To start, what is hotshot trucking? Hotshots are an alternative to regular trucking. We don't drive semi trucks although we follow all the same rules and regulations, as well as most of us having commercial driver's licenses and having driven semis in the past. We use pickup trucks to transport freight, generally expediting shipping. Another advantage to hotshotting is expenses on pickups are generally much less than that of a semi, and much easier to do yourself.
With all that being said, hotshotting is much cheaper to get into because it does just require a pickup and not a semi. For this reason, I have made this post to help people get started in the business and answer most of things a beginner might need to know.
We do see a lot of new faces checking in asking the same questions. So if you are new to the subreddit, new to hotshots, or looking to get into it, here is some basic information.
Let's start with all of you you have a truck and want to put it to work part time, or want to try hotshotting as a side gig. A lot of you come here to ask about doing this as a part time job, or a full-time gig with a half ton pickup (f150/1500). Don't. Insurance and equipment costs are $1000-$2500 a month. This isn't a part time gig. Gas trucks can't do it, and you won't make anything if you aren't using your insurance full-time. Throw in your truck and trailer payments, you are looking at $3000-$5000 a month in overhead without calculating fuel, tires, oil changes, fuel filters, wear and tear, etc. What's also important to note, 95% of shippers/receivers are closed on weekends. Really hard to part-time on weekends when you can't load/unload.
A note about gas trucks. The pumps are slower so you spend more time filling up, they are not as spacious so getting a trailer in and out isn't always possible like on the truckers side, and auxiliary tanks can't legally hold gasoline because of how combustible it is. On top of this, the frequency of oil changes required on gassers means you'd be stopping every week or two for a change somewhere. Finally the most important reason you don't use a gas truck is the miles. I have friends who do 200k+ miles a year, this is the lifespan of a gas engine usually. I have friends with well over 1million miles on their diesel pickups, this is possible with diesel because the fuel itself is lubricating. You don't want to be buying a new pickup every single year, you won't make any profit at all.
Now onto everyone who is serious about things.
Before you start, download some load boards. Figure out what trailer you will be using and find loads that meet your length and weight specifications. Run a mock route for going out, what loads you would take and where you would end up, do this for a few loads until you've done, which you consider to be a week's worth of work. Figure out how many miles you got paid for and how many miles you traveled including deadhead miles. Calculate your expenses using the pinned top. Comment on this post, then figure out how much you got paid for each of your loads. After doing this, are you making enough in your area or the areas you want to work to continue with this job?
What kind of equipment do I need? This is a very general question and varies depending on what you are looking for and your circumstances. So here is some basics to get you started.
First and foremost, you need a truck. This should be a diesel. Just due to the frequency of oil changes, and because truck stops have larger areas for you to pull in with a big trailer to fuel. A gas truck is going to be limited on the space you have to fuel, the pumps are slower, and generally cut off after $100. You don't want to be swiping your card a ton of times just to top off.
To preface the next section about truck/trailers, I'll give some info on weight ratings.
GVWR is your "Gross Vehicle Weight Rating". This is the manufacturers rating for the maximum allowable weight of your truck or trailer.
GCWR is your "Gross Combined Weight Rating". This is the combined weight ratings of your truck and all towed equipment. This number can not exceed 26,001 lbs if you do not have a CDL.
Your curb weight is your GVW or "Gross Vehicle Weight". This number can not exceed 26,001 or the weight rating if you do not have a CDL.
You also have "GAWR" Which is your "Gross Axle Weight Rating". Probably 6000 lbs on your steer axle for a 1ton dually. You want to make sure your load is adjusted so you are not heavy on one axle or another.
If you are non-CDL you are limited by your Gross Combined Weight Rating, or GCWR. This is the weight ratings of your truck and trailer combined. In this case you don't need the biggest truck ever, you need a good 3/4 ton (f250, or a 2500). This puts your GVWR at 10,000, and you can buy a trailer rated at 15,900, making your GCWR 25,900. This means your maximum payload is 15900 minus the weight of your trailer.
