14 Things you need to know about Hotshot Trucking


by FreightPrint


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Everything you need to know about Hotshot Trucking

 

What is the reason most people get into trucking? Some say money. Some say lifestyle. Others express their desire to spend time alone, like a trucker friend who says he was into “social distancing” long before it was a "thing." Many do it for the love of freedom and independence. They love to own their own business and make decisions for themselves. There are many different reasons with many different types of trucking to match.

In this article we'll cover the following:

 

What is Hotshot or Hot Shot Trucking?

If there was ever a trendy and exciting part of the trucking industry, hotshot companies offering hotshot delivery services are it. 

Hot shot trucking involves carrying smaller LTL loads with a flatbed trailer or a pickup truck within a short timeframe.

You may be asking, “What are hotshot services? Who runs hotshot companies? Could I start a hotshot trucking company? Are there many hotshot jobs and if so, how can I start making hotshot deliveries? What is the best software to use if I am hauling hotshot freight?”

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How to Learn About Hotshot Services

If the idea of running a hotshot company and taking on hotshot jobs is something that you want to pursue, it makes sense to get some of your questions answered before hitting the road and looking for your first hotshot freight. If you are looking into hot shot loads for pickup trucks and/or how to start a hotshot business, knowing the answers to these questions will help you along the way.

What is a hotshot driver?

If you ask “What is a hotshot driver?” or “What is hotshot trucking?”, you have much to learn but fear not! The market is full of opportunities for people of all experience levels. A hotshot driver is a person who takes on a hotshot load (a time-sensitive and usually smaller freight delivery) and delivers it to the client.

How much does a hotshot services trucker make a year?

This question is extremely tricky to answer. According to Freightwaves, the market is perfectly positioned with a good spot market and high freight demand. This means a busy hotshot company with a single owner-operator can make anywhere from $60,000-$300,000 or more in gross income. Much depends on how well that person runs their company.

How much does a hotshot company make a week?

As mentioned above, the exact pay for hotshot services varies by driver. How far you drive, the type of hotshot transportation you are doing, the truckload rates in your area, the type of hotshot trailer you have and more all affect your rate. You can make anywhere between $1.50 and $2.50 or more per mile, depending on your circumstances. That can equal anywhere from $1,200 to $5,800 per week if you range between $60,000 and $300,000 a year.

How are hotshot drivers paid?

When it comes to hotshot loads, hotshot services, hotshot carriers and hotshot car haulers, there are essentially four different ways you can get paid. According to DieselHounds.com, when doing hotshot deliveries you can get paid with:

  • COD: Cash on delivery
  • Pre-Payment: Where the payments are made in advance of you moving the hotshot freight.
  • Delayed Pay: When there is a delay between the delivery and you getting paid. Average delay periods for hotshot carriers is 30-60 days but can be as low as 7 days or as high as 90 days.
  • Factoring: This is where you use a factoring company that you negotiate with for rates. When you deliver your hotshot freight, they pay you within the next day or so and take a percentage of your invoice for the services they render.

How long does it take to get paid doing hotshot trucking?

As mentioned above, the timeframe in which a hotshot carrier gets paid for providing hotshot transportation services will vary on the type of payment arrangements you have agreed to with your clients or brokers.

How much does it cost to do hotshot trucking?

If you are wondering how to start a hotshot business and want to build a hotshot trucking company, it is important how much it will cost to run a hotshot carrier business. The important factors to understand are:

  • Fuel
  • Maintenance and repairs
  • Documentation (proof of delivery, etc.)
  • Debt servicing
  • Licensing and hotshot insurance
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Etc.

For a well-run hotshot trucking company, you can expect your costs to run as high as 50% of your gross income. If it is not well run, your costs could be more than 100% of your income, leading to the closure of your hotshot trucking company.

How do hot shot truckers get loads? How do I get hotshot loads for pickup trucks?

Mastering the art of securing hotshot loads for pickup and managing hotshot deliveries is essential for the success of your hotshot trucking business. Whether you specialize in hotshot car hauling or other hotshot services, having a strategy in place to secure hotshot jobs and loads is crucial. Here three effective methods to achieve this within the competitive realm of hotshot trucking.

  • Load Boards: Shippers and freight brokers put their hotshot jobs and hotshot freight up for grabs on online boards that allow you to take on the load.
  • Freight Brokers: These brokers connect hotshot carriers and hotshot trucking companies to shippers looking for drivers. They negotiate the rates and everything else, for a fee of course.
  • Dispatching Services: Dispatching services can do all the legwork for you when it comes to marketing your hotshot services to get hotshot loads. It doesn’t matter if you are a hotshot car hauler or some other type of hotshot transport, they can get you loaded. Fees apply.

