Some of the most common types are the Chevrolet Silverado 3500, the GMC Sierra 3500, the Ford F-350, and the Ram 3500. Put simply, these are your basic heavy-duty consumer pickup trucks. They’re commonly used by contractors and last-mile delivery drivers, but you can also use them for hot shot logistics.
What size truck do I need to hotshot?
Hot shot loads typically require the use of a one-ton pickup truck, such as the Ford Super-Duty F-350 or Ram 3500. Hot shot loads can put a tremendous amount of stress on smaller pickups, which causes more wear and tear overtime.
Can you hotshot with a 2500 truck?
REASON #3: No limitations on hotshot loads
If you have a CDL, you can haul over that 26,000 GVWR limit. But let us take this a step further. If you use a 2500 truck with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs and a tandem axle single wheel with 14,000 lbs GVWR, then the combination is rated and licensed for 24,000 lbs.
Is hotshot trucking 2021 worth it?
So, technically, a hotshot is still worth it. As long as you come in with the right frame of mind and your expectations are reasonable and you have a little bit more money in your nest egg, then hot shot might be worth it. You gain a ton of experience that you can use in the trucking industry as a whole.
Is a dually better for hotshot?
If you know exactly what you’re going to haul and what truck will do it best, single rear wheels may be just fine. The singles may even be a requirement for tight places. Just remember, you could be turning loads down because of your choice. For most hotshot trucking operations, the dually is the truck of choice.
Do you need a new truck to hotshot?
First and foremost, hot shot truck drivers need a pickup truck and some kind of flatbed trailer for hauling loads. I recommend getting a dually pickup truck, but that comes down to personal preference.
How much weight can a CDL hotshot haul?
1. Freight Capacity Restrictions. Hot shot trailers can only legally haul 16,500 pounds of freight on their deck and measure 40 feet at their lengthiest. As a result, for shippers needing more capacity than these thresholds allow, hot shot trailers simply won’t be a capable option for their freight.
How do I start a hot shot truck with no money?
- Hot Shot Trucking Start Up Costs. …
- Write a Business Plan. …
- Open an LLC. …
- Open a Business Bank Account. …
- Get a DOT Number. …
- Get a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) …
- Purchase the Right Equipment. …
- Find Freight.
Is Hot Shot Trucking profitable?
The hotshot trucking industry is one of the most lucrative and profitable in the United States. U.S. $732.3 billion in gross freight revenue (primary shipment only) from trucking. This represents 80.4% of 2020’s freight bill.
How much do hotshots make?
A well run hotshot trucker in a reasonable location for regular loads can bring in from $60,000 to $120,000 gross income per year, possibly more. Most hotshot’s expenses—fuel, maintenance, insurance, licenses and fees, tolls, etc. —are approximately half of gross income.
What do I need to start a hot shot business?
- Open an LLC in Your State. …
- Get a Tax ID Number. …
- Open a Business Bank Account. …
- Get a DOT Physical (and Your Medical Card) …
- Get a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) …
- Get Your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) …
- Get TWIC-Transportation Workers Identification Credential.
How long will a hotshot truck last?
The average hotshotter or trucker does 10,000 miles on the low end. Obviously, if you do more miles, it’s going to cost you less. But you can only do so many miles legally.
Are hot shot drivers in demand?
Another common complaint about hot shot trucks is the competition — since hot shot drivers are in high demand, and brokers need freight delivered ASAP, you’ll always be competing with other hot shot drivers for freight. Starting any business is a risk, and hot shot trucking is no exception.
How do hot shot truckers find loads?
- Freight Brokers. Freight brokers are the middle men that connect shippers to truckers and they can help you out especially if you are just starting out. …
- Load Boards. …
- Dispatch Services. …
- Register as a Government Contractor. …
- Prospecting. …
- Networking.
How much weight can a hot shot carry?
Disadvantages of Hotshot Trucking:
There are three big disadvantages that come with hotshot trucking: Freight Capacity Restrictions: Hotshot trailers usually max out at 40 feet in length, which means they are limited in the weight they can legally carry – 16,500 lbs.
Can you hotshot with an older truck?
If your truck is older than seven years — I mean give or take a few years — it’s probably too old to take the daily abuses of hotshot trucking. It is a fact that an older truck is less capable than a brand-new truck.
How do you charge hotshot loads?
To get a rough hot shot cost per mile, estimate the average fuel price per gallon you expect to pay and divide it by your average fuel mileage when hauling a load. For example, if fuel is $2.50 per gallon in your area, and you get 15 miles per gallon, $2.50 divided by 15 is approximately $0.17 per mile.
Where can I find loads for pickup trucks?
1. Get Jobs From Local Construction Companies. One of the most popular ways to get loads for your pickup truck is by servicing the construction industry. Pickup trucks are perfect for the task because they are durable, can carry heavy loads, and have ample space in their bed to haul stuff to and from construction sites …
Do you need a CDL to hotshot in Texas?
HOT SHOT OWNER OPERATORS
DRIVER MUST HAVE OWN TRUCK AND 40FT TRAILER (CDL OR NON CDL). WE WILL DISPATCH AND TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING ASSOCIATED WITH THE LOAD ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS DRIVE.
Do hotshot drivers have to keep a log?
All applicable hotshot drivers and carriers must comply with the ELD mandate. Drivers should be aware of their responsibility to keep Records of Duty Status (RODS), electronic logs, and maintain their electronic logging devices (ELD).
How much does a 40 ft hotshot trailer weight?
24900# GVWR – 9500# trailer weight = 15400# carrying capacity. Torque tube.
Is hotshot trucking in demand?
Although hot shot drivers faced challenges when the oil parts industry took a hit, they are in high demand today. Among the various trucking transportation options available, hot shot loads for pickups have experienced tremendous growth.
