Become Your Own Boss as a Hotshot Trucker!

They can haul loads with just a truck and a trailer, lowering start-up costs and increasing home time. Becoming a hotshot trucker is much like starting your own trucking company: you have to follow the rules and regulations set by the FMCSA.

You don’t have to start your new business alone. The coaches at Progressive Reporting are here to help you navigate the rules and regulations so you can get your company on the road fast and with less hassle! We can help you register for your new motor carrier authority, and help you with your:

If you have any questions about the process of becoming an independent hotshot trucker, don’t hesitate to call Progressive Reporting at (866) 574-2978!

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Hotshot Truckers vs. Owner Operators

Hotshot trucking is a type of owner operator. Both hotshot truckers and semi-truck owner operators haul loads commercially and operate under their own operating authority. The main differences between the two are the types of loads they take and the type of truck. Here are a few other key points between the two:

Hotshot Trucker

  • Lower start-up costs
  • Class 3-5 truck
  • Usually has more home time
  • Hauls smaller loads
  • Time-sensitive loads
  • May not need a CDL
Semi-Truck Owner-Operator

  • Higher start-up costs
  • Class 8 truck
  • Usually has less home time
  • Hauls bigger loads
  • Needs a CDL

If you have any questions about how to enter the trucking industry as an independent hotshot trucker or an owner operator, don’t hesitate to give Progressive Reporting a call! We can work with you to create a customized plan that works just for you to get your new company on the road.

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What Are Hotshot Truckers?

Hotshot truckers haul time-sensitive loads using a medium or large-sized truck and trailer that’s not a semi-truck. They have a lot of freedom to choose which loads to haul based on their truck. Some hotshot truckers may not even need a CDL depending on the weight of their truck and trailer and where they are hauling.

What Are the Advantages of Being a Hotshot Trucker?

Whether you’re new to the trucking industry or are a trained veteran, you may find it easier to become a hotshot trucker than an owner operator. Some perks of being a hotshot trucker include:

  • Become your own boss
  • Lower start-up costs
  • Choose your own schedule
  • More home time
  • Certain loads are only available for hotshot drivers

How Do I Become a Hotshot Trucker?

Becoming a hotshot trucker is much like starting your own trucking company. If you’re thinking about hauling hotshot loads, here are a few starting steps:

  1. Purchase the equipment. What you need to get depends on what, where, and how much you want to haul. Most hotshot truckers get a dually so they can haul bigger loads. The piece of equiment that has the greatest impact in what you can haul is your trailer. You’ll want to do your research so you pick the right type of trailer for the kinds of loads you plan on hauling. Unlike other owner operators, you’re not purchasing a semi-truck, which makes the starting cost much lower.
  2. Get your operating authority. Like owner operators, hotshot truckers need to get their operating authority to haul commercially. The coaches at Progressive Reporting can take care of all the paperwork for you, so you can have peace of mind knowing your company is registered properly.
  3. Get insurance. Any type of trucker that hauls for-hire needs to have proper insurance for the loads they haul. Our coaches can help guide you to the right insurance that works for your company.
  4. Start hauling. Once you’ve finished all the paperwork, it’s time to start finding loads! There are a number of loads available just for hotshot truckers, and there are many resources you can use to find them.

How Can Progressive Reporting Help?

No matter if you’re a trucker who wants to become an owner operator or you’re new to the industry and want to become a hotshot trucker, Progressive Reporting can help get your new business on the road. We can take care of all the paperwork for you and help you keep your company up-to-date with most of the regulations set by the FMCSA, so you can keep hauling loads.

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Very professional and trustworthy company. They have helped our business since the very beginning, getting our permits and authority and staying compliant. Ariel and Mercedes also helped us prepare for audits and even helped getting us back into satisfactory status. Overall a great experience.

- Jessica Leon

Brandon was excellent in his knowledge and explanation of what would be required for my needs. I highly recommend using Progressive for all of your DOT compliance needs.

- Cory Clement

I absolutely love the people I work with in Midvale! They have been extremely helpful and pleasant and never make you feel stupid for all the many questions that come up from starting a new trucking company. They are all knowledgeable and lead you through the steps to keep you compliant with all the DOT, IRS and IFTA regulations. Thanks Tyler, Jaclyn, Liz, Tina and Haley!

- Ruth Christensen

My life is simpler because of Progressive Reporting Agency. They are experts at what they do so I don’t have to be.  Their entire organization is efficient, professional and a joy to work with.  I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them.

- Tyler P. – Vernal, UT

Working with Progressive for over the last 10 years has been great for our business. We are able to call and get a live person who is an expert in the area where we need assistance. That has helped us make good business decisions. The service is prompt and they are usually able to get complicated things handled quickly.

- Kathy – Las Vegas, NV

We want to say thank you for all the help you have given us over the last 8 years. You have helped us with our licensing, registration and permitting, which are complicated tasks we don’t have the time to dedicate to. Taking those tasks off our plate has allowed us to focus on growth, which is one of the reasons we have been able to grow from 1 truck to over 50 in less than 8 years.

- Corey W. – North Salt Lake, UT

We had an issue with our US DOT number that we tried to fix ourselves. After weeks of frustration and getting nowhere, we made one call to Progressive Reporting and the problem was solved within 2 hours. Now we have Progressive Reporting’s contact info in all of our trucks.

- John M. – Essex, CT

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