Car Transport/Trailer

[Jazzy Jefferson]

Hi,

I'm considering getting myself a larger car and a trailer to move cars around. The plan is to deliver/collect cars, as and when required, in the hope that I can build it into a more full time thing, I work part time at the moment, so I've got the time to start a business on the side. I'll be open to hauling other goods of course, not just cars, but would like to focus there.

I've got a couple of contacts within the motor industry, so hopefully can drum up a bit of business there but I'm wondering if there is anyone on here who does this and can offer any pearls of wisdom? Am I wasting my time or can I make this work for me as a decent (ish) living.

I passed my test in 2002, from what I understand, I can run up to 3500KGS combined weight of the car, trailer and goods. I don't imagine I'll need to tow any larger weights, so presume I am ok without any further testing/licencing?

How does one organise insurance, will a call to my current insurer work or am I best off with a specialist?

[Altrezia]

You'll need to do your B&E in reality. The rules are vague, but it's not as simple as 'up to 3500kgs'.

https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/driving-licence...

Essentially, you can tow anything as long as the MAXIMUM AUTHORISED MASS of the trailer and the MAM of the car, combined are not over 3500kgs. it's nothing to do with the *current* weight, but the *max permissible*.

[Jazzy Jefferson]

Altrezia said:

You'll need to do your B&E in reality. The rules are vague, but it's not as simple as 'up to 3500kgs'.

https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/driving-licence...

Essentially, you can tow anything as long as the MAXIMUM AUTHORISED MASS of the trailer and the MAM of the car, combined are not over 3500kgs. it's nothing to do with the *current* weight, but the *max permissible*.

So, for example, if my car is 2000Kgs and the trailer is 700Kg, I'm all good?

What happens if I now tow a 2000Kgs car? It's quite confusing...

[Altrezia]

MAM, not weight. Maximum wight. Not current weight of vehicle or trailer. MAM is the maximum the car can legally be, and the maximum the trailer can carry.


The MAM of the trailer will be the maximum it can carry - i.e. my Woodford can carry 2t - and my car's max is high-ish (1800kg?). So, that, plus the 2t = over 3500kg.

Doesn't matter if the trailer is empty, it would still breaking the law to tow my trailer without the B&E if your car's MAM is over 1500kg

This explains it better than I can:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Essentially.. do the B&E. It's easy, and means you can tow whatever, with whatever.

[Jazzy Jefferson]

Altrezia said:

no, the MAM of the trailer will be the maximum it can carry - i.e. my Woodford can carry 2t - and my car's max is high-ish (1800kg?). So, that, plus the 2t = over 3500kg.

Doesn't matter if the trailer is empty, it's still breaking the law to tow it without the B&E if your car's MAM is over 1500kg

This explains it better than I can:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Essentially.. do the B&E. It's easy, and means you can tow whatever, with whatever.

Gotcha. Nice one, good info. cheers

[Altrezia]

In reality you'd probably never get tugged for it if you don't take the piss with what you are towing, but it's not a risk I was willing to take.

[sidekickdmr]

I popped on Shiply the other day and lots of people are asking for quotes for car transport, might be a good place to start drumming up business?

https://www.shiply.com/search

[Jazzy Jefferson]

Altrezia said:

In reality you'd probably never get tugged for it if you don't take the piss with what you are towing, but it's not a risk I was willing to take.

No mate, not my style. I'd like to be fully legit and above board, and well insured etc.

[Jazzy Jefferson]

sidekickdmr said:

I popped on Shiply the other day and lots of people are asking for quotes for car transport, might be a good place to start drumming up business?

https://www.shiply.com/search

Very good. thanks mate.

[TheDriverCom]

I would also check to see if you needed a tachometer if you are running over 3.5 tonnes, don't forget insurance too.

[Jazzy Jefferson]

TheDriverCom said:

I would also check to see if you needed a tachometer if you are running over 3.5 tonnes, don't forget insurance too.

I dont think I need a tacho.

[cowboyengineer]

I sent you an email

[Jazzy Jefferson]

cowboyengineer said:

I sent you an email

Thanks mate, I've had a quick read, really good info. I'll respond a bit later.

[iguana]

Shiply awful low low return rate prices full of cowboy operators & customers wanting stuff moved for peanuts, relying on that for work is a surefire way to bankruptcy.

What on earth are you going to be transporting that you can stay under 3.5t train & thus no tacho? Just Caterhams on a light trailer?

Insurance lots of options, none cheap I do have high level cover to a value you may not need for Uk & EU but it's £6.5k PA

[POORCARDEALER]

As above theres no money in it.

I have a Mercedes Sprinter truck and if I need a car delivering or picking up london-yorkshire I sub contract it out on Shiply....£150, not worth my time doing it myself, taking into account 400 miles worth of fuel

I would secure work at good rates before buying the equipment