What is hotshot trucking? Hotshot trucking is a type of trucking where the driver has to deliver the load directly and quickly. Hot shot drivers use heavy-duty pickups with a variety of trailers to haul different types of loads, depending on availability.
Is there hotshot trucking in Canada?
JT HOTSHOTTING is proud to be Canada’s ultimate hot shot trucking company running coast to coast and into the United States of America. No matter the day or time, we dispatch a dedicated truck for your shipment within minutes and work according to your schedule and needs.
What do hot shot truckers do?
Hotshots are generally Class 3, 4 or 5 trucks pulling a flatbed or other type of trailer for extra capacity. They’re often delivering an item needed to prevent a failure, such as in the power grid, in a factory or plant, or a pump in an oil field. They also often tow cars, equipment, machinery, boats and even RVs.
What do you need to hotshot in Canada?
So what’s involved in hot shotting?
- If you operate in Canada you will be required to obtain an NSC # or National Safety Code.
- You will need insurance in the way of a cargo and liability coverage plus Worksafe coverage.
- Your truck and trailer will also need to receive a CVI or Commercial Vehicle Inspection annually.
What does it mean to hot shot a truck?
Hot shot trucking (AKA hotshot trucking) involves hauling smaller, more time-sensitive LTL loads (less than truckload) within a specific timeframe and usually to a single customer or location. Hot shot loads are usually delivered using medium-duty trucks that pull flatbed trailers.
Do I need a CDL to hotshot in Canada?
In order to become a hot shot truck driver, you will need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). You will also need to make sure you are covered with appropriate insurance.
Is it hard to get hotshot loads?
One of the most difficult challenges of being a hot shot driver is finding freight, especially if you are just getting established and don’t have consistent clients. Many hot shot drivers look for work on load boards. Hot shot load boards are highly competitive, and truckers can undercut each other to get jobs.
Do Hotshots make good money?
Hot shot drivers earn around $100,000 yearly, but that’s on the higher end. Ask hot shot truckers how much they make, and you will get many responses. However, the average annual owner-operator income for hotshot truck drivers ranges between $49,000 and $75,000.
How do hot shot drivers find work?
Hotshot drivers find work on load boards which are websites with postings from businesses and private clients in need of expedited delivery.
Is being a hotshot driver worth it?
Yes, being a hotshot driver is worth it.
If you enjoy driving but don’t want to regularly drive long-haul routes, hotshot driving is a great career choice. You get to set your rates, choose your jobs, and have the freedom of being your own boss while still making good money.
How to start hot shot trucking with no money?
One method will work for some but not for others.
- Commercial Truck Loans. If you don’t have thousands of dollars sitting around waiting to be used, a loan may be your best financing option.
- Consider Renting.
- Lease to Own.
- Buy Used.
- Get a CDL.
- Do Your Paperwork.
- Secure Business Insurance.
How do hotshot drivers get their loads?
Hot shot delivery differs from expedited shipping in that truck drivers do not stay on standby waiting for the job. Instead, hot shot jobs are distributed among a fleet of hot shot drivers on a load board. This makes hot shot trucking a great option for truck owners or operators who want to earn extra on a side gig.
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.
How much money do I need to start hotshot trucking?
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.
What size truck do I need for hotshot trucking?
Since hot shot trucking involves the transportation of time-sensitive loads, you’re going to need a capable truck to get the job done. Hot shot loads typically require the use of a one-ton pickup truck, such as the Ford Super-Duty F-350 or Ram 3500.
What do I need to haul hot shot loads?
You will need the following documents:
- Business License.
- Vehicle documents, including title, registration.
- Proof of Insurance.
- Vehicle for Service Permit.
- USDOT number required for interstate hauling.
- Operating Authority (MC) obtained with the USDOT.
- Commercial Driver’s License (highly recommended)
Can you hotshot with a 2500?
REASON #3: No limitations on hotshot loads
If you have a CDL, you can haul over that 26,000 GVWR limit. But let us take this a step further. If you use a 2500 truck with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs and a tandem axle single wheel with 14,000 lbs GVWR, then the combination is rated and licensed for 24,000 lbs.
How much weight can a CDL hotshot carry?
16,500 pounds
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.
What Year Does your truck have to be to hotshot?
Vehicles older than 2000
Hotshot drivers operating vehicles manufactured in the year 1999 or older are not required to comply with the ELD mandate.
What size trailer do I need for hot shot?
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.
How to start your own hot shot business?
As a new venture hotshot trucker there are many start-up requirements you may need, including:
- DOT Medical Exam for Medical Card.
- Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- USDOT Number and MC Number.
- Commercial Insurance.
- BOC-3 Process Filing Agent.
- IFTA Registration (if applicable)
- DOT Compliance.