26 foot International box truck for my business in the next month or so. If you wanted to own a box truck it might give you an excuse to take the plunge but as far as just buying for the one trip and selling on the other end NO NO NO NO. Every suggestion above involves far less risk and capital outlay. More importantly all the other suggestions pretty much guarantee your cargo will arrive at your destination in a timely manner.
Another big issue is resale value. Unless you know FOR SURE there is a better market by a large percentage on the other end you are asking for trouble. The cheaper trucks are much harder to sell in my area and the possibility of a breakdown is HUGE if you don't have a professional truck mechanic go over it first. Any and all problems are exponentially more expensive than a passenger car or truck. A truck that has lower mileage and is newer costs thousands more and you are talking about investing many thousands of dollars to save a few hundred. If you do this make sure you get a steal of a deal to even stand a chance of recovering your investment.
The other gotcha is tag, title, insurance, and DOT compliance. If you are going interstate you will need a DOT number, A DOT medical card, and up to date and accurate log books. Even the mid sized U-haul trucks require this and require passing through all weigh stations.
It seems like a good idea at first glance if you have never had any experience with a box truck but my advice to a friend would be DON'T DO IT. Hope this helps.
-Eric
I have been in various parts of the automotive business and have access to a full time big truck mechanic and fully equipped shop. I have owned and also been in charge of several box trucks with my sound company and the previous one I worked for. I am currently purchasing another 26 foot International box truck for my business in the next month or so. If you wanted to own a box truck it might give you an excuse to take the plunge but as far as just buying for the one trip and selling on the other end NO NO NO NO. Every suggestion above involves far less risk and capital outlay. More importantly all the other suggestions pretty much guarantee your cargo will arrive at your destination in a timely manner.
Another big issue is resale value. Unless you know FOR SURE there is a better market by a large percentage on the other end you are asking for trouble. The cheaper trucks are much harder to sell in my area and the possibility of a breakdown is HUGE if you don't have a professional truck mechanic go over it first. Any and all problems are exponentially more expensive than a passenger car or truck. A truck that has lower mileage and is newer costs thousands more and you are talking about investing many thousands of dollars to save a few hundred. If you do this make sure you get a steal of a deal to even stand a chance of recovering your investment.
The other gotcha is tag, title, insurance, and DOT compliance. If you are going interstate you will need a DOT number, A DOT medical card, and up to date and accurate log books. Even the mid sized U-haul trucks require this and require passing through all weigh stations.
It seems like a good idea at first glance if you have never had any experience with a box truck but my advice to a friend would be DON'T DO IT. Hope this helps.
-Eric
Re: Moving trucks
Transporting your personal property in a Uhaul does not require a DOT card or log book.
Uhaul trucks are also largely ignored by Commercial Enforcement officers.
You may be required to enter a weigh station and pass an inspection (unlikely) depending on the state.
Sorry, but no.
Transporting your personal property in a Uhaul does not require a DOT card or log book.
Uhaul trucks are also largely ignored by Commercial Enforcement officers.
You may be required to enter a weigh station and pass an inspection (unlikely) depending on the state.
Re: Moving trucks
I guess I should have been more clear in this statement. If you purchase this truck (which is what we are talking about in this thread) and I am using the U-haul as a size example, my understanding is that you are required to meet the DOT requirements for interstate travel. The amount of enforcement varies from state to state but it is alive and well in GA and our surrounding states. It goes by gross vehicle weight. Several years ago one of my associates was pulled over by the DOT and cited for several violations in a 14' (private) box truck which is actually one of the smaller sizes U-haul sells. There may be something to the personal property issue because the DOT officer said the sound equipment was being hauled for business even though the owner of the truck said it was his personal property and he was going to play a gig with his band (which was true). I have been told that technically the rental trucks are supposed to meet these requirements as well but are for the most part ignored. I can't say for sure, I don't have to rent. I do know that we have been pulled over at the weigh station and given the quick inspection in our 26' ex Ryder truck. I don't remember which state but we were all in order. They specifically asked for the medical card and log books and they went by the serial number of the truck to determine the gross vehicle weight rather than what it was tagged as. I always get my DOT number decals and log book before I ever run any truck, even locally, so it is not an issue for me. I also have my current medical card. I would like to hear from anyone else who has information on this and it might be a good topic for a new thread.
