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:
- USDOT Number
- MC Number
- BOC-3 Process Filing Agent
- IFTA registration (if applicable)
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:
- Lower start-up costs
- Class 3-5 truck
- Usually has more home time
- Hauls smaller loads
- Time-sensitive loads
- May not need a CDL
- 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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.