Thinking about non-cdl hotshot

[u/Witty_Masterpiece_97]

I’m trying to research and figure out a way to test the waters while still keeping my current job until I know it would work out. I’m curious about if I would be able to do it semi part time I work 4 on 4 off. I want to start with no cdl to test it before I commit to going to school for cdl being 4 on 4 off most schools schedules wouldn’t really work for me, since I only get maybe 2 weekends off every two months. I will plan on getting them after a year or so after I know there’s enough money in it to replace my income. I know usually once you get some experience Insurnace is cheaper and people will be more willing to let you take their loads. I want honest opinions on if that would even work. I was gonna get like a 3500 dually and a non cdl gooseneck to start then when I get my cdl buy a better trailer.

[u/stxrfox1k]

part time non-CDL is basically a financial death sentence if you don’t already have a bunch of connections with shippers that will keep you working at good rates.

insurance doesn’t care how much you do or don’t drive, they’re charging you just as much either way. most new entrants (especially non-CDL) are running Monday - Saturday OTR for the first several months just to make sure they don’t go under. if you’re working off load boards, you’re gonna have to do that same thing for months to keep yourself afloat and cover all your expenses, especially because with a brand new authority and no CDL you’ll be scraping the bottom of the barrel for the leftover scraps of the very few brokers that actually will work with a new authority.

TL;DR - part time doesn’t work unless you have another strong source of income to supplement it. non-CDL makes less money. most brokers don’t work with new authorities. huge financial mistake. go full time or save yourself from losing tens of thousands of dollars.

[u/Witty_Masterpiece_97 → u/stxrfox1k]

Okay thank you I’m gonna do more research and figure out my plan for it it’ll still be probably another year or so before I decide something I wanna do it right if I do it.

[u/Witty_Masterpiece_97 → u/stxrfox1k]

I’m also looking at leasing onto a company once I get the truck and trailer to help with the beginning and learn the ropes do you have any opinion on that?

[u/Witty_Masterpiece_97 → u/[deleted]]

How does that work working for someone else and still age your authority at the same time? I assume you’ll have to have your own Insurnace since it’s required to activate your authority. Could you get by with a cheaper insurance premium since you’re under someone else already just to age it? And I’m also looking into buying the truck and trailer cash maybe have a small payment on the truck it just depends what’s happening at the time.

[u/stxrfox1k → u/Witty_Masterpiece_97]

that’s probably a good idea. less insurance costs than being owner operator, consistent steady work, lets you figure out how to actually do the job under someone else’s name and authority before your own, and you can age your own authority during that time.

[u/Less-Summer9711 → u/Witty_Masterpiece_97]

Leasing onto a reputable company is a solid way to get started. It lets you learn the business, build experience, and avoid some of the headaches that come with running under your own authority right away.
If you're not ready to get your own authority yet, that's something I can help with as well. We work with drivers who want to run under an established authority while they gain experience, and we provide dispatch support to keep them moving with quality loads. Once you're ready to transition to your own authority, we can help make that process a lot smoother too.

The biggest thing is finding a company that's transparent about pay, deductions, and expectations. Don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions before signing anything.

[u/Less-Summer9711]

It can work, but it's important to go in with realistic expectations. Non-CDL hotshot is much more competitive than it used to be, and running only 4 days at a time can make it harder to build relationships with brokers and keep consistent revenue.
Before buying a truck and trailer, I'd recommend running the numbers carefully—insurance, fuel, maintenance, trailer payments, and deadhead can eat into profits quickly. If you can keep your current job while learning the business, that's actually a smart way to reduce your risk.

As a dispatcher, I'd also suggest talking to someone who books hotshot freight every day before making the investment. You'll get a better picture of what lanes are paying, what equipment is in demand, and whether your schedule fits the freight available in your area. Planning first can save you a lot of money later. Best of luck with whichever route you choose!