Introduction
Running a moving company is no small feat. Trucks break down, drivers make costly mistakes, and leasing contracts can drain your profits if you’re not careful. For many moving company owners, the challenge isn’t just getting trucks on the road—it’s keeping them profitable, safe, and scalable.
In this episode of the Movified Podcast, Mark Hirschi, owner of Salmon’s Moving & Storage, sits down with Steven Reed to unpack the gritty realities of buying, leasing, and managing moving trucks. They share stories from the frontlines, highlight common mistakes, and offer practical strategies to help moving business owners build fleets that make money without creating chaos.
If you’re a moving company owner, franchisee, or industry professional, this article will give you a roadmap for managing your truck strategy—whether you’re buying your third truck or scaling to twelve.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- Scaling too quickly with new trucks can destroy profit margins—manage demand first.
- Always negotiate lease buyout terms to avoid surprise costs.
- Assigning teams to trucks builds accountability and reduces fleet damage.
- Investing in GPS tracking and cameras saves money and protects your reputation.
Table of Contents
The Truth About Managing Moving Trucks
Fleet expansion feels like progress, but without the right systems, it becomes a liability. Mark Hirschi recalls the milestone of hitting five trucks—a tipping point where profits stabilize if managed well. Running five trucks six days a week signals strong demand and efficiency.
But adding trucks too quickly creates idle drivers, wasted insurance, and ballooning maintenance costs. As Mark puts it:
“Once you get to about five trucks, sit back. If you’re running five consistently, you’re making good money. Don’t chase fleet size without demand.”
Buying vs. Leasing: What Movers Must Know
Truck prices have skyrocketed. Today, a new straight truck costs $150,000+. Leasing seems attractive with maintenance packages, but Steven Reed warns movers to proceed with caution:
- Leasing companies make their money on turn-ins. They charge for box replacements and inflated wear-and-tear.
- Always negotiate buyout terms upfront. Without it, you’ll face surprise $30,000–$40,000 bills at the end of a lease.
- Bring an attorney. Paying for contract review saves far more in the long run.
Mark shares how he scaled during the Vancouver Olympics, using a client’s $50,000 deposit to buy trucks outright from auctions and private sellers. It was risky but paid off because demand was guaranteed.
“I showed up with cash, negotiated hard, and bought four more trucks. Without that contract, it would’ve been reckless.”
Driver Training and Accountability
Even with the right trucks, drivers can make or break profitability. Both Mark and Steven stressed accountability systems:
- Team Assignments: Pair two drivers to one truck so responsibility is shared.
- Road Tests: Before hiring, have drivers perform pre-trip inspections and drive under supervision.
- Tracking Tools: GPS, telematics, and dash cams prevent reckless driving and provide evidence when accidents happen.
Steven shared a story about a driver caught spinning donuts in a moving truck on ice. Mark added how helpers often revealed unsafe driving habits that would have gone unnoticed without monitoring.
“If a driver can’t back up a truck without asking for help, that’s a red flag.” – Mark Hirschi
Case Study: When Trust Goes Wrong
Mark shared a sobering story about a long-time driver he trusted with truck keys. One night, the driver took a truck after drinking, hit several vehicles, and parked it damaged outside his apartment.
Calls poured in from residents who had surveillance footage. Without tracking or cameras, Mark was blindsided.
The lesson: trust must be supported by systems.
- GPS tracking
- Dash cams
- Alcohol and substance policies
“You should know where your trucks are and what’s happening inside. Cameras and tracking aren’t optional—they’re investments.” – Mark Hirschi
Why Choose Movified
At Movified, we don’t just talk theory—we bring real stories from industry veterans like Mark Hirschi and Steven Reed, who have scaled fleets, battled with leases, and learned from both wins and failures.
- 100+ years of moving industry experience through Salmon’s Moving & Storage.
- Insider access to industry leaders, from owners to franchise experts.
- Trusted platform delivering podcasts, blogs, and guides designed for movers.
By listening to Movified, you get unfiltered insight from people who have built fleets worth millions and kept them profitable.
Conclusion
Managing moving trucks is more than buying vehicles—it’s about building accountability, negotiating smart contracts, and using technology to protect your business.
The difference between profit and loss often comes down to fleet strategy. Avoid costly mistakes by applying the lessons shared by Mark Hirschi and Steven Reed.
“Five trucks run consistently are worth more than ten trucks sitting idle.” – Mark Hirschi
Meet The Host
Mark Hirschi is the founder and host of Movified. With over a decade in the moving and storage industry, Mark combines real-world leadership experience with a passion for mentorship and elevating industry standards.
