hamilton71801

Hey guys I have a question about picking up Fema trailers in the big easy and taking them to the staging area here in Hope, AR. Can someone do it on weekends and not be dedicated all the time? I see probably 50 a day coming in and was wondering if they need any help since I already live here and it wouldn't be that big of a deal plus I love putting my truck to work. I figure I could do 1 run a weekend for them but do you think it would be more trouble than it's worth?

Totallyrad

I don't think it's worth it but you decide for yourself. This is just one company that hauls them. Read their info throughly. I'm sure some other will jump in soon. www.horizontransport.com

ehavlicek83

how much are they paying and do you know what the name of the company is

hamilton71801

I haven't found out anything yet but I will go talk to FEMA tomorrow and see if they have any names.

I PASS GAS

Anyone that decides to do this let me know. I live in New Orleans and would love to meet some fellow DTRonians.

CoolVanilla

Without a substantial (Million dollar +) bond, security clearances, and a lot of red tape - - you will not be able to contract to FEMA directly.

The "FEMA" drivers that you heard about last year were contracted to a carrier that DID have that government contract with FEMA - like Horizon, Hoosier, Star Fleet, and Classic for example.

I recently sold a hotshot company, and at one time had 3 of my drivers pulling wide-load Park Models from the manufacturer in Georgia to staging areas in Purvis MS, Shreveport LA, and Baton Rouge. I paid my drivers 80% of gross, which averaged about $2.30 per mile. Remember these were wide loads - the trucks had to have rotating beacons front and rear, wide load banners, permits, etc. They couldn't drive after dark in MS, and there were other restrictions that appled.

The regular 8 1/2 ' tag trailers paid between .85 and $1.25 per mile, and I can't see where that has increased (even though fuel and insurance has).

There were THOUSANDS of drivers that jumped on the FEMA bandwagon last year, and then early this year there were a huge percentage of those thousands looking for work. About the only company that has a reserve of FEMA drivers IS Horizon. (The rest of the RV hauling companies are relying mostly on their previous drivers list from last year). Please check the website that Totallyrad specified earlier and see their current requirements. They require a Class A license, minimum 2 years of verifiable commercial hauling experience, and a perfect driving record.

To those who meet the Horizon qualifications, good luck.

Totallyrad

Thanks for confirming the info CoolV. I thought about it after Katrina hit but couldn't see any way to make money. It looked like a break even deal at best.

RickG

You're right . It's break even at best . The rates quoted ( a little over $1 a mile ) are one way . You aren't paid for the return trip . At less than $.60 a mile you are operating at a loss and rapidly depreciating your vehicle . If your vehicle isn't already insured for this type commercial use you must notify your insurance company and face a rate increase plus pay $40 a month for bobtail insurance if you contract with a carrier . Plus you will need a DOT physical and DOT inspection on your truck . Even though all FEMA trailers are bumper pull Horizon won't contract you unless you have a fifth wheel and gooseneck hitch . Some other companies don't require this . You will be required to keep a log book and all hours you worked at ANY job must be logged .

CoolVanilla

The only way drivers - other than wide load drivers - could make money driving for FEMA was to take advantage of the waiver of HOS (Hours of Service) rules. These guys would drive 18 and 20 hours a day!! Then burn-out would set in.

FEMA drivers are now, and have been required to comply with HOS (including logbook requirements) since sometime just before Xmas.

CarcajouCummins

I tow for Horizon and do not recommend it to anyone. They do not take care of the drivers - their main concern is padding their pockets. Two years ago business was good for the driver - tons of loads going wherever you wanted. The company cared for the drivers. Now things are completely different - they do not care for the drivers - just making money - after all they can always hire a new driver. Now they have way too many drivers for the freight. I did not pull at all this summer because of the lack of freight. I could have pulled some if I really needed to, but I stayed busy in the shop and just layed off for 3 months while freight was hard to get.

I jumped onto the FEMA loads when they first became available. They got several of us to dedicate to FEMA with awesome pay - $1.60/mile for a 30'TT weighing 5500#. They started hiring anyone with a tow rating of 8000 pounds or more. Pay dropped to about $1 - $1.11 while fuel kept going up. I paid a high of $3.89 filling my truck (135 gallons). Where did the other 60 cents go? In Horizons pocket!