Starting a hotshot business is an exciting and potentially lucrative opportunity. If you're looking to get into trucking without committing to a company, then hotshot driving may be the way to go. This involves hauling small, urgent loads with a heavy-duty pickup. It's an ideal option for those who want to test out life on the road before taking the plunge into becoming a professional CDL driver. Visit CDL Monitoring. With a CDL training program, you can learn all the necessary skills and get started in the industry quickly. Read here about Starting a Trucking Company Correctly.

What Does Hotshot Trucking Involve?

Hotshot truckers are the elite of the transportation industry, hauling important equipment and cargo with lightning speed. Utilizing pickup trucks and flatbed trailers, they transport agricultural machinery, construction gear, LTL (less-than-a-truckload) items, and other critical loads that must be delivered to a single customer on time. What is the DOT SAP Program?

All hotshot trucks can be divided into three commercial truck classes according to their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Class three includes heavy-duty pickup trucks, box vans, and walk-in trucks. Class four encompasses super-duty pickups, large passenger vans, and city delivery trucks. Finally, class five covers larger walk-ins, delivery trucks, and bucket trucks. How To Request the DOT PIN Number?


Hotshot trucking has a long history in Texas, tracing its roots back to drivers who delivered much-needed components to oil fields. These trucks are often three-quarter to one-and-a-half ton cab-chassis rigs or pickup trucks with weight-distribution hitches. Hotshot driving is an important and reliable way of getting goods where they need to go quickly and securely. Visit the DOT Authority Package, Tips to prepare for 2023 DOT Week filings in minutes. How do you get an Oregon Trip And Fuel Permit?

What’s the Difference Between Driving a Semi & Hotshot Trucking?

Those looking to become hotshot truckers must own their own vehicle and/or trailer. Meanwhile, individuals taking on long-haul jobs will typically be provided with the necessary equipment. Additionally, while a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is not required for hotshot trucking, it is a requirement for long-haul jobs. Must visit FMCSA Hours of Service Suspended topics.

For those interested in long-haul trucking, additional training may be obtained through freight-hauling schools or other programs that provide instruction in the industry. On the other hand, no formal education is needed for the hotshot trucking profession. But potential drivers should have experience in driving large vehicles and pulling trailers safely and responsibly. Importance of The FMCSA 30-Minute Break Rule.

What Are the Trailer Types of Hotshots?

Semi-truck drivers haul large trailers such as 53’ enclosed temperature-controlled, step deck, and bulk liquid trailers. Hotshot drivers transport their loads with smaller types of trailers like the gooseneck, bumper pull, tilt deck, dovetail, or lowboy trailers connected to their pickup. No matter the size or type of trailer used, semi-truck and hotshot drivers focus on delivering their cargo safely and efficiently. Must visit the link.

Gooseneck trailers offer superior stability and a tighter turn radius than other types of trailers, making them ideal for carrying heavier loads. A special kind of hitch is required to accommodate a gooseneck trailer. Tilt deck trailers use a hydraulic system that allows the trailer to be tilted up for easy loading and unloading, and then back down when it's time to hit the road again. Bumper pull trailers are shorter and more affordable than larger options, but they can only carry loads of 10,000 lb or less.


Dovetail trailers are the perfect choice for transporting cars or any kind of equipment with wheels. Their low-lying design allows you to clear certain height restrictions and provides a great center of gravity for those heavy loads. Remember that these trailers hang lower at the back, so if you’re driving across steep inclines, be sure to take caution! Lowboy trailers provide an efficient solution for hauling tall cargo as well. They’re ideal for getting large items from one place to another without worrying about clearance issues. What is Unified Carrier Registration?

Hotshot Trucking Requirements & Qualifications

If you want to become a hotshot driver, fewer qualifications are needed depending on the freight you plan to haul. All hotshot drivers must possess a valid Class D driver's license —which is the standard for most citizens. When hauling freight under 10,000 lb., no CDL is necessary. However, if your load exceeds this weight limit, you must have a CDL in order to operate safely and legally.

