What Is Hotshot Trucking?

Logistics in the USA is not just a business but a true road culture that unites drivers of various specializations. Classic long-haul truckers with 18-wheelers, carriers with semi-trailers, and even representatives of hot shot trucking - all of them are professionals who know no life other than the road. Agree, there`s a certain romance in this.

However, the key factor influencing a person`s decision to join hotshot trucking is still finances. Yes, the earnings of a hotshot driver are far from those of drivers of large vehicles, but in return, it`s quite balanced and more flexible.

So, what is hotshot trucking? Today, you will learn about the features of this profession, the key differences between hotshot trucks and regular trucks, driver requirements, and much more.

Definition of Hotshot Trucking

What does hot shot mean in trucking? This transportation method merges:

• Small trucks, usually pickups with low total weight.
• Timely transportation of goods.
• Combining multiple shipments intended for one recipient.
• Relatively small shipment volumes at a time.
• No strict requirements for the driver and vehicle.

Sometimes, hot shot trucking is confused with traditional LTL (Less-Than-Truck-Load) shipments, but in fact, it`s a completely different type of logistics. And you will understand why as you read further.

Hotshot Trucking vs. Traditional Trucking

When comparing hotshot trucking with traditional trucking, each of these types has different purposes and features. Let`s look at them under a microscope:

*A Class D driver`s license is required, and obtaining a CDL is necessary if the trailer being hauled weighs over 10,000 pounds.

Common Hotshot Load Types

Since the hotshot max weight can be quite limited, this also narrows down the types of freight that the driver can transport. The principle of hotshot shipments suggests that this type of logistics focuses on small but critical shipments. Specifically, in the following freight categories:

• Building materials, such as lumber, concrete blocks, or even small structures. Especially in cases when main supply chains are delayed.
• Industrial equipment, such as generators, pumps, spare parts for machinery, etc. Critical in cases when there is a need to eliminate downtime at industrial sites.
• Agricultural inventory and equipment, such as machinery parts, materials, etc. Especially critical during peak season when farmers urgently need certain equipment.
• Oil or gas equipment, such as spare parts for drilling rigs, and less commonly cables, ropes, and specialized cargo for the industry, which sometimes require licenses.
• Vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs, small boats, snowmobiles, and other small machinery. Or tools and equipment when there are urgent orders.
• Classic LTL, where there is a need for quick delivery of limited batches of goods and freight, especially locally within a settlement or even over long distances.

Types of Trucks and Trailers Used

For hot shot trucking, small-sized trucks of the classic format can be used, but they are not very fast and maneuverable, so they lose the whole point of hotshot deliveries. However, pickups are a different matter - they have their own space for transporting small volumes of goods and can also be equipped with trailers. More details on that coming up.

The first thing a driver needs for hotshot trucking is a truck from one of the following classes:

• Class 3. 10,001 - 14,000 pounds. For example, pickups like the GMC Sierra 3500, Ram 3500, and Ford F-350.
• Class 4. 14,001 - 16,000 pounds. Pickup trucks including the Ram 4500, Chevy Silverado 4500HD, and Ford F-450.
• Class 5. 16,001 - 19,500 pounds. Nearly professional trucks like the Ram 5500, Ford F-550, Chevy Silverado 5500HD, and Peterbilt 325.

Note that even a pickup has limited cargo space, so in addition to hotshot trucks, a trailer will also be needed for work. For example, one of the following types:

• Gooseneck trailers are optimal for transporting fairly heavy loads. However, a hot shot CDL license is required here.
• Tarped flatbed trailers can be a practical and fairly spacious option for transporting goods, etc.
• Bumper pull trailers are shorter and have a lower allowed transport weight, but a CDL is not required in this case.
• Fifth wheel trailers are used for transporting bulky loads, such as machinery or structures.
• Lowboy trailers can be used for transporting tall pallets or other types of freight.

Who Can Become a Hotshot Trucker?

De facto, anyone. Yes, the entry threshold into the hot shot trucking industry is extremely low. For example, to start working as a driver, you only need a category D driver`s license. But, you`re not planning to drive for peanuts, right? Let`s move on.

If you`re interested in a higher income, you will need to obtain a CDL (Commercial Driver License), which allows you to operate a vehicle with a trailer totaling more than 26,000 pounds. But this applies specifically to working as a driver - what about raising the stakes?

If you want to earn more, you should register as an Owner-Operator, purchase your own truck, at least one type of trailer, and insure them. You will also need to start your own business in the form of an LLC, with a DOT/MC number. Yes, these are investments, but the income is higher, sometimes even double, but more on that later.

