Executive Summary
H&N Hauling LLC is executing a strategic pivot from low-margin AAA emergency towing to high-margin, scheduled specialty transport. The business will operate as a one-man operation under James A. O'Neil Jr., a United States Marine Corps veteran with decades of commercial hauling experience, supported by a full-spectrum business infrastructure layer provided by Fortitude° Virtual Professionals.
Core Strategy
- Exit AAA completely — replace 25–40 low-margin emergency calls per week with 3–5 premium scheduled jobs
- One-man operation — James is the sole operator: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. No weekends. No holidays. No emergency calls.
- Dual-brand approach — HandNHauling.com (premium specialty) + HandNTowing.com (scheduled local towing)
- Fortitude handles everything else — websites, marketing, booking, automation, invoicing, customer service, reviews
- Delaware LLC formation — proper legal structure for asset protection and growth
- Zero employees until triggers are hit — no hiring until revenue consistently supports it
The Problem — Why AAA Is Killing the Business
H&N Hauling currently generates approximately $600,000 per year in gross revenue through AAA emergency towing contracts. On paper, that number appears viable. In practice, it is a financial trap that demands maximum effort for minimal return while destroying quality of life, equipment, and any prospect of building real wealth.
The AAA Economics Breakdown
| Revenue Component | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base rate per call | $27.00 | Northeast AAA contracted rate |
| En-route mileage | $1.25/mi | After 3 free miles |
| Towed mileage | $2.25/mi | After 3 free miles |
| Typical call total | $35–40 | Before any expenses |
| Monthly gross (est.) | $4,000–5,000 | 2-truck rural operation |
The Real Cost of AAA Operations
- $8,000–12,000/month in labor — 2–3 drivers/operators required to cover 24/7 emergency availability
- 24/7 emergency chaos — calls at 2 AM, weekends, holidays, blizzards, no predictability
- Extreme equipment wear — constant short runs, starts/stops, and emergency loading destroy trucks
- Thin-to-negative margins — after labor, fuel, insurance, and maintenance, the business barely breaks even
- No wealth building — 100% of revenue goes to staying alive, nothing goes to growth, savings, or quality of life
- Human cost — a Marine veteran grinding himself into the ground for $35 per call is not a business, it is a sentence
The Solution — Premium Scheduled Hauling
Replace volume-dependent, low-margin emergency towing with a small number of high-margin, scheduled specialty transport jobs. The math is simple and the advantage is overwhelming.
AAA Emergency Towing
- $35–40 per call average
- 25–40 calls per week to survive
- 24/7 on-call, no schedule
- 2–3 employees required
- $8K–12K/mo labor costs
- Equipment destroyed by volume
- Net profit: near zero
Premium Specialty Hauling
- $800–1,500 per job average
- 3–5 jobs per week
- Mon–Thu 7AM–5PM only
- ONE operator (James)
- $0 labor costs
- Fewer miles, higher earnings
- Net profit: $5,600–26,000/mo
Revenue Per Job Comparison
Dual-Brand Strategy
H&N will operate two distinct brands, each targeting a different customer profile and revenue stream. Both brands share the same fleet, the same operator, and the same Fortitude back-office infrastructure. This approach maximizes market coverage without increasing operational complexity.
H&N Hauling
HandNHauling.com
Premium Specialty Transport
RV transport, classic & exotic car shipping, heavy equipment moves, boat hauling, race team logistics. Premium pricing, white-glove positioning.
Target: Affluent individuals, collectors, RV owners, construction companies. Average job: $500–$3,500.
H&N Towing
HandNTowing.com
Scheduled Local Towing
Dealer transfers, fleet relocations, disabled vehicle recovery (by appointment), municipal contract towing. Scheduled only — NOT emergency.
Target: Dealerships, fleet managers, municipalities. Steady local revenue stream. Average job: $200–$500. Municipal base: $205 + $75/day storage.
Cross-Referral Engine
Customers who find H&N through towing referrals become hauling clients when they need specialty transport. Dealers who use H&N for trade-in transfers become sources for classic car transport referrals. Both brands feed each other, creating a self-reinforcing pipeline managed entirely by Fortitude's marketing systems.