Request a free demo of FreightPrint’s dispatch services today.

What are the best trucks for hot shotting?

The debate around what are the best hotshot trucks and which are the best trucks for hotshot loads rages on. Just ask hot shot truck drivers or anyone running a hotshot trucking company. No matter the type of hotshot deliveries you do, everything from hotshot car hauling to hotshot freight of all kinds, keep these hotshot truck requirements in mind.

  • Look for hotshot trucks for sale that are an F-250 equivalent or higher.
  • Search for hotshot trucks for sale that have a hotshot trailer.
  • The best trucks for hotshotting are diesel because they will haul your hotshot deliveries with ease
  • The best hotshot trucks are suited to the work. Get a dually if the hotshot freight you are carrying demands a dually.

Do I need a CDL to hotshot? What are non-CDL hotshot loads?

Non-CDL hotshot loads are loads that don’t need a CDL (commercial driver’s license) to deliver, hence the name non-CDL hotshot load. Having a CDL will make building your hotshot company easier but it is not strictly necessary. A non-CDL hotshot load is a load that has a GVWR of fewer than 26,000 lbs or if you are towing a weight (including the trailer) of less than 10,000 lbs.

How can I start hotshot trucking? How do I start a hotshot company? 

You may be asking yourself, “How do I start a hotshot?” or you are looking up “How to start hotshot trucking.” The process is more complex than this but here are the basics.

  1. Figure out the best truck for the hotshotting you'll do and buy one
  2. Buy a hotshot trailer to haul your hotshot loads
  3. Use one of the approaches mentioned above to get hotshot loads for pickup trucks and get hauling
  4. Deliver great hotshot services to get more hotshot jobs and become the #1 result when people search “Hotshot company near me”

What should I be aware of when starting a hotshot company?

Remember, when building a great hotshot transport company, you need to have all of your bases covered. Make sure to sort out your:

  • Hotshot insurance
  • Minimum hotshot carrier rates to meet your expenses
  • Billing and documentation tracking methods
  • Partnership with a great logistics company for all of your hotshot trucking logistics needs

 

Your time and effort are valuable. A good logistics software can help you make the most of it and help your company succeed.

 

FreightPrint and Your Hotshot Transport Company

FreightPrint is a logistics software you can use for any hotshot carrier services you provide. It can aid in documentation management, billing, proof of delivery, customer interaction, dispatch, and more. Reach out to FreightPrint to get a free demo and see how FreightPrint can simplify your logistics today!

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About FreightPrint

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FreightPrint™ is a cutting-edge, AI-driven logistics software designed to enhance your transportation and delivery services.


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If you want to streamline your shipping and logistics operations, FreightPrint™ is your perfect partner!


Read on to discover the key features and unparalleled benefits of using FreightPrint™.



Automated Routing and Tracking
Automated Dispatching, Routing & Tracking.

Seamless Dispatching and Route Management


Imagine effortlessly processing customer orders, creating optimized routes automatically, and maintaining seamless communication with drivers and clients—all without wasting precious time.


▸ Efficient Load Dispatching

Dispatch loads on the move or pre-schedule them for future dates. Collaborate with carriers, brokers, and dispatchers from a single interface.


▸ Automated Routing

Select multiple shipments and generate routes instantly. Assign drop numbers and modify stops with a simple click, all without needing to contact your drivers.


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Assign tasks or routes to specific drivers with ease. Unsure who is available? Let drivers select their loads or broadcast them to your network of carriers.



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Track Shipments and Proof of Delivery.

Enhance Delivery Experiences


Free up phone lines and alleviate staff workloads while you consistently meet and exceed customer expectations. Spend your valuable time closing sales and enjoying well-deserved vacations.


▸ Real-Time Shipment Tracking

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Generate an audit trail with detailed timestamps and locations. Instantly receive signatures and photographs as proof of delivery, enhancing customer trust.



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Label Printing & Document Management.

Document Management Made Simple


Create and customize shipping documents tailored to your clients' specifications.


▸ Label Printing

Design and print QR code labels effortlessly. Pair QR codes with your shipping documents to enhance tracking—just scan with your smartphone to update shipments effortlessly.


▸ Custom Document Creation

Whether it’s BOL, POD, or any other custom format, our document creation tool empowers you to design documents that fit your business needs.



Custom API Integrations
API Customization and Integrations.

Flexible Customization Options


No single software solution fits every business perfectly, which is why FreightPrint allows extensive customization per your specific requirements.


▸ Utilize API and Automation

Set custom fields to track project progress seamlessly. Connect with platforms like SalesForce or OrderTime through native integrations, or customize your experience with our API and automation tools via Zapier.



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