Hotshot Transport: What Is It & How Can You Get Started as a Hotshot Transporter?

Do you have a time-sensitive and smaller load that needs transportation?

If so, you probably need to use hotshot services to get it hauled.

“But, hey, how would I know if my pack falls under the category of hot shot loads?” If that’s the question that popped up in your mind, we have you covered.

We shall tell you everything you need to know about Hotshot. Read on whether you need to get your smaller one hauled in a specific time frame or are looking for a career in the industry.

What Is Hotshot Transport?

It is also known as hotshot trucking.

It involves delivering smaller items that have a limited downtime. Hot shot loads are usually LTL that must ship to a single receiver. They are kind of “expedited” logistics services for businesses.

Interesting, right?

The history is even more interesting.

It all started in the early days of wildcatting and oil rigging. At that time, a broken part in the booth spaces meant a super expensive downtime. But, it was almost impossible for riggers to manage the availability of spare parts.

As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. So, that scarcity and need for spare parts in an emergency gave birth to a group of small truckers who’d be present at the oil rigging and wildcatting spaces to provide the spare parts every single time there was a need for any part.

These days the concept of loads has expanded way too much.

Truckers – What Do They Do?

Hot shot truckers are mostly freelance truckers who deliver small and time-sensitive loads. They are pro at supplying such types. Also, they have all the equipment needed for hotshot trucking. Hence, they are an excellent fit for promptly delivering your small yet time-sensitive logistics.

However, not all truckers are freelance operators. A few company drivers work as haulers too.

The reason? Jobs pay decent rates.

The truckers get decent hotshot trucking rates, the companies get their products delivered on time, and they save their face from losing significant revenues due to a lack of necessary parts. So, it’s a win-win for both sides.

When Should It Be Used?

Do you need a fast-paced delivery of your logistics and need to get it delivered from point A to B?

If your answer is “Yes,” your logistics qualify!

Note that Hot Shot Transport’s primary benefit is its speedy delivery. However just because you are getting your logistics delivered timely doesn’t mean you have to settle for something less than a qualified trucker.

Always conduct deep research before you hand over your deliverables to a trucker, especially if they are freelance operators!

Getting Started with Trucking

So, by far now, we have talked about logistics.

Let’s flip the topic of discussion now and throw some light on the other side.

Below we shall talk about everything you must know before you dip your toes into employment. Shall we?

The Benefits and Downsides of Becoming a Trucker

Just like any other logistic service provider, if you are pursuing it as a mode of income, you might experience some benefits and some downsides of the process. Just expand your knowledge and then decide if the process would be an excellent fit for your needs or not.

Below is a sneak peek at the benefits and downsides of hot shot trucking:

The Benefits:

• You don’t need significant investment to get started as a hotshot trucker.
• While hauling, you are in boss mode and decide what loads to take and what times work best for you.
• Hot shot loads have a tighter turnaround time. Hence, you get paid premium trucking rates.

The Downsides:

• Mostly trucking quotes are decided on a per-mile basis. The rates can keep fluctuating. So, you can’t expect a stable income out of this career.
• You must always be ready as the hotshots have a narrow delivery timeline.
• You have to manage your vehicle by yourself and take care of all the extra stuff. Say, insurance, hours of operation (HOS) logging, compliance with the rules and regulations, drug and alcohol testing, and so on.

The Potential Income You Can Expect

However, there is no one-size-fits-all formula to determine a hauler's potential income. However, you can expect to get paid $49,000 to $75,000 yearly as a median trucker.

The following are the factors that play a vital role in deciding the potential income of a trucker:

• Your dedicated time to trucking
• The gear you are using
• Area of operation
• Number of loads you are hauling
• Types of freight you are offering your services for
• The years of experience you have under your belt
• Fuel price
• Your potential rates
• Your trucking expenses

Vehicles You May Use

We have some pointers for those of you who are just getting started with hotshot hauling.

First, it should be pointed out that not all vehicles are appropriate. If your car has a flatbed or is too small to accommodate the cargo you’re trying to haul, it won’t work.

We also recommend that you consider the size of your trailer before purchasing one. A more extensive trailer will be able to hold more weight than a smaller trailer and provide better stability while driving on rough terrain.

Finally, if possible, we suggest contacting your local fire department to ask about their recommendations on which types of trailers are safe for hotshot hauling in different environments.

Trucks You Can Use as a Hauler

If you’re looking to haul your rig around, there are many options. Say, Class 3, Class 4, or even a Class 5 truck, they are suitable options to choose from for your haul.

Class 3: These trucks are the most common truck for hotshot hauls. These trucks are generally used for hauling coal and other materials.

Class 4: These trucks can have a GVWR as high as 16,000 pounds. They’re typically used for construction purposes such as cement mixing or mining.

Class 5: These trucks are the most potent variety available on the market today, allowing them to haul anything from heavy equipment like bulldozers or backhoes to everyday items like refrigerators!

Trailers You Can Use as a Mover

The available options for movers in trailers include:

1. Bumper Pull Trailers
2. Dovetail
3. Tilt deck
4. Gooseneck
5. Lowboy

Which type of trailer would do the trick for you largely depends on it you have planned to haul.

