Do hotshot truckers make good money?

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.

How do I start doing hotshot loads?

How to become a hotshot driver

Get a valid driver’s license. Hotshot drivers need a basic Class D driver’s license.
Apply for a USDOT number.
Purchase equipment.
Buy liability insurance.
Build a professional network.
Search for cargo loads and deliveries.

Is hotshot hauling worth it?

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.

Which truck is best for hotshot hauling?

What Is the Best Truck for Hotshot Trucking?

The Chevy Silverado – 2500/3500 Heavy Duty.
Ram 2500/2500 Big Horn.
The GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Heavy Duty.
Ford F450/550.
Ford Superduty Commercial F-250 XL, F 350 XLT, F450 Lariat.

Do hotshot truckers make good money? – Related Questions

Do I need dually 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.

How much does Hot Shot insurance cost?

Typically, the annual cost for hot shot insurance ranges between $7,000 and $12,000. The average cost per year is $10,284 for the businesses that are new and have one truck and trailer. Note that multiple factors can impact your hot shot insurance rates.

What kind of truck is used for hot shot trucking?

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 trailer is best for hotshot?

By far the most common length for gooseneck hot shot trailers is 40 feet. On a PJ Gooseneck this gives you a total length of 49 feet. Longer trailers might give you the ability to haul more freight, but can be restrictive depending on the state laws.

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 Ram 2500 Good for hotshot trucking?

So here we go: If money is no object, the all-new 2019 Ram Heavy Duty 2500 or 3500 is probably the best hot shot truck on the market today. Now, it may not be perfect for everybody, but it might be for most.

Can you sleep in a hot shot truck?

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.

Do you need a 4×4 to hotshot?

Answer: It depends on you. 2WD is best if you’re going to run on the highway most of the time. Since it’s lighter, it would be more fuel-efficient for you. But if you’ll be traveling a lot to the Northern States or in Canada where snow or off-road conditions are present, get a 4WD.

How do hot shot drivers find work?

Search through load boards

The most common way to find hotshot trucking jobs is by searching load boards, which are essentially forums for transportation and logistics professionals. On these boards, companies post hotshot trucking assignments for drivers looking for a quick load to deliver.

How much weight can a 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 long does a hot shot 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.

How long do hotshot drivers work?

Most hotshots can work 34-weeks a year and make their profit.

Is hot shotting a good business to get into?

The hotshot trucking business is a small but lucrative slice in the big trucking industry pie. Trucking is clearly one of the most profitable in the United States. Today, U.S. trucks transport 70 percent of all freight in the United States — over $726.4 billion in annual revenue (2015).

Do hotshot drivers need Elogs?

The answer is yes. Almost all carriers and hotshot drivers have to adhere to the ELD mandate and USDOT Number . Truck drivers have a responsibility to log RODS: Records of Duty Status. Drivers have to use electronic logs and maintain an ELD: electronic logging device.