People contract dump trucks for many jobs, including hauling, dumping, and moving material on construction sites. You can own a dump truck and offer your services to different businesses. However, it’s essential to understand some things first. Check out this guide on what to know before becoming a dump truck owner and operator.
Required Certifications
You need the required certifications to become a dump truck owner and operator. You must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are two types of CDLs you can get to operate your truck. The first one is a class A CDL. Class A will enable you to drive all commercial vehicles. It’s also the most expensive CDL to get. However, you can also get a class B CDL, which allows you to drive heavy trailer trucks and buses. It’s less expensive, and you can effectively operate your dump truck once you have it.
Cost of Dump Truck and Maintenance
Whether you’re buying a new or used dump truck, it’s critical to understand the cost of the truck and the cost of maintenance. Depending on the bed size, age, and engine, a dump truck can be around $30,000. Talk to your dealer for a definite price. After purchasing a truck, you need to know the cost of maintenance and other things such as the cost of gas, truck bed liners, and insurance.
Material Your Truck Can Handle
Before you agree to a dump truck job, you need to understand your truck components. For example, if you install a heavy-duty liner on your truck, it’s essential to know what type of material a heavy-duty bed liner can handle. Doing so will help you avoid dumping harsh material that can damage your dump truck. It can also become a selling point for your service. For instance, you can advertise that your truck can handle gravel, limestone, and hot asphalt.
Customer Base
Dump truck owners and operators are self-employed. You use your truck to move large amounts of material on and off construction sites. It’s essential to know your exact customer base to get the most out of your truck. You can market your service in local Arizona publications or business websites (like this one.)
In addition, you can ask your current clients to refer you to other construction sites that may need a dump truck operator.
People contract dump trucks for many different jobs. By owning a dump truck, you can offer your services to different businesses. But before you purchase one, you need to understand some key things. We hope our guide on what to know before becoming a dump truck owner and operator was helpful.