Service Lines & Pricing
Pricing is set at a premium above regional market averages, reflecting H&N's professional-grade equipment, veteran reliability, Fortitude's customer experience layer, and the simple economics of operating in the Hudson Valley corridor where affluent customers value quality over lowest bid.
RV Transport
| Distance | H&N Rate | Minimum | vs. Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (<50 mi) | $5.00/mi | $250 | +43% |
| Regional (50–300 mi) | $3.00/mi | $400 | +20% |
| Long Haul (300+ mi) | $2.25/mi | $750 | +12% |
| NY → FL Snowbird | $3,200–$3,800 | — | +10–25% |
Enclosed Vehicle Transport
| Distance | H&N Rate | Minimum | vs. Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (<100 mi) | $3.00/mi | $300 | +71% |
| Regional (100–500 mi) | $2.00/mi | $500 | +43% |
| Long Haul (500+ mi) | $1.50/mi | $1,000 | +30% |
Open Flatbed Transport
| Distance | H&N Rate | Minimum | vs. Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (<100 mi) | $2.50/mi | $200 | +67% |
| Regional (100–500 mi) | $1.75/mi | $350 | +46% |
| Long Haul (500+ mi) | $1.25/mi | $750 | +32% |
Heavy Equipment
| Local (Bobcat/Skid Steer) | $500 flat | +43% |
| Regional (100–300 mi) | $4.00/mi, min $800 | +33% |
| Long Haul (300+ mi) | $2.50/mi, min $1,000 | +25% |
Boat Transport
| Local (<100 mi) | $4.00/mi, min $300 | +60% |
| Regional (100–500 mi) | $3.00/mi, min $500 | +9% |
Premium Add-Ons
| Service | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Expedited / Rush Scheduling | +30% | Jobs booked <48 hours in advance |
| White-Glove Service | +25% | Extra protection, photo documentation, premium handling |
| Storage / Staging | $50/day | Secure on-site staging before/after transport |
| Fuel Surcharge (500+ mi) | +8–12% | Applied to long-haul trips automatically |
Target Markets
H&N's target customers share common traits: they value reliability, professionalism, and scheduling predictability. They are willing to pay premium rates for premium service. The Hudson Valley's geographic position — between New York City, New England, and the mid-Atlantic corridor — places these markets within natural reach.
RV Owners & Snowbirds
Demographic: 50+ years, affluent retirees and semi-retirees. Seasonal NY–FL migration (October–November south, March–April north). High-value vehicles, repeat customers. Average job: $3,200–$3,800.
Classic & Exotic Car Collectors
Demographic: 45–65, high net worth. Auction purchases (Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, Hershey), track events, show circuits (Carlisle, Lime Rock Park). Enclosed transport critical. Average job: $500–$1,800.
Auto Dealerships
Trade-in transfers, auction pickups, dealer-to-dealer moves. Steady, predictable volume with repeat relationships. Hudson Valley has dozens of independent and franchise dealers. Average job: $200–$400.
Construction & Landscaping
Bobcats, skid steers, mini excavators, compactors. Local equipment moves between job sites. High frequency in building season (April–November). Quick turnaround, high margin. Average job: $500.
Boat Owners
Seasonal launch (April–May) and haul-out (September–October). Hudson River, Long Island Sound, Connecticut marinas. Oversized loads command premium rates. Average job: $300–$600.
Race Teams & Track Days
Lime Rock Park (CT) is 45 minutes from Red Hook. Weekend track events, vintage racing, club days. Trailer transport, car hauling. Enthusiast community with high willingness to pay. Average job: $300+.
