Inside Doug Andrus’s Convertible Hopper Fleet
Description
Convertible trailers have largely disappeared from American trucking. Doug Andrus still runs a fleet of them, which makes this one of the most specialized operations in the country.
The route is Idaho to Montana and back. The work is hands-on: securing loads, working with your hands, and knowing the equipment well enough to convert it. Because the trailers are unusual, so is the skill set — this isn't a fleet you can staff by posting a generic ad, which is precisely why the video is aimed at people who already live in southeast Idaho, Montana, or northern Utah.
That geography is the selling point. Running a regional lane out of your own backyard means maximizing drive time and home time at once, rather than trading one for the other. Most fleets make you pick. This is the closest thing to both, and it sits alongside the broader hopper and bulk operation running the Rocky Mountain West at up to 129,000 pounds.
If you want to compare against the long-haul options, look at refrigerated or flatbed, or check regional trucking and short haul. Otherwise — apply or call (800) 336-1034.
Video Transcript
Hey, you ever heard of the convertible hopper fleet at Doug Andrus? You haven't? Well, let me tell you about it.
This fleet is one of the most unique and specialized fleets in the USA — and I ain't kidding. It utilizes convertible trailers to pull freight between Idaho and Montana. These trailers are super rare, but we still use them at Doug Andrus.
You think you've got what it takes? Working with your hands, securing loads, and driving? Then this might be the job for you.
So if you live in southeast Idaho, Montana, or northern Utah, and you want to maximize your home time and your drive time — that's right, I didn't stutter, drive time and home time — who do you call? Not the Ghostbusters. Doug Andrus. That's who you call.
So you might want to hurry up and apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a convertible hopper trailer?
A trailer that can be reconfigured for different load types. They're rare across the industry now, which makes this fleet unusual and the skill set relatively scarce.
Where does the convertible hopper fleet run?
Between Idaho and Montana.
Who is this fleet best suited for?
Drivers living in southeast Idaho, Montana, or northern Utah who want regional running — the pitch is maximizing drive time and home time together rather than trading one against the other.
Is this fleet physically demanding?
Yes. It involves working with your hands and securing loads, similar in character to flatbed work.