Not having your CDL means that there are certain jobs that you won't qualify for as a hotshot driver. A lot of drivers choose to get their CDL anyway. Why? Doing so can open up more possibilities for themselves and set themselves up for potential future opportunities. (Like becoming a semi-truck driver.) Point blank: getting your CDL expands what jobs you can take on. Also, take a look at the Drug and Alcohol Program policy. What is DOT Clearinghouse Enforcement?

Part One: How To Start a Hotshot Business

To become a hotshot driver, you must first obtain either a Class D driver's license or a Commercial Driver's License. You'll then need to get a medical card from the Department of Transportation, as required for semi-truck drivers. To do so, you must schedule an appointment with an examiner certified by the DOT. These cards are valid for two years.


Next, it’s time to secure commercial driver’s insurance. If you own a business that requires drivers, commercial driver's insurance is likely one of your biggest financial obligations. It's essential to shop around for premiums that fit within your budget. Your insurance quote will depend on your driving record and experience. Drivers with poor records or recently earned CDLs can expect significantly higher rates. Researching multiple companies will help you find the most suitable coverage at an affordable rate. Learn here How to Prepare for a Compliance DOT Audit.

It’s best to get an operating authority or an MC number. If you plan to drive across state lines, you need an MC number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). All first-time applicants must be issued a USDOT number before applying for additional operating authority. Remember that commercial insurance is required as part of your registration process. Read about Texas DOT Numbers and USDOT Numbers.

Part Two: How To Start a Hotshot Business

If you want to start a hotshot business, registering it with your state is essential. This will provide you with a federal tax ID (or EIN), which can be used to open up a bank account for your business and hire employees. Registering your business is essential in ensuring its success. What are the Top 3 DOT paper-appointed Violations?

If you want to start hotshot trucking, investing in the right equipment for hauling freight is essential. You might need a vehicle and trailer that can transport different types of cargo, or you could specialize in carrying one particular kind of load. To start with this business, plan on making a down payment of anywhere from $5,000-$25,000+ for a dually or super-duty pickup truck. The price tag will depend on the make and model year. Regarding trailers, be prepared to spend between $10,000-$25,000 depending on trailer type and condition.

It pays to know where to find loads if you're in the hotshot trucking industry. Business owners and independent drivers can head to load boards for available jobs. You'll find some free options and subscription-based sites that typically offer more current jobs of higher value. By taking advantage of free and paid load board resources, you can get your business up and running quickly while reaping the benefits of more lucrative opportunities. Check out The Basics of Farm Exemptions. You will then be able to maintain complete motor carrier authority or broker.

What Are the Advantages of Hotshot?

Hotshot trucking is a great way to get your start in transportation. It's an easy entry point into the industry, and there is a consistent demand for this kind of service. If you're looking to jump into the world of semi-truck driving, hotshotting can be the perfect way to begin. Also, take a look at what IRP or Apportioned Registration is.

One of the major advantages of hotshot trucking is that startup costs are much more affordable than semi-truck ownership. Pickup trucks are less expensive than semis, and you'll have lower insurance costs as a driver. On top of that, there's no shortage of work available for hotshots. Companies always need specialized equipment and urgent LTL loads transported, so you'll be able to make good money with rates ranging from $1-$2 per mile! IFTA Sticker Registration steps.


Hotshot trucking can provide you with more time at home. That's because hotshot drivers haul freight locally, covering shorter distances within one state or across a cluster of conditions. It's a great way to build up your experience on the roads and learn about federal regulations that apply to short commercial hauls, too. What's more, by driving every day, you'll gain valuable insight into what it is like to be a semi-truck driver. This way, you can decide if it's the right career for you. You will need driver qualification files filed out by all employees who drive for you working.

Summary: How To Start a Hotshot Trucking Business

• Understand the Hotshot Trucking Business: Learn what hotshot trucking is, relevant laws and regulations, and industry standards.
• Develop a Business Plan: Outline your business goals, market analysis, budget, financial plan, operations plan, sales strategy, and more. You must visit the link.
• Acquire Equipment: Purchase or lease a truck to suit your needs.
• Obtain Insurance Coverage: Get liability insurance for hotshot truckers that meets all the job requirements.
• Get Certified: Obtain any certifications you may need, such as a CDL or other special qualifications for hauling certain types of cargo.
• Market Your Business: Use online marketing platforms to help your hotshot business grow.