Route Strategy & Profitability
Every potential route has been analyzed for actual revenue, fuel costs, tolls, maintenance, time commitment, and resulting profit. This data drives scheduling decisions — James takes the jobs that maximize profit per hour and per mile.
| Route | Distance | Revenue | Costs | Net Profit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Equipment Move | 25 mi | $500 | $23 | $477 | 2–3 hrs |
| Red Hook → Poughkeepsie | 30 mi | $500 | $28 | $472 | Half day |
| Red Hook → Lime Rock CT | 60 mi | $300 | $70 | $230 | Half day |
| Red Hook → NJ Dealers | 100 mi | $300 | $122 | $178 | 1 day |
| Red Hook → Long Island (Boat) | 120 mi | $480 | $150 | $330 | 1 day |
| Red Hook → Cape Cod | 200 mi | $600 | $209 | $391 | 1–2 days |
| Red Hook → Hershey PA | 230 mi | $460 | $252 | $208 | 1–2 days |
| Red Hook → Carlisle PA | 250 mi | $500 | $265 | $235 | 1–2 days |
| Red Hook → FL (RV Snowbird) | 1,200 mi | $3,500 | $1,300 | $2,200 | 4–5 days |
| Red Hook → FL (Enclosed Classic) | 1,200 mi | $1,800 | $1,300 | $500 | 4–5 days |
Profit Per Hour Analysis
Seasonal Optimization
| Season | Peak Markets | Key Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Boats, construction equipment, car shows | Local marinas, job sites, Lime Rock Park |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Construction, race events, dealer transfers | Equipment moves, Lime Rock, regional dealers |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Snowbirds south, boat haul-out, Hershey/Carlisle | NY→FL RV, marina pulls, PA car shows |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Snowbirds north (Mar), indoor storage moves, dealer work | FL→NY RV, local dealer transfers |
Operating Model — One Man Operation
James A. O'Neil Jr. is the sole operator. The business is designed around his capacity, his schedule, and his quality of life. Every system, process, and automation exists to protect his time and maximize the value of every hour he works.
Operating Rules — Non-Negotiable
- No emergency calls. All jobs are scheduled appointments only.
- No weekends. Friday, Saturday, Sunday are off. Period.
- No holidays. James is not on-call for anyone.
- Advance booking required: 3–7 days for local jobs, 7–14 days for long haul.
- Maximum 1 job per day (local) or 1 multi-day trip per week (long haul).
- James maintains his own equipment — oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks, DOT inspections.
- Fortitude handles everything else. James does not answer phones, respond to emails, manage a website, post on social media, send invoices, or chase reviews. He drives. He maintains equipment. He delivers excellence.
Fleet
| Vehicle | Type | CDL Required | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Freightliner M2 Flatbed | Medium-Duty Flatbed | Class B CDL | Heavy equipment, RVs, large loads |
| 2023 Ford F600 Flatbed | Medium-Duty Flatbed | Class B CDL (likely) | Vehicles, equipment, mid-size loads |
| 2023 Ram 3500 Crew Cab LB | Heavy-Duty Pickup | No CDL | Towing, light loads, gooseneck trailer |
Typical Week Structure
| Day | Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Local jobs, equipment maintenance | AM: Bobcat move ($500). PM: Truck inspection. |
| Tuesday | Regional run | Full day: Red Hook → Long Island boat haul ($480) |
| Wednesday | Local jobs, admin catch-up | AM: Dealer transfer ($300). PM: Prep for Thursday. |
| Thursday | Local or start multi-day | Local equipment move ($500) or depart for regional/long haul |
| Fri–Sun | OFF | — |
Fortitude Support Layer
Fortitude° Virtual Professionals provides the complete business infrastructure that allows a one-man hauling operation to present and operate like a fully-staffed company. James focuses exclusively on what he does best — driving and equipment care — while Fortitude handles every other business function.
