When you’re running a job site, the last thing you need is an unreliable hauling crew holding up your schedule – or causing you safety or compliance problems. Just because a company shows up when you search “dump truck companies near me” doesn’t mean they’re the right fit!
We’ve all seen how companies fight for attention on these searches. And unfortunately, some will raise a red flag when you click on them or make that first call to them.
To help you filter them faster (because no one should have to start from scratch), we’ve made a list of of the top 10 red flags you should look out for.
Red Flags for Dump Truck Companies Near Me
1. No proof of insurance or inadequate coverage
If a hauling company can’t show current, sufficient insurance, walk away. You’re don’t want to be left holding the liability bag if something goes wrong on your site.
2. Lack of proper licensing or certifications
Don’t assume they’re legit just because they have trucks and come up on a dump truck company near me search.
Make sure they’re fully licensed to operate in your area and for the specific type of work. And check they have the certifications they claim, such as DBE, MBE, and SBE. Not being able to lay hands on them is a red flag!
3. Poor equipment condition or visibly unmaintained trucks
Beat-up trucks often mean they’ll cut corners elsewhere. It’s not exactly cause and effect, just a sense of whether this particular dump truck company near me cares enough to maintain their vehicles.
Professional haulers invest in their fleet to show they’re serious about uptime and safety. Look at their website images or call by.
4. Inconsistent communication or missed calls/emails
If they can’t manage basic communication during the quoting stage, they won’t suddenly get better when the job starts.
On a real project, you want real-time communication about drivers, loads, and locations. Appearing on search engine results as a “dump truck company near me” doesn’t mean they are on the ball about ongoing communication. They made their business location known once, ages ago!
Let’s now look at some less obvious red flags.
More Red Flags for Dump Truck Companies Near Me
5. No track record or unwillingness to provide references
A reputable company should be able to rattle off projects they’ve worked on – and connect you with a general contractor who’ll vouch for them.
Startups can be a risk with no track record, but don’t eliminate them if everything else looks good.
6. Frequent delays or missed deadlines on past projects
If a dump truck company near me has a reputation for showing up late or missing loads, don’t expect your project to be the exception. Rumors usually have a grain of truth!
7. Unclear or vague contracts and pricing structures
Ambiguous terms raise a red flag and can lead to disputes later. Expect transparent pricing and expectations from day one.
8. Negative online reviews or a suspicious lack of digital presence
A consistent pattern of complaints is also a red flag. But no online footprint – apart from that google search result as a “dump truck company near me” – isn’t too reassuring either.
9. Unsafe driving habits or poor safety record
Last year 34,000 crashes in Texas involved trucks and heavy vehicles. You don’t want your company name associated with accidents or road violations. Safety-minded crews protect everyone involved. Hard to discover facts here but bear it in mind if there are other red flags.
10. Non-compliance with local, state, or federal regulations
Whether it’s weight limits, TxDOT rules, or environmental standards, non-compliance with regulations can stall your job – or cost you in fines. Check it out and get proof.
Bonus Red Flag for Dump Truck Companies Near Me (That We’re Proud to Avoid!)
11. High employee turnover
Limited driver availability can come back to bite you. At Cowboy trucking, we have no shortage of truck drivers. The reason is we’ve built the company on the values of our founder, the original “Cowboy” and have a history of offering value and excellence.
This means we have a loyal group of drivers who’re happy to stay with us. Year-round work. Experienced crews. Showing up on time. Every time.
Cowboy Trucking – a Reliable Dump Truck Company Near You
Want help from Texas trucking companies that make your life easier? We’re ready with dump truck services to get your job done! No need to search for “a dump truck company near me.” Give us a call!
Image attribution: Truck ©Cowboytruckingdfw.com on this background