Is being a hotshot driver worth it?

Is being a hotshot driver worth it?

Hotshot truckers have the potential to make higher pay rates than they would at a traditional trucking job. A hotshot trucker who properly manages their work schedule and lives in a lucrative location could earn the most money in these types of positions.

Do hot shot drivers make 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 many miles can a hotshot driver drive?

Due to government regulations, at the absolute peak, a driver can drive 11 hours in a 24-hour period. If they happened to travel 65 miles per hour (mph) the whole time, that’s 715 miles maximum.

Are hotshot 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.

Can hot shot drivers sleep in their trucks?

Is hotshot trucking worth it in 2021?

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.

How much does it cost to start a hotshot?

All told, hot shot trucking start up costs can easily reach the $15,000-30,000 range, but this will vary based on personal circumstances. If you already own a truck, for example, then you just need a trailer and the various legal fees.

How much do hotshot loads cost?

Generally, hot shot load rates sit around $1.50 per mile. Jobs that are more complex or more urgent can pay up to $2 per mile. And, of course, jobs that are easier to complete sometimes pay a minimum of $1 per mile.

How do you get hotshot loads?

How to get Loads for your Hotshot Trucking Business

1. 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. …
2. Load Boards. …
3. Dispatch Services. …
4. Register as a Government Contractor. …
5. Prospecting. …
6. Networking.

How many hours a day can you hotshot?

(a) The 11 hours driving, minimum 10 hours off-duty, 14 consecutive hour duty period, 60/70 hours in 7/8 days, 34-hour restart all apply. (b) On any 2 days of every 7 consecutive days, the driver may extend the 14-hour duty period to 16 hours.

How long does 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.

How many miles can you drive in 8 hours?

As a general rule, it’s safe to drive for no longer than eight hours a day, taking breaks of at least 15 minutes every two hours. This means you can safely drive for around 500 miles, not taking into account external factors such as slowing for tolls, traffic, travelling with children, and tiredness.

How do I start a hotshot trucking without a CDL?

Can you team drive hotshot?

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.

Can you use your hot shot truck for personal use?

The CMV may be used for personal conveyance even if it is laden, since the load is not being transported for the commercial benefit of the carrier at that time. Personal conveyance does not reduce a driver’s or motor carrier’s responsibility to operate a CMV safely.

Do hotshot trucks have to have 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.

What size trailer is best for hot shot trucking?

By far the most common length for gooseneck hot shot trailers is 40 Ft. 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.