I guess I should have been more clear in this statement. If you purchase this truck (which is what we are talking about in this thread) and I am using the U-haul as a size example, my understanding is that you are required to meet the DOT requirements for interstate travel. The amount of enforcement varies from state to state but it is alive and well in GA and our surrounding states. It goes by gross vehicle weight. Several years ago one of my associates was pulled over by the DOT and cited for several violations in a 14' (private) box truck which is actually one of the smaller sizes U-haul sells. There may be something to the personal property issue because the DOT officer said the sound equipment was being hauled for business even though the owner of the truck said it was his personal property and he was going to play a gig with his band (which was true). I have been told that technically the rental trucks are supposed to meet these requirements as well but are for the most part ignored. I can't say for sure, I don't have to rent. I do know that we have been pulled over at the weigh station and given the quick inspection in our 26' ex Ryder truck. I don't remember which state but we were all in order. They specifically asked for the medical card and log books and they went by the serial number of the truck to determine the gross vehicle weight rather than what it was tagged as. I always get my DOT number decals and log book before I ever run any truck, even locally, so it is not an issue for me. I also have my current medical card. I would like to hear from anyone else who has information on this and it might be a good topic for a new thread.
Re: Moving trucks
I don't believe there are exceptions in the federal regs, but I've been wrong before. The reality is that most of the enforcement officers just shrug their shoulders when they encounter weekend gear-grinders with a Penske full of furniture, appliances, and boxed household goods. If the truck is from National Lease or Rollins or any other commercial rental/leasing companies, the driver WILL be considered commercial no matter what is inside the truck; there is no presumption of ignorance or "one time deal" as with a home owner moving his own goods.
Colorado requires all vehicles over 8,000 or 10,000# (don't remember which) to stop at weight stations. The signs used to say "Including pickups with campers or vehicles towing a trailer." IOW, almost anything that wasn't exclusively a passenger car. It included private motorhomes & RVs, too. New Mexico requires trip permits for anyone not hauling personal *household goods* in a rental truck. They exempt TV and film production.
If you've got the household goods, rental truck exemptions in the CFR, let me know...
I don't believe there are exceptions in the federal regs, but I've been wrong before. The reality is that most of the enforcement officers just shrug their shoulders when they encounter weekend gear-grinders with a Penske full of furniture, appliances, and boxed household goods. If the truck is from National Lease or Rollins or any other commercial rental/leasing companies, the driver WILL be considered commercial no matter what is inside the truck; there is no presumption of ignorance or "one time deal" as with a home owner moving his own goods.
Colorado requires all vehicles over 8,000 or 10,000# (don't remember which) to stop at weight stations. The signs used to say "Including pickups with campers or vehicles towing a trailer." IOW, almost anything that wasn't exclusively a passenger car. It included private motorhomes & RVs, too. New Mexico requires trip permits for anyone not hauling personal *household goods* in a rental truck. They exempt TV and film production.
If you've got the household goods, rental truck exemptions in the CFR, let me know...
Re: Moving trucks
The numbers that I've seen:
A) a small (16' box or so) one way rental is about $1600 and up.
B) a medium truck (24') one way rental is about $2700 and up.
C) Pods and Upack are not really any cheaper (for the same cubic volume of space) than renting a truck and driving especially since there's a small camper to tow.
A) a less than 16klbs truck can be licensed in IL for under $150 (there is now less than 6 mo left on the truck year).
B) Insurance should only have to be paid for the time of use. I guess around $100 for a month on a commercial policy.
C) I'm not sure what inspections are necessary or what they cost.
D) Vehicle Use Tax for IL would likely be under $100.
But yeah, a 'buy, drive and sell' doesn't seem worth the hassle, especially for the small truck. My thought is... My ancient Chevy truck lost all gears faster than 1st and I would like to replace the whole ugly truck rather than repair. I'm thinking to take the rental fee as a discount on a truck and offer to help move. But,
A) the combination of the return fuel and my time are looking to eat most of the gains.
B) I would want to make sure I have confidence in the truck before a long trip. Not sure I have time for that.
C) I don't know what size truck is necessary. I don't really need or want a medium-big truck(20+ foot box). A 16' Isuzu or Mitsu would probably be about right.
Seeing as many on here have experience doing tours I thought I might find some wisdom. Thanks for the helpful responses.
The numbers that I've seen:
A) a small (16' box or so) one way rental is about $1600 and up.
B) a medium truck (24') one way rental is about $2700 and up.
C) Pods and Upack are not really any cheaper (for the same cubic volume of space) than renting a truck and driving especially since there's a small camper to tow.
A) a less than 16klbs truck can be licensed in IL for under $150 (there is now less than 6 mo left on the truck year).
B) Insurance should only have to be paid for the time of use. I guess around $100 for a month on a commercial policy.
C) I'm not sure what inspections are necessary or what they cost.
D) Vehicle Use Tax for IL would likely be under $100.
But yeah, a 'buy, drive and sell' doesn't seem worth the hassle, especially for the small truck. My thought is... My ancient Chevy truck lost all gears faster than 1st and I would like to replace the whole ugly truck rather than repair. I'm thinking to take the rental fee as a discount on a truck and offer to help move. But,
A) the combination of the return fuel and my time are looking to eat most of the gains.
