Horse Transport

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Mbronze

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www.cheshirehorsetaxi.weebly.com
Whilst I am off Uni, I have thought of what I would consider to be a good little part time job, offering horse transport. I used to offer self drive but unfortunately people damaged the horse box alot!!!

I hava small 3.5tonne horsebox which is in lovely condition now. I have sorted out my insurance, applied for the appropriate licence from DEFRA, and about to take the exam which allows me to transport horses.

Now I was just hoping to see what your views are on costing.

I was thinking (based on charges of other transport companies)
- Minimum call out fee of £35, if the journey is local.
- 95p per mile charge
- Waiting time of £15per hour (say if the horse went to the vets or was just a very naughty loader)

Do you think the above would be reasonable? I was also thinking if somebody called me out as an emergency say at 9pm on a sunday night that i may need to charge a bit more for an emergency call out like £60?

Your thoughts and views would be welcome. Thank you
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The transporters that charge a call out fee are the ones that struggle for business, and you will struggle to run the box on 95p per mile. Charge more per mile with no call out fee.
If you read the Defra small print, you don't actually need anything to transport horses in a 3.5 unless you are travelling very long hours.
 
Ok, so if i charge around £1.30 per mile. And not a call out charge. Is this something someone would consider?

As far as I was aware according to the Animal welfare department. I need a Type 1 Authorisation to transport horses, this covers me for up to 8hrs. There is a Type 2 Authorisation but i don't need this as i'm not travelling over 8hrs.
 
What about charging per zones i.e. £x for a 30 mile trip, £y for a 60 mile trip? or do a special for shows i.e. drop off at a certain time and pick up a certain time for a set fee.

Not sure about charging for loading time - that should be included in the transport unless it takes 3 hrs to load the horse.

also, the problem with a 3.5T box is that you can only really transport 2 ponies (possibly 2 horses depending on weight) or one big horse at a time which might make it expensive for people going to shows - otherwise two friends could split the cost etc.

ETA: one transporter I have used worked on a zone basis (5.5T horsebox) and another I have used worked on £1 per mile (large trailer). Depending on where I was going, one would be cheaper than the other but in the end I bought a 4x4 and now hire a trailer which works out to be a lot cheaper and more convenient. I wouldnt be able to fit my two horses into a 3.5T.
 
Thannks CBAnglo. I have considered charging per zone, it just seems that everyone else does it by the mile.
I only thought about charging for loading time if it was a case of three hours to get on.
For local shows, i did think of doing a deal like £50 for the day to drop off and pick up, that way two friends with horses up to about 16hh could go and share the cost.
All your thoughts and views are welcome, obviously i won't be able to satisfy everyones requirements. But i just want to charge a reasonable rate and give a good service so i have the possibility of having returning customers.
 
I'd do it by the mile, from your base, that is fairest for everyone surely? that's what i'd be happy to pay by.
you need a waiting time, yes... i spent 4 hours trying to load someone's pony yonks ago and then they "only had £10". unsurprisingly, no more ever came in the post...!
very best of luck with your new endeavour.
 
In that case, it sounds like you have done the research.

Maybe ask what their horse is like to load when taking jobs - that way you can let them know that if they are difficult loaders it will cost more then you cant be caught out?
 
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