Requirements for Hotshot Trucking

To summarize the previous section, here`s a list of requirements for those who want to become truly profitable hotshot truckers:

• A category D driver`s license, or preferably a CDL.
• A personal pickup truck of class 3-5 and a platform or trailer.
• Business registration as an LLC (optional, if you want to increase the profitability of your shipments).

And of course, driving experience, the ability to handle cargo, and a sense of responsibility. This especially includes knowledge of traffic rules, logistics standards, and relevant requirements.

Licensing, Insurance, and Operating Authority

While almost anyone can get into hotshot trucking, the industry has a number of rules that must be followed to operate legally and responsibly. In particular, these concern licensing and insurance:

• Auto Liability Insurance, Cargo Insurance, and optionally Physical Damage and General Liability.
• A USDOT and MC number, as well as FMCSA registration.
• An ELD (Electronic Logging Device) for drivers subject to HOS (Hours of Service) regulations.

And of course, you`ll need to comply with the rules of the state(s) where you plan to work. This means you may also need additional licenses and permits.

Pros and Cons of Hotshot Trucking

Like any other profession, being a hotshot trucker offers several work and income options. Specifically:

• Regular employment, where you drive your own or a rented vehicle and carry out contract work provided by a dispatcher.
• Owner-operator or self-employed status, where you not only haul loads but also search for them, make deals, handle accounting, and more.
• Business owner, who not only transports cargo independently, but also has partners or subordinate drivers involved in freight operations.

Benefits of hotshot trucking

Let`s start with the good - namely, the advantages of working as a hotshot trucker. These benefits include:

• Work flexibility, as you don`t have to depend on freight consolidation or broker activity timeframes. Especially if you`re independently finding shipping contracts.
• Relatively high income, even considering the expenses for truck rental, maintenance, and equipment. Again, as a driver, you`ll earn less than you would running your own business.
• Low entry barrier. To start, all you need is a class 3-5 pickup and a flatbed trailer. A CDL license will allow you to operate more efficiently, but you can initially try the industry without one.
• Seasonal earnings, especially if you live in industrial or agricultural regions where there is frequent need for urgent equipment deliveries, etc.
• Relatively calm work. Yes, you still need to deliver cargo on time, but with experience, you`ll learn to plan logistics in a way that lets you transport orders comfortably.

Challenges and Limitations

As for the downsides, challenges, and limitations, here are some of the main ones:

• Dependence on demand for services. This factor is less relevant for corporate workers, but for self-employed drivers, it can be hard to maintain a consistent shipping pace.
• Deadhead miles - miles traveled without a load. One way to offset this is by restructuring delivery chains, taking orders to nearby locations, and then returning home with cargo.
• High investment level, especially at the beginning, since at a minimum you need to buy or rent a truck and trailer, obtain insurance, and get licenses if you plan to transport serious loads.

How to Get Started in Hotshot Trucking

So, you`ve weighed all the pros and cons and decided that hotshot trucking is your future career. Where do you begin?

First, get a Class D driver`s license - this is probably the easiest step.

Second, consider obtaining a CDL, especially if you want to work without restrictions on the weight of the loads you can haul.

Third, get hired (at least temporarily) by a company that provides hotshot trucks and assigns contracts to drivers.

And that`s it. This is how you can enter the industry and start working as a hotshot trucker. Later, if you wish, you can purchase your own pickup and trailer, or even a full-size truck and transition to the Owner Operator model. The main thing is the will to work. And for comfort during rest, you`ll appreciate the TruxSpot service, the best parking aggregator in the USA.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does hot shot mean in trucking?

  Mostly it refers to LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipments with time constraints, typically delivered using maneuverable pickups with trailers.

• Do you need a special license to haul hotshot loads?

  If the total weight of the vehicle and trailer with cargo is under 26,000 pounds, a standard Class D license is enough. If it`s more, you`ll need a CDL.

• What kind of trailer is best for hotshot hauling?

  Any available trailer type can be used depending on what exactly you`re transporting. To start, a compact flatbed trailer is a good choice, which may not even require a CDL.

• How much money can you make in hotshot trucking?

  It depends. If you rent a vehicle and equipment, annual expenses might be $5,000-$15,000. If you own your resources, costs are lower, but you`ll still need to invest in acquiring them.

• Do I need a CDL for hotshot trucking?

  Only if you drive a vehicle with a trailer and cargo with a combined weight over 26,000 pounds.

• What is the typical insurance requirement?

  You`ll need Auto Liability, Cargo Insurance, and optionally Physical Damage and General Liability.

• What is the maximum weight for hotshot loads?

  Typically, the limit is around 26,000 pounds.

• Where can I park my hotshot truck overnight?

  At a pre-booked parking spot - especially convenient if you use the TruxSpot service.