B) I would want to make sure I have confidence in the truck before a long trip. Not sure I have time for that.
C) I don't know what size truck is necessary. I don't really need or want a medium-big truck(20+ foot box). A 16' Isuzu or Mitsu would probably be about right.
Seeing as many on here have experience doing tours I thought I might find some wisdom. Thanks for the helpful responses.
Re: Moving trucks
Do you have any links or #s? I did some web searching and found Pods and Upack but didn't find any other "freight" options that were easy to decipher from the web. Wrapping on pallets could work but it seems that getting all the stuff on a dock somewhere for pickup (and then on the other end as well) might be the hard part. I don't have a dock at my shop and I don't know anyone to suggest. Mr Graham's suggestion of air freight has me confused. I would think train and truck would be a lot cheaper. I think most of the stuff could spend some time in transit. I would be rooting for train as it seems easier on the fossils than any other option but Amtrak doesn't take furniture (and many other items although I did ship a drum set to Seattle a few years ago and it was cheaper than UPS).
Do you have any links or #s? I did some web searching and found Pods and Upack but didn't find any other "freight" options that were easy to decipher from the web. Wrapping on pallets could work but it seems that getting all the stuff on a dock somewhere for pickup (and then on the other end as well) might be the hard part. I don't have a dock at my shop and I don't know anyone to suggest. Mr Graham's suggestion of air freight has me confused. I would think train and truck would be a lot cheaper. I think most of the stuff could spend some time in transit. I would be rooting for train as it seems easier on the fossils than any other option but Amtrak doesn't take furniture (and many other items although I did ship a drum set to Seattle a few years ago and it was cheaper than UPS).
Forward Air is not air freight. They are an LTL ground forwarder between airports. Efficient, fast, and cheap.
Re: Moving trucks
Hi Drew,
The buy and keep I am in support of if you can use a truck. If you have time to do the move it might be a fun get away with your friend. Here are some things to consider:
1) The DOT compliance is not hard to do. You can phone in an get your DOT number and you will have to put it, the person or business the truck is registered to, and the city and state registered in on your doors. Home Depot mailbox letters and numbers work just fine as an economy solution. There are other things to meet DOT requirements like tire tread depth and ALL lights must work. These are all simple but a good inspection of the truck by a qualified mechanic is worth your time and money if you are getting ready to take a long trip in an untested vehicle. It should be around $100 or less depending on the rates and who does it in your town.
2)You need to have a good mechanic available anyway. The bigger trucks are built stronger than passenger vehicles so they tend to break less if you do proper mantenance. You still need to change the oil, inspect the belts,fluids, and brakes etc. Parts and labor are more expensive but you get more run time as a general rule.
3) The medical card is only $35.00-$40.00 here in GA so not a big deal.
4) You can get a log book at any truck stop. It is a little complicated but you can learn it in a few minutes. You are supposed to use it anytime the truck is on the road, even for a run to the gas station. It is to make sure you have the proper rest rather than driving 24 hours straight and becomming a hazard. You are not planning on doing that are you?
5) Fuel economy is a consideration. The diesel trucks I have ran got highway mileage of 11-13mpg for the 5-speed 14' Isuzu, 10-12mpg for the automatic 17' uhaul, 8.5- 9.5mpg for the 26' 5-speed International. I always consider it in the cost of doing business.
6) Do not let the truck sit more than a few weeks at a time. If nothing else crank it up and take it to the store or go get a burger or something. Batteries need to be charged, rubber tires and belts need to be excercised, mechanical components made of dissimilar metals need to move, etc etc. Drive it, don't just crank it.
7)Fuel stabilizer if gasoline fueled or for diesels a product like power service diesel kleen additive is a good thing if the fuel is not used up regularly. In the case of a diesel the power servise product adds a lubricant to replace the lubricity that was lost when the sulphur was removed in the new low sulphur diesel fuels so I recommend always using that to lessen wear on the injector pump. Smoother, more quiet running and a little better fuel economy are results as well.
I have had very good luck with all of the box trucks I have had but again I have access to great mechanics. I have still been stranded a time or two over the years, once with the automatic transmission going out in the ex Uhaul 17' and once with a starter on the same truck. It needs to be said that the vehicle had well over 200,000 miles on it when we got it and it has been all over the southeast. The lower mileage trucks have all performed flawlessly but remember they don't ever sit very long and not get driven. A buddy of mine had brake problems on a truck with less than 100k on the clock but that vehicle was not driven for 6 months.
