Horizon Transport FAQs

Looking for answers about our Tow-Away division? You’re in the right spot. Find all the answers you need about this division right here.

Is this year round business or seasonal?
We are busy with movements in both divisions all year round. Your activity is determined by you, as long as you maintain the minimum or above.
Can we get two loads together for Tow-Away?
Yes, there are times when dispatch has multiple loads going in similar directions. It is often possible to match trailer deliveries with Drive-Away units as well.
Do I have to log empty miles?

Pick-up truck owner/operators are required by FMCSA logbook rules to log all bobtail miles relative to Horizon Transport dispatches.  This includes empty miles inbound to a pick-up, as well as empty miles following deliveries.  While Horizon Transport recognizes that a vehicle owner is on his or her own time when not delivering loads, the bobtail log rule must be adhered to as it is imposed by U.S. Federal D.O.T. Authority.

Do I need a cell phone?
Horizon requires all contractors have an active cell phone. Cell phones help ensure effective, instant communication. When we have a reload to offer, we want to call you! Just like that, your cell phone expense will be offset by the money you make when we call you for load opportunities. A smartphone is preferred so you can use our mobile app.
Do you have a dress code?

At the request of our customers, drivers at the terminal and at delivery points are required to be dressed and groomed professionally. This means pants or uniform-style shorts and a collared shirt, or blouse. Tank tops, cut-off shorts or any unprofessional apparel are unacceptable. Additionally, Horizon contracts with professionals. As such, all are required to have excellent hygiene. (Time spent driving a vehicle can be heated and thus produce body odor. Manage your hygiene accordingly!) The quality of your delivery services enables Horizon to build a better business.

Do you have a smoking policy for Tow-Away drivers?

No smoking is allowed in any vehicle delivered by Horizon Transport. A violation of this rule will result in discontinuation of a contractor’s services and a cleaning charge if necessary.

Where do I deliver to?
All Horizon Transport drivers are expected to deliver to all parts of the U.S. and Canada. This ensures maximum customer service performance.
I don't own a pickup truck, can I still apply for the Tow-Away division?

It is perfectly acceptable to submit an application and have the application approved, before, incurring any initial expense. On the application packet it will ask you for your truck make and model. Please write will purchase upon approval.

Can I have anything in the bed of my pickup truck?
Any loose items in the bed must be secured for travel. Any items such as a fuel tank, tool box, etc. that may extend over the bed rails are prohibited. The clearance space needed for safe trailer transport operations requires no item to extend above the bed railing.
Do I have to pay a pick up fee?
Horizon does charge a small vehicle-staging or “pull-in” fee for each unit you are assigned to deliver. We have local contractors who are staging vehicles in our shipping yard for you, from the factory. The fee can range from $10 to $30 per unit. This is a standard fee in our industry. This service saves our contractors bunches of time.
What should the weight rating of my plate be?
Horizon recommends that you contact your local license branch and request the license plate necessary to haul RV trailers. You should indicate that the combination of your truck and the trailer you will be delivering will not weigh more then 26,000 lbs. It is not necessary to obtain an apportioned plate. It is, in fact, necessary to have a plate that is not apportioned Indiana contractors should obtain a 26,000 lbs. plate. Different states around the U.S. vary in their requirements and the plates available. It is the responsibility of the individual contractor to obtain the correct plate before attending orientation. Any fines or penalties incurred by a contractor for running on an inadequate plate will be the responsibility of the individual contractor, not Horizon Transport.
May I receive credit for safety miles at another company?
You may only transfer current safety miles if you are currently working for a “similar RV industry transporter”. To qualify you must be an active contractor for a “like company” within 30 days of Horizon lease-on date. You must submit an official company document itemizing earned mileage total. All mileage documents will be subject to validation.
Is there a minimum activity requirement in the Tow-Away division?
We require contractors to complete 1 or more trips in any 30 day period. Horizon does however allow all contractors flexibility in terms of extended periods of inactivity when necessary.
How do I get a load?

All loads can be viewed at any time on our mobile app. You have two options for getting a load. You can 1. call or email your dispatcher on all outbound loads or 2. after 25,000 safety miles, you can self-dispatch from our mobile app on reloads.

Do I need a Class A CDL to haul trailers with my pickup truck?

The required driver license for pulling trailers in our tow-away division is based on the state that you reside in. Please check with your state’s local DMV to validate what class license your state requires. However, about 15% of the trailers we ship do require you to possess a Class A CDL. It will be your responsibility as an independent contractor to make sure you understand the federal combination gross vehicle weight rating requirements before you accept a load from Horizon.

If I have my own RV, is there somewhere I can setup home base while transporting?
If you would like to bring your travel trailer or motor home to the area and setup a temporary home base. Camping availability is seasonal. Please check with the campgrounds regarding their rules for extended stays.
Are there any Canadian shipments?

Horizon’s customers ship some vehicles to Canada. A customs processing stop is required to cross the U.S./Canadian border. You will need to carry your passport with you while in Canada. There are also occasions when we do ship tow-away units to Alaska.

Can someone ride with me?
The passenger must have prior approval from a Horizon Manager.
Can I sleep in the Tow-Away unit?
No. Most of the trailers we deliver are sealed and you will not have access to the inside. We ask that you do not sleep in an in-transit trailer.
How far is the average trip?
Horizon delivers to all 48 states, Canada and Alaska. Units regularly ship to destinations like Florida, Texas, California and the Northwest. The average outbound RV delivery is about 850 miles.
Do I wash the unit?
Washing is rarely done anymore. Some dealers may require it. Washes are reimbursed.
Do I make a check call in transit?

Each tow-away driver is required, by customers’ request, to submit a daily check call before noon (Indiana time), each business day, while under load. This is easily done on our mobile app.

What are the rules for delivery?

500 miles per day is considered reasonable progress.  Safety and legality are of upmost importance.  Daily range can vary with weather and traffic conditions. As a company that prides itself on good service, we expect timely deliveries unless legitimate delays are encountered.

What happens if my tow-away unit breaks down?

Horizon has a contact for breakdown services 24/7 to ensure that the contractor is properly serviced. The tow-away contractor is compensated for their breakdown-related down-time.

What if my truck has a 6' bed?

Horizon Transport reccomends an 8 foot bed. We will lease on a truck with a bed under 8 foot long, however, any short bed truck will be required to have a sliding fifth wheel installed. An inspection will be performed at orientation and the truck must meet our standards.

Can my truck be 4-wheel drive?
Yes, as long as the bed rail measures 57 inches or less, from the ground to the top of the rail.
Can my truck have a gas engine?

Diesel trucks are strongly recommended; however, gas trucks will be accepted.