How Can You Find Your First Job?

There are multiple ways you can get your first job. You can use it, board, find loads through a network, or opt for free load boards.

The first place to start looking for a job is at a board.

There are a few different types of boards, but you can typically find them through searching on Google or other search engines. They have a network of independent recruiters they work with, so you don’t have to go through one person—you can contact the company directly and ask for their recommendations.

Another way you can find loads is through your network. If you know someone who has a trucking company, or if you have friends or family members who work in the industry, ask them for advice on who might be hiring soon. You may also be able to find shipments by searching through free cargo boards.

Below we shall discuss the method of finding your first haul from a free load board.

Free Load Boards: Our Preferred Method to Land Your Jobs

Free load boards are one of the easiest and most convenient ways to find loads. They are also one of the most common ways to find a job on the go and in your backyard. It allows you to view all available ones in your region and narrow the search down based on specific locations such as cities or counties. These sites also have reviews and ratings from previous clients who have used them, allowing you to decide whether or not they are suitable for you and what kind of service they provide.

You can view all available ones in your area, which can be very beneficial if you need something quick but don’t want to waste time looking around too much.

The Step-by-Step Process of Finding Your Haul

Finding your first one is a little bit challenging. You’re not sure how to go about it, but you know that you will try, and when you do, it will be awesome.

That’s what we’re here for! We want to help you find the best jobs in the industry to start your career as soon as possible.

Step 1: Find the Load

Finding your first job is not an easy task. You need to do a lot of research and be aware of your options.

The first step in finding your first one is to log on to the job board.

And search for loads. You can either use keywords or search by category: Loaders or whatever category you want to look in. When selecting one, you will get all the critical information needed.

Once you’ve found it, select Hot Shot in the category. With results, you’ll get important information such as:

• The company name and address
• How many days do they need you to work, and how much they pay
• What kind of equipment do they use (trucks and trailers)

Step 2: Decide Your Charges

You need to decide on a rate that works for you—so don’t just look at what other people offer and assume that that’s what you’ll get. If it’s not working out, try again later! Sometimes, things don’t work out right away. Just keep trying until something feels right—and then go for it!

Also include fuel costs, dispatch services, maintenance, and insurance.

Step 3: Select a Dispatch Service Provider

Decide on a dispatch services provider that works best for you. You’ll need to find out what type of dispatch services they offer and their rates. You’ll also want to consider whether or not they have an app or website that allows you to track your hours, mileage, and pay.

Step 4: Double-Check All the Requirements

Check the enlisted requirements for the job role advertised by the company or recruiter. Ensure all of these requirements are met before applying for any employment! You should also ask if any additional steps are required before being hired, such as drug testing or background checks.

Step 5: Get Started

Get the vehicle or trailer loaded as soon as possible after contacting them so that they can give you information about how long it will take them to get back to you and when they need it.

Things You Need to Do Before Getting Into Trucking

Below are a few things that are a must if you are up to getting started as a hauler:

1. Obtain your CDL (Commercial driver’s license)
2. Get insured; You’d like to consider everything like liabilities, cargo, physical damage, etc.
3. Get an MC or USDOT number using FMCSA’s unified registration number.
4. Understand how you can load the hauls properly and get the know-how of HOS rules.
5. Make sure you comply with rules and regulations regarding delivery.

Non-CDL Requirements

A CDL is recommended to be eligible. But, you can also serve as a mover without a CDL. But there’s a condition:

If your trailer falls under the category of 10, 001 lbs of gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or the trailer/truck has a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of more than 26,001 lbs. It would help if you had a CDL. It’s MANDATORY!!

You can get a Class A CDL, a.k.a Universal CDL, from your state. Here’s the process:

1. Get a CLP (Commercial learner’s permit).
2. Attend a CDL program.
3. Pass the exam.
4. Qualify in the driving test.
5. Get your medical fitness certificate.

And, you are done. You’ll get your CDL within the said time frame (per your state’s laws).

Additional Tips for You to Start Your Career Like a Pro

If you’re interested in finding your first job, you’ve come to the right place.

We understand that finding a new career can be complicated and intimidating, so we have some tips to help you get started.

First, you must know what kind of truck driver you want. Do you have experience as a driver? Are you looking for a job where you’ll be able to earn some extra money? If so, then you must take the time to check out our list of available positions. It will help you determine which one best suit your skill set and work experience.

You can also research the top companies in your area by checking out their listings on our website. This will give you an idea of what they’re looking for in their employees and how much money they pay their drivers every week! It’s also a good idea to check out how much fuel costs per mile—this tells us how much driving distance is required each week before fuel costs are taken into account (which can add up quickly!).

When it comes time to apply at these companies, ensure that any information about yourself is accurate.

Conclusion

Finding your first one through a job board can seem intimidating, but here we have walked you through its step-by-step process. And, we hope to have cleared all the dust for you.

Whether you are a wanna-be trucker or want to send your load through services, this guide has it all.

If you have further questions or concerns, do write to us, and we shall be more than happy to accommodate you.