Web & Digital Presence
- HandNHauling.com design & maintenance
- HandNTowing.com design & maintenance
- Google My Business optimization
- Facebook page management
- SEO strategy & execution
Marketing & Lead Generation
- Google Ads campaigns
- Facebook advertising
- Load board listings (uShip, Central Dispatch)
- Seasonal campaign management
- Review generation & management
Customer Operations
- Quote generation & follow-up
- Booking & scheduling management
- Email/SMS confirmation automation
- Photo documentation system
- Post-delivery follow-up
Finance & Admin
- Invoicing & payment processing
- Revenue tracking & reporting
- Expense categorization
- Compliance calendar management
- Vendor coordination
Financial Projections
Monthly Operating Costs (One-Man Operation)
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Auto Insurance (2 active trucks) | $2,500 | ~$1,000/truck/mo + cargo + GL |
| Fuel (avg. 3–4 jobs/wk) | $700 | $0.46/mi at 6.5 MPG, ~1,500 mi/mo |
| Maintenance Reserve | $400 | $0.15/mi, preventive + repairs |
| ELD Device | $35 | Electronic Logging Device, required |
| Tolls | $150 | Regional average, higher on FL runs |
| Phone / Internet | $150 | Business line + mobile data |
| Supplies (cones, straps, misc) | $100 | Replacement and consumables |
| TOTAL MONTHLY FIXED COSTS | $4,035 | ~$48,420/yr |
Revenue Scenarios
| Conservative | Moderate | Aggressive | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jobs Per Week | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Average Job Revenue | $800 | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| Weekly Revenue | $2,400 | $4,800 | $7,500 |
| Monthly Revenue | $9,600 | $19,200 | $30,000 |
| Annual Revenue | $115,200 | $230,400 | $360,000 |
| Monthly Operating Costs | $4,035 | $4,035 | $4,035 |
| Labor Costs | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| MONTHLY NET PROFIT | $5,565 | $15,165 | $25,965 |
| ANNUAL NET PROFIT | $66,780 | $181,980 | $311,580 |
AAA vs. H&N Hauling — The Real Comparison
| AAA Towing (Current) | H&N Hauling (Moderate) | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Gross Revenue | $4,000–5,000 | $19,200 |
| Monthly Labor Costs | -$8,000 to -$12,000 | $0 |
| Monthly Insurance | -$2,500 | -$2,500 |
| Monthly Fuel & Maint. | -$1,500 | -$1,100 |
| Other Costs | -$500 | -$435 |
| MONTHLY NET PROFIT | -$8,500 to -$7,000 | $15,165 |
| Jobs Required | 100–160/month | 16/month |
| Employees | 2–3 | 0 |
| Schedule | 24/7 on-call | Mon–Thu 7–5 |
| Quality of Life | Destroyed | Protected |
Monthly Net Profit Comparison
AAA Exit Strategy
There are two approaches to exiting the AAA contract. Both arrive at the same destination. The phased approach reduces risk. The clean-break approach follows the Boss's directive and gets James free immediately.
Option A: Phased Transition
Websites go live. Marketing begins. First specialty quotes go out. Continue AAA at reduced volume. Begin notifying AAA of wind-down. Target: 2–3 specialty jobs per week alongside reduced AAA.
Specialty jobs filling the calendar. AAA volume cut in half. Revenue from specialty approaching or exceeding AAA contribution. Let go of 1 AAA driver. James takes prime specialty jobs.
Full specialty operation. All AAA obligations terminated. All employees released. James operates solo, Mon–Thu, scheduled appointments only. Target met.
Option B: Clean Break (Recommended)
Clean Break Math
If James drops AAA on day one and the specialty operation takes 60 days to reach moderate volume:
- Month 1 (light): 2 jobs/wk @ $600 avg = $4,800/mo revenue. Minus $4,035 costs = $765 net profit
- Month 2 (building): 3 jobs/wk @ $800 avg = $9,600/mo revenue. Minus $4,035 costs = $5,565 net profit
- Month 3 (moderate): 4 jobs/wk @ $1,200 avg = $19,200/mo revenue. Minus $4,035 costs = $15,165 net profit
Total 90-day net: $21,495 — Compare to AAA 90-day net: -$22,500 (losing $7,500/mo average). The clean break puts H&N $44,000 ahead in the first 90 days.
Growth Triggers — When to Hire
H&N will remain a one-man operation until revenue consistently proves the business can support additional personnel without financial strain. Hiring is triggered by sustained performance, not optimistic projections. These thresholds are firm.