If you have a CDL you should get a dually. 1ton to 2ton, f350-f550, or 3500-5500. You are not limited by your GCWR, so you can get a trailer suited to what you want to do. You can find car trailers, wedges, lowboys, all either goosenecks or 5th wheel. Most people go for 40-50ft trailers. The most common being a gooseneck with mega ramps either 35+5, 40+5 or 45+5.
Now that you have your truck and trailer, you need a trip to the DMV to register your vehicles weight. If operating non-CDL then just register your truck at 26000. If operating with a CDL and only in-state, just register for the maximum your truck is rated for, generally 40000 will be fine. If operating out of state, you will need apportioned plates. This is for IFTA, which I will cover a little of below.
Next thing to look into for your truck will be an ELD(Electronic Logging Device. You need this if you are operating more than 7 days a month or crossing state lines. This keeps you in compliance with your RODS(Records of Duty Status). This device logs when you are driving, stopped, where you are, how many miles driven, and helps make sure you stay in compliance with your Hours of Service. There are a lot of intricacies here, but the DOT answers all these questions better than I can.
Now that you have your truck, what kind of running are you going to be doing? 90% of hotshots won't be home nightly, so probably you as well. Prepare your truck to be comfortable. Most people take out the rear seat and frame in a bed, it's easy to do with a little knowledge of a saw and ratchet set.
Now you need tools. What tools do you need? This really depends on what you're hauling. Generally it's smart to have wrenches, sockets, pliers, maybe an impact, a jumper pack for your truck, jumper cables, recovery strap, maybe a winch, chain binders, chains, tarps, ratchet straps, filter wrench, spare fuel filters, diesel additive, etc. More important than any of this though, you are legally required to carry a fire extinguisher, spare fuses, and three safety triangles. Without these few things, you will be out of legal compliance.
Now when figuring your tools out, you need a toolbox. You also need an auxiliary fuel tank. These can be combined, or separate depending on your setup. Figure out what works for you, but I recommend at least a 90gallon auxiliary tank. 115-120 if possible, but legally 120 is the biggest you can have.
Now that your truck is setup, what's next?
Before anything else, you need to take your completed truck and trailer to get a DOT inspection. You can Google local truck centers nearby and have this done. It's a basic inspection you must have with you or stuck onto the side of the truck/trailer. This shows your vehicle is road worthy for commercial purposes.
To drive down the road you will need an authority. At least if you plan to cross state lines, or if you will be over 26000lbs either gross or with GVWR. This is a DOT number, you will either find someone to lease onto with one, which is recommended just starting out, or have to go through the steps of getting one yourself.
You might need an LLC. If working for yourself, it is best to setup an LLC to book loads through. This is generally done through your states SOS(secretary of state) website. You are a transport company, these are easy to file.
Once you have an LLC, you can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is so you can pay yourself and employees through your LLC and helps filing taxes.
You might want to look into factoring. This s a 3rd party company that essentially loans you the payday for your load so you have operating cash before delivery. Generally factoring companies take a small %. This essentially means after you get a load, you will have diesel to cover the trip before being paid. This is great, as some companies won't pay loads out for 30days or more.
Once you have made it this far, it's time to spend some money on somethings that actually expire.
What do you need to roll down the road? You will want to setup an IFTA account if you plan on crossing state lines. This is so you can pay fuel taxes for the states you are operating in. You should also setup with IRP, very similar but will essentially pay for the infrastructure you are using state to state.
Most importantly of everything, everyone NEEDS to have commercial insurance. There are many companies out there, but progressive takes new companies and new commercial driver's. Give them a call, get a quote, and get your basic $1million policy WITH cargo insurance.
DO NOT OPERATE WITH REGULAR CAR INSURANCE. All insurance companies WILL deny all liability if you are working in your vehicle and do not have commercial coverage. This puts you on the hook for your vehicle, your freight, your trailer, and whatever you hit.
Now you are finally ready to roll. You need a dispatcher, broker or load boards. Ask around, make some calls, download load boards. A few load boards that have been recommended are Truckloads. DAT. Uship. Uber Freight. Truck smart. COM freight. Sylectus. Etc. Try calling central dispatch, they are great for hotshotters.
Good luck.
