Driver hotshot

If you are interested in a career as a hotshot driver or even if you would enjoy picking up cargo loads to occasionally supplement income, follow these 6 steps:. Hotshot drivers need a basic class D driver's license.

This is the standard license most citizens receive when they apply for a license. As long as cargo loads they haul are under 10, pounds, a hotshot driver does not need a commercial driver's license CDL that truck drivers have. It is also important to maintain a clean driving record so that clients know they can trust drivers with cargo. If you accept loads that need to be driven across state lines, you also need a MC number to operate out-of-state. Hotshot drivers typically operate a pickup truck.

The appropriate model of truck depends on the sizes of loads you may haul for clients. Hotshot driver's also commonly pull trailers to accommodate cargo.

When choosing a trailer consider not only the weight and equipment of the loads you want to haul but also ensure that your vehicle can pull a trailer. Here are the types of trailers to choose from for hotshot drivers:.

Gooseneck trailer: These trailers carry large loads and require a special hitch. These are very stable trailers, which makes them an excellent choice for a variety of loads. Bumper pull trailer: Bumper pull trailers are inexpensive and short but can support up to 10, pounds. Tilt deck trailers: This type of trailer has a tilt which makes is easier to load and unload heavy equipment and other cargo using a hydraulic system. Low boy trailer: These trailers have a variable height and can lower to the ground for loading and unloading cargo.

Dovetail trailers: This type of trailer is ideal for hauling cars and other vehicles because it accounts for wheels. Buying liability insurance is an important step for hotshot drivers to protect themselves and their business.

Here are important questions to ask insurance providers before purchasing insurance to ensure you have enough liability coverage:. How do you submit an insurance claim for accidents? What are some ways you can reduce your premiums? Building a professional network of potential clients and other hotshot drivers could be beneficial in granting job opportunities.

Professional networks are valuable resources to refer to with questions about the industry and can help you to keep up with changes in the industry. Your contacts may also serve as references to help you obtain more career opportunities and advancements. Load Boards See All. Uber Freight Guide For Carriers. FR8Star Trucking Marketplace. Logistics See All.

How To Become a Freight Broker. How Much Is Freight Insurance? Training See All. CDL Training Tech See All. TruckLogics Trucking Software Solutions. Truck Platooning Life See All. Truck Insurance See All. Occupational Hazard Insurance for Truck Drivers. Trailer Interchange Coverage Hot Shot Trucking Trucking Industry. What Is Hot Shot Trucking? Expedited trucks are always on standby, and there are no set lanes available. Some loads are miles away, while others are on the opposite side of the country.

The issue? Typically, expedited shipping trucks can be vans, tractor trailers, or straight trucks. Hot shot trucking is different because they deliver smaller loads, using medium to one-ton trucks, to get time-sensitive materials to their destinations on time.

While expedited shipping trucks are on standby, hot shot trucking distributes jobs to various drivers by communicating through load boards we will talk about these more below.

When it comes to the types of trailers to attach to your truck, you want to make sure you are choosing the type that will be the most functional with the types of loads you want to haul, as well as with the truck you have.

Here is a list of the types of trailers and what the best ways to use them. A very common type of trailer, bumper pulls are often used by civilian drivers and commercial drivers alike. This means that they are easy to use, and you might already be familiar with them. They are typically shorter, especially compared to a gooseneck, and therefore cost less. However, this also means that they can haul less materials, so be aware of the type of loads you want to haul before committing to a cheaper trailer.

In fact, heavier loads on the bumper pull means there is more you will need to consider about your truck. Your truck will have to be weighted properly, or else you are likely to encounter several problems while on the road, such as lack of stability, loss of control, and the trailer swaying. These trailers are well-known to more experienced drivers. Rated high for their stability, limited swaying, and tighter turning radius, goosenecks would be ideal for larger freights on unfamiliar roads, so consider what routes you will want to drive.

The most common length for gooseneck hot shot trailers is 40 feet. Longer trailers might give you the ability to haul more freight but can be restrictive depending on the state laws. Because of its size, it is likely that loads on gooseneck trailers will be considered commercial, and therefore require further training and licensing.

They also need a special hitching system, instead of just the bed of a pickup truck, so this could be an additional investment. This would be a great trailer if you choose to really commit to trucking. While these can be used both commercially and recreationally, deckover trailers offer unique advantages for hot shot drivers.

They are great for heavier hauls tractors, cars, etc. The wider deck and lack of well wheels means that you would have a lot of room for a lot of materials, and be able to take more in one trip. However, because the deck is not very high off the ground, this means that you will have shorter ramps. It also means that most equipment can clear the height restrictions in most states. If you were to haul heavy, track-type equipment, it would be the easiest to unload on this trailer because when it is detached from your truck it lays flat on the ground.