Hot Shot Trucking?

[Corkey]

I've been thinking lately about this route for additional cash.

I know very little about what's required other than that there are different classes for GVWT.

Going across state lines, you need an MC permit.

For the truck, I am lifted as well with bigger tires "gears will be needed."

I want to soak up some knowledge from someone with experience.

I would most likely shoot for a decent gooseneck trailer; from what I see, 10k on up.

I don't mind a lengthy thread on a reply; the more, the merrier.

Most charge 1 to 2 bucks a mile.

If you're in a company, they find all the jobs; that's what I want to avoid, which I know it will be harder to find jobs this way.

Hot shots are commonly used for transporting agricultural equipment, construction, and buddies that get broken down and expect not to pay LOL.

Fluid change routines?

A medical card is required and is valid for 24mo.

Thanks for who can throw in some good info here.

I appreciate it.

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[AK Bob]

I don’t have any experience with Hot Shot trucking, but also interested in learning how it works.

I wonder if DOT inspections at weight stations would become an issue.

I know there is a market hauling fifth wheels and travel trailers for RV dealerships up to Alaska and between states down south.

You must be bonded or insured if you are transporting as an independent contractor.

Hopefully, someone with knowledge or experience will join in.

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[watersupply189]

I know this forum has a few HotShots here, so hopefully, they can pitch in on what it takes.

If you have a DOT registration number, they will check your emissions to ensure you are not deleted, legal, etc.


2016 Ram Laramie 3500, G56, 6.7, CC, 4x4

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[Chrisn162001]

I looked into it about five years ago.

The costs associated with it you need to do it full time or not at all.

Insurance alone was about 2k per month not sure if that’s gone up or down since then.


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[Corkey]

I know this forum has a few HotShots here, so hopefully, they can pitch in on what it takes.

If you have a DOT registration number, they will check your emissions to ensure you are not deleted, legal, etc.


2016 Ram Laramie 3500, G56, 6.7, CC, 4x4

Well, that's a double-footed kick to the dingy.

I do see YouTube videos of drivers filling up with def.

I know the insurance was high, but 2k good lord.

It makes sense to do it full-time to pay for insurance alone.

Part-time, you'd break even if that.

What about under-the-table moves via farmers, local businesses, or mills without ODOT?

What are the mandatory weights for having to stop at stations?

I work at a Veneer mill and deal with BOL "Bill of Ladens," but they weigh 90k or more at times.

It depends on if jump scales are out on certain highways.

I don't see any difference in semi-blowing smoke signals in each gear pulling a grade vs. our rigs.

Good information so far, thanks!

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[watersupply189]

Well, that's a double-footed kick to the dingy.

I do see YouTube videos of drivers filling up with def.

I know the insurance was high, but 2k good lord.

It makes sense to do it full-time to pay for insurance alone.

Part-time, you'd break even if that.

What about under-the-table moves via farmers, local businesses, or mills without ODOT?

What are the mandatory weights for having to stop at stations?

I work at a Veneer mill and deal with BOL "Bill of Ladens," but they weigh 90k or more at times.

It depends on if jump scales are out on certain highways.

I don't see any difference in semi-blowing smoke signals in each gear pulling a grade vs. our rigs.

Good information so far, thanks!

Guess you better wear a steel cup, then.


2016 Ram Laramie 3500, G56, 6.7, CC, 4x4

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[Corkey]

Pretty informative stuff he has to say.

He has deeper pockets than I have for initially starting out, minus the truck purchase.

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[Deep]

I'm generally more of a lurker here, but since this is what I do, I figured I might as well share.

The costs associated with it you need to do it full time or not at all.

This is true.

This is my 7th year of hotshotting.

I can't tell you how many guys I've seen get into it and back out in that amount of time.

Like many, I got into it out of ignorance, but I didn't have much to fall back on at the time, so I kept pressing forward.

It took about three years to feel like I would make it, plus two more to feel comfortable conservatively providing for my family of 5.

I think it's not worth trying to run under 26K lbs and skirt the rules.

I pull a 40' gooseneck behind my dually and am licensed for 38K lbs.

I follow all the same rules as the big trucks; CDL, taxes, licenses, and scales.

DOT is everywhere; Feds, State, and County.

You need to be very organized; good with numbers and budgeting. You need to have a significant nest egg to get started.

That video is pretty realistic, avoid debt; you'll have months you can't afford payments, avoid factoring, and the insurance is a killer.

You will put miles on your truck.

I bought my 2014 in 2016 with 18K miles, and I currently have 424K miles.

Hoping to get 600K before I replace it... well, I could never replace it... I mean, get another truck.

You need to be a good mechanic, both roadside and in the shop.

I couldn't afford to pay someone else to do my wrenching.

This forum has saved me so many times, and I thank you all for participating!

I'm purposefully avoiding listing truck modifications.

Let's say there are many.

I'm in NW, Oregon, run primarily Oregon & Washington, and rarely do overnights anymore.

I came from a construction management background, so one goal was to be home more with my wife and kids.

I have achieved that.

Youtube is helpful, but like many things online, it is full of misinformation and partial truths.

If you're interested in running hotshot, watch EVERY video, read EVERY forum, learn EVERYTHING you can about the trucking industry and the applicable laws/regulations, and ultimately make up your mind.

I am not trying to sound too negative.

This is by far THE GREATEST job I've ever had or could ever imagine!

I love numbers and spreadsheets, wrenching, being alone for hours on end, and working for myself; the flexibility, the independence, and the time with my family.

It was hard initially, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

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