I have actually made money on the sale of a truck I got at a deal before but remember I was in the automotive business at the time. The market around Atlanta, GA is very soft right now. We paid $2200 for a 26' and $1750 for the 17' straight from Uhaul sales a few years ago and they would be a slow sale right now at those prices because of the economy. There are deals to be had on newer nicer trucks as well but remember there is no bank financing on older vehicles past a certain year so the resale value is dictated by who actually has the cash to buy it. Craigslist is currently loaded with good priced trucks that have not sold for months. It is a buyers market so you should be able to do very well if you decide to get one and you are willing to shop around and negotiate a little.
You might be able to insure the truck as a personal vehicle depending on what size you get and your insurance company's writing policy.
Also a box truck makes great dry storage for sound equipment if you are in a low crime area. I live in the country and it is nice to only have to get in a truck and head to the gig rather than load and unload twice. It is also nice to know if I need anything more that what I quoted for any reason it is usually only a walk back to the truck to get it. If I were located in the city I would not make it so easy for someone to steal a bunch of gear and not have to load it up though.
Good Luck!
Eric
Hi Drew,
The buy and keep I am in support of if you can use a truck. If you have time to do the move it might be a fun get away with your friend. Here are some things to consider:
1) The DOT compliance is not hard to do. You can phone in an get your DOT number and you will have to put it, the person or business the truck is registered to, and the city and state registered in on your doors. Home Depot mailbox letters and numbers work just fine as an economy solution. There are other things to meet DOT requirements like tire tread depth and ALL lights must work. These are all simple but a good inspection of the truck by a qualified mechanic is worth your time and money if you are getting ready to take a long trip in an untested vehicle. It should be around $100 or less depending on the rates and who does it in your town.
2)You need to have a good mechanic available anyway. The bigger trucks are built stronger than passenger vehicles so they tend to break less if you do proper mantenance. You still need to change the oil, inspect the belts,fluids, and brakes etc. Parts and labor are more expensive but you get more run time as a general rule.
3) The medical card is only $35.00-$40.00 here in GA so not a big deal.
4) You can get a log book at any truck stop. It is a little complicated but you can learn it in a few minutes. You are supposed to use it anytime the truck is on the road, even for a run to the gas station. It is to make sure you have the proper rest rather than driving 24 hours straight and becomming a hazard. You are not planning on doing that are you?
5) Fuel economy is a consideration. The diesel trucks I have ran got highway mileage of 11-13mpg for the 5-speed 14' Isuzu, 10-12mpg for the automatic 17' uhaul, 8.5- 9.5mpg for the 26' 5-speed International. I always consider it in the cost of doing business.
6) Do not let the truck sit more than a few weeks at a time. If nothing else crank it up and take it to the store or go get a burger or something. Batteries need to be charged, rubber tires and belts need to be excercised, mechanical components made of dissimilar metals need to move, etc etc. Drive it, don't just crank it.
7)Fuel stabilizer if gasoline fueled or for diesels a product like power service diesel kleen additive is a good thing if the fuel is not used up regularly. In the case of a diesel the power servise product adds a lubricant to replace the lubricity that was lost when the sulphur was removed in the new low sulphur diesel fuels so I recommend always using that to lessen wear on the injector pump. Smoother, more quiet running and a little better fuel economy are results as well.
I have had very good luck with all of the box trucks I have had but again I have access to great mechanics. I have still been stranded a time or two over the years, once with the automatic transmission going out in the ex Uhaul 17' and once with a starter on the same truck. It needs to be said that the vehicle had well over 200,000 miles on it when we got it and it has been all over the southeast. The lower mileage trucks have all performed flawlessly but remember they don't ever sit very long and not get driven. A buddy of mine had brake problems on a truck with less than 100k on the clock but that vehicle was not driven for 6 months.
I have actually made money on the sale of a truck I got at a deal before but remember I was in the automotive business at the time. The market around Atlanta, GA is very soft right now. We paid $2200 for a 26' and $1750 for the 17' straight from Uhaul sales a few years ago and they would be a slow sale right now at those prices because of the economy. There are deals to be had on newer nicer trucks as well but remember there is no bank financing on older vehicles past a certain year so the resale value is dictated by who actually has the cash to buy it. Craigslist is currently loaded with good priced trucks that have not sold for months. It is a buyers market so you should be able to do very well if you decide to get one and you are willing to shop around and negotiate a little.
You might be able to insure the truck as a personal vehicle depending on what size you get and your insurance company's writing policy.
Also a box truck makes great dry storage for sound equipment if you are in a low crime area. I live in the country and it is nice to only have to get in a truck and head to the gig rather than load and unload twice. It is also nice to know if I need anything more that what I quoted for any reason it is usually only a walk back to the truck to get it. If I were located in the city I would not make it so easy for someone to steal a bunch of gear and not have to load it up though.
Good Luck!
Eric