Posted 2017-09-14 11:07 AM (#170622) Subject: Going into the trailering business
New User
Posts: 2
I am researching going into the trailering business and would love to hear from others what works for them and doesn't. Where have you found the best insurance rates? What trucks do you like to haul with? We are looking at getting either a 6 or 8 horse head to head that can also be made into box stalls. Thank you for taking the time to share any advice you may have.
Posted 2017-09-14 10:06 PM (#170630 - in reply to #170622) Subject: RE: Going into the trailering business
Expert
Posts: 2955 Location: North Carolina
Depends on how far you want to go and your taste for risk. Some thoughts...Since you're in business, you'll need a DOT number and a CDL for interstate. Care and custody insurance on the horses you'll be carrying. Otherwise you could be on the hook for an expensive horse that wasn't when he got aboard. How are you going to handle a horse that refuses to load... and you're behind schedule already
Moving horses is expensive and you'll find out why.
Posted 2017-09-15 6:13 AM (#170633 - in reply to #170630) Subject: RE: Going into the trailering business
Veteran
Posts: 170 Location: Minnesota
hosspuller - 2017-09-14 10:06 PM Depends on how far you want to go and your taste for risk. Some thoughts...Since you're in business, you'll need a DOT number and a CDL for interstate. Care and custody insurance on the horses you'll be carrying. Otherwise you could be on the hook for an expensive horse that wasn't when he got aboard. How are you going to handle a horse that refuses to load... and you're behind schedule already Moving horses is expensive and you'll find out why.
Plus you will need log books, be enrolled in a drug testing program, maintain and keep maintenance records on you vehicles, plus be subject to audits by most all states and the USDOT.
Posted 2017-09-15 7:01 AM (#170634 - in reply to #170622) Subject: RE: Going into the trailering business
New User
Posts: 2
We will be insured and have DOT numbers I will also be getting my class A license. I am aware of the driving part of the business. I come from a family of truck drivers. Looking for info more on the business side of things.
Posted 2017-09-16 6:26 PM (#170638 - in reply to #170634) Subject: RE: Going into the trailering business
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Areselle - 2017-09-15 10:01 AM We will be insured and have DOT numbers I will also be getting my class A license. I am aware of the driving part of the business. I come from a family of truck drivers. Looking for info more on the business side of things.
Don't forget your MC number...Equine Operations are not exempt operations and therefore require a Motor Carrier Number...To obtain an MC number you must complete a OP-1 form and submit it along with the MCS-150 form. You must then have your insurance agent file the appropriate BMC forms with the corresponding liability and cargo insurance for the size and weight of the unit. In addition, you must follow up with a BOC-3 form with universal agents for service. Most blanket authorization companies charge $20-30 for a lifetime registration...
Just to be clear, there is quite a difference in the needed information set between truck drivers and owner-operators to perform your job successfully...
And then there are the animal side of the hauling business... According to Kyle Schroeder, DVM of Auburn Veterinary Service in Auburn, Illinois it is a common state law that horses are required to have a current coggins which is a standard blood test within the last year. There are a handful of states that require the coggins to be within the last six months. Besides having a current coggins, horses should travel with a health certificate which certifies that a horse was inspected by a veterinarian in the past 30 days and describes the destination of the animal. Since typically only the larger shows like the World Shows, Quarter Horse Congress and many state fairs are the only ones to check health papers at the gate, many people do not carry health papers when traveling across state lines. “Even though health certificates are not checked a lot, you are definitely supposed to have them,” Schroeder says. ” You can get stopped by the state police to see health papers and coggins.” In addition, Schroeder suggests getting to know all the requirements necessary for traveling to the state of your destination to see if an entry permit number is required or if you are required to stop for livestock inspection when entering the state. “There are some states that do require a permit number for horses to enter,” Schroeder says. “This involves informing the state vet that certain horses will be entering their state, that they were inspected to travel and where they will be traveling to.” Since each state is different it is important to talk with your veterinarian and to research the requirements for the states you will be crossing through. For example, Florida requires all that horse trailers pull in the Agricultural (AG) Station to have paperwork checked.
Good luck with your venture...
Some business thoughts... The first step when establishing your equine transportation business is to determine whether you will operate as a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or partnership.
There are tax and liability advantages associated with each type of business, so you should consult an advisor to see what will work best for your business.
The next step is to decide whether you will offer transportation on a local, state, or national scale. Large scale operators with many drivers often choose to offer national service, but smaller operators may choose to focus on a local area or a particular range consisting of a few hundred miles. You also want to be sure your base of operations is in an area where there is a high concentration of potential horse industry clients. Equine transporters can focus on shipping horses for racing, showing, sales, or breeding purposes.
Equine transporters should have a standard contract that the horse owner must sign before a horse is shipped.
It is advisable to have an attorney draw up your contract. You should also try to obtain other transport provider contracts from competitors to see what specific areas should be addressed. Contracts usually outline terms of service in great detail (including pickup and drop off locations, total distance to be traveled, the cost of transportation, and any liability or insurance concerns).
Most equine transportation services base their fees on the distance traveled, the cost of fuel, the amount of space the horse will require (for instance, some owners prefer that their horses travel in a larger box stall rather than in a standard stall), and the number of horses being shipped. It is wise to find out what other companies are charging for similar services, particularly in your local area. You need to be priced competitively within your market to attract and retain new customers. If there are many transportation companies in your area, you may want to identify and target a particular niche market (such as racing or show transportation) to build an initial customer base.
You should also create a business card and service flyer to post at horse shows, race tracks, and other high traffic areas where those who might require transportation services will have a chance to see it. Riding instructors, racehorse trainers, farriers, and bloodstock agents may also be willing to refer clients to you, so it is important to reach out to as many equine professionals as possible when establishing your business.
You should also consider placing ads in local publications, equine magazines, the yellow pages, on major equine websites, or on Craigslist. Print ads in show, racetrack or sales programs can also be a good source for prospects.
Going into the trailering business