Part-Time Driver
A second driver enables two simultaneous jobs, effectively doubling capacity without doubling overhead. James can manage dispatch while continuing to drive premium routes.
| Schedule | 3–4 days/week |
| Estimated Cost | $2,500–3,500/mo |
| Revenue Impact | Potential to add $8,000–15,000/mo in additional jobs |
| Requirements | Class B CDL, clean driving record, reliable, professional demeanor |
Part-Time Mechanic / Wrench Man
Frees James from routine maintenance so he can focus on driving and operations. Keeps the fleet in top condition with preventive maintenance, reducing downtime and emergency repairs.
| Schedule | 2–3 days/week |
| Estimated Cost | $1,500–2,500/mo |
| Impact | Increased fleet uptime, reduced major repair costs, frees James for revenue work |
| Requirements | Commercial truck experience, DOT inspection knowledge, reliable |
Compliance Checklist
Federal, state, and local compliance requirements for operating a commercial hauling business in New York. Items are categorized by current status.
- USDOT 1193145 — Active and current
- MC-769606 — Active motor carrier authority
- Class B CDL — James holds valid CDL for Freightliner M2 and F600
- Facebook Business Page — Active with reviews and photos
- Google My Business — Active with reviews and photos
- NY Biennial Statement — PAST DUE — File immediately ($9 fee)
- Delaware LLC Formation — Pending (via Bizee.com)
- NY Foreign Qualification — Required to operate Delaware LLC in NY
- ELD Device — Required for commercial vehicles, must be installed and active
- Commercial Auto Insurance — Must cover all active vehicles
- Cargo Insurance ($250K limit) — ~$1,200/yr, required for specialty transport
- General Liability Insurance — ~$51/mo, standard business coverage
- BOC-3 Filing — Process agent designation (required for MC authority)
Fortitude CMO Proof of Concept
H&N Hauling is not just a client project — it is the defining case study for Fortitude° Virtual Professionals as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer and business infrastructure provider for small operators.
Before Fortitude
- $600K gross revenue (AAA grind)
- 2–3 employees required
- 24/7 emergency availability
- Thin-to-negative margins
- No website, no marketing strategy
- No booking system
- Equipment being ground down
- Owner: exhausted, stuck, no path forward
After Fortitude
- $115K–360K net profit (premium hauling)
- Zero employees (one-man operation)
- Mon–Thu 7–5, scheduled only
- 50–70% net margins
- Dual-brand websites, full SEO
- Automated booking & CRM
- Fewer miles, higher earnings per mile
- Owner: building wealth, living well
What Fortitude Delivered
- Strategic business plan with real market data, route profitability analysis, and financial projections
- Dual-brand architecture (HandNHauling.com + HandNTowing.com) with distinct positioning
- Complete digital infrastructure — websites, SEO, GMB, Facebook, load board strategy
- Marketing automation — booking system, email/SMS confirmations, photo documentation, review management
- Customer service layer — quote management, scheduling, follow-up
- Compliance management — identified past-due filings, created compliance calendar
- Financial modeling — operating costs, revenue scenarios, growth triggers, hiring thresholds
- Exit strategy — clear path out of AAA with quantified cost comparisons
Result: A Marine veteran works 4 days a week, earns more than he did grinding 7 days, builds real equity, and has his life back. That is the Fortitude proposition.
90-Day Launch Plan
File NY biennial statement ($9). Initiate Delaware LLC formation (Bizee.com). Purchase HandNHauling.com and HandNTowing.com domains. Begin insurance review and cargo insurance quotes.
HandNHauling.com and HandNTowing.com designed, built, and launched. Photo documentation system created. Quote request forms live. Booking system configured.
Google My Business fully optimized with updated services, photos, and service area. Facebook pages updated with new branding. Load board accounts created (uShip, Central Dispatch). ELD device installed.
First marketing campaigns launched (Google Ads, Facebook). First quotes generated and sent. Outreach to local dealers, construction companies, and marinas. AAA wind-down notification (or clean break executed).
First 5–10 specialty jobs completed. Customer feedback collected. Pricing refined based on market response. Google review campaign active. Load board listings optimized. Revenue tracking baseline established.
AAA fully eliminated. Pure specialty operation running. Revenue and cost data analyzed. Seasonal strategy adjusted. Marketing campaigns optimized based on 60 days of data. First quarterly business review conducted.