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.

Do you need a new truck to hotshot?

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 kind of truck is needed for hotshot?

What size truck and trailer do I need? A truck equivalent to a Ford F250 is about the minimum, and most operators have trucks equivalent to a Ford F450/550 Super Duty for towing. The trailer should be suitable for the types of loads you plan to carry.

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.

Do you need 4WD 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.

start hotshot with old truck - good or bad idea?

Is a dually better 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.

Can you tow with a 2WD truck?

The 2WD truck should be fine for towing. It will perform perfectly well on roads, and if that is your plan then I don't see a strong need to trade vehicles. 4WD is nice to have, or critical, only for low traction situations.

Why do hotshots fail?

They fail (or are not as successful) because they are not willing to stay out on the road for several weeks at a time. They fail when they consistently pick cheap freight. Finally, they fail because they don't know what's coming in and what's going out. Don't fall into these pitfalls and you'll be successful.

How many miles can a hotshot driver drive in a day?

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. Now let's be realistic.

Can you hotshot without a trailer?

Hotshot Trailer – the two common trailers mentioned above, Gooseneck and Dovetail, are essential for your hotshot trucking business. Without a trailer, your options for what cargo you can haul dwindle. And depending on the size and type of your trailer, your options may yet change.

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.

What do the average hot shot loads pay?

Generally speaking, hot shot hauling rates are around $1.50 per mile. Some jobs, typically urgent ones, pay as much as $2 per mile, but they are not common. This is balanced by loads with a more typical minimum of $1 to $1.25 per mile.

Can you hotshot with 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.

Is hotshot trucking 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.

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.

How do you find hotshot loads?

Is hot shotting a good business to get into?

When done right, hot shot trucking can be a lucrative business. You can choose to become an owner-operator — meaning that you own and operate a hot shot business under your own MC number — or you can lease on with another company.

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.

How do I start Hot Shot Trucking?

Is 4WD necessary for towing?

No, you do not need a 4WD to tow a trailer, unless the road conditions are really rough, for example, you are driving on snowy or extremely muddy roads. If you are driving on a dry surface and have adequate traction, you should not use 4WD for towing; you should use RWD instead.

Why do 2WD trucks tow more?

2wd are several hundred pounds lighter than the equivalent 4 wheel drive model since they don't have the transfer case, extra drive axle and shaft. That is the reason 2wd trucks have a higher tow rating than 4 wd trucks.

Is RWD OK for towing?

Rear-wheel drive also gives your car extra traction if you're pulling a heavy load. This is helpful if you need to pull a trailer or boat, for example.