Hotshot trucking involves delivering smaller, time-sensitive, less-than-truckload (LTL) loads to a specific destination within a set timeframe. The medium-duty trucks that haul these hot shot loads are often equipped with flatbed trailers. This type of trucking offers freelance owner-operators the opportunity to earn money on the side, and it helps companies receive equipment or materials quickly to avoid a loss in productivity.
In this article, we’ll go into detail about:
How hotshot trucking works
Types of trucks and trailers used
Benefits and disadvantages of this type of trucking, and
Where to find hotshot transport jobs and loads
From a shipper’s perspective, hotshot trucking differs from expedited shipping in that it relies on freight exchange marketplaces and publications to outsource hauling jobs, rather than keeping expedited shipping vehicles on standby. Hot shot truckers usually have the necessary experience and equipment to transport different load types. They can be freelance owner-operators who find their loads through load boards or publications, or company drivers who take on hot shot freight jobs.
Hotshot truckers are responsible for delivering small, time-sensitive loads within a specific timeframe. This type of trucking pays decent rates, making it a popular choice for owner-operators. Shippers use hot shot trucking to avoid downtime or project delays, which can lead to lost revenue.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) classifies hot shot trucks as medium-duty vehicles, and hotshot truckers can use various truck types, including one-ton pickup trucks. There are no significant requirements for hot shot trucking, but drivers need to have their operating authority, a USDOT number if they're hauling over state lines, liability insurance, and proof that they own a business.
There are three classifications of medium-duty trucks:
Class 3: These medium-duty consumer pickup trucks have a weight limit of 10,001-14,000 pounds. Examples include the Chevrolet Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 3500, Ford F-350, and Ram 3500.
Class 4: These medium-duty vehicles have a weight limit of 14,001-16,000 pounds. Examples include the Chevrolet Silverado 4500, Ford F-450, and Ram 4500. These are heavier trucks that can haul larger hot shot loads.
Class 5: These medium-duty vehicles have a weight limit of 16,001-19,500 pounds. Examples include the Chevrolet Silverado 5500, Ford F-550, and Ram 5500. Some of the lightest commercial trucks are also categorized under Class 5, including the Kenworth T170, Peterbilt 325, and International TerraStar.
Choosing a trailer for hot shot hauling depends on the truck you’re using and the types of loads you intend to haul. The most common types of trailers used for hot shot trucking are:
Bumper Pull Trailers: Bumper pull trailers are typically shorter and less costly, making them popular among non-commercial drivers due to their user-friendly nature. However, one disadvantage of bumper pull trailers is their limited hauling capacity. Usually, they can only carry loads weighing less than 10,001 pounds, making them less suitable for hauling heavier materials. As a result, bumper pull trailers may experience swaying or instability when loaded with heavier items.
Gooseneck Trailers: Gooseneck trailers are appreciated for their stability and have a tighter turning radius than bumper pull trailers. They are capable of transporting larger and heavier loads; however, they may require a specific hitching system. If you are committed to hot shot trucking, it might be worth considering investing in a gooseneck trailer instead of a bumper pull trailer.
Tilt Deck Trailers: Tilt deck trailers facilitate the loading of heavy cargo by tilting at an angle, which can then be turned flat for transport. While they eliminate the need for heavy lifting, tilt deck trailers do require regular maintenance. They operate on hydraulic systems that necessitate oil and filter changes. Additionally, to prevent rust, the trailer's moving parts need to be lubricated.
Lowboy Trailers: Lowboy trailers are well-suited for carrying heavy loads due to their low center of gravity. When detached from the truck, they lie flat on the ground. If you need to transport a tall load, a lowboy flatbed trailer can be useful to clear height restrictions. However, lowboy trailers have limited deck space, which means that while you can carry heavier loads, you may not be able to haul as much material at once.
Providing flexibility and independence, while also offering a sense of accomplishment, Hot shot trucking may be the very opportunity you’ve been searching for. Like any job, there are pros and cons to hot shot trucking, but let’s focus on the reasons why it can be an excellent choice for you.
Pros
Lucrative: Rates for hot shot loads often pay more than traditional LTL loads, providing the potential for higher earnings
Independence: As a hot shot truck driver, you’ll often be your own boss, giving you the freedom to manage your own schedule and workload
Flexibility: Many hot shot loads are time-sensitive but may not require long-distance travel, providing flexibility in your work
Sense of Accomplishment: Delivering critical equipment or supplies to keep a project or business running can be rewarding
But, we want to make sure you are aware of some of the cons too.
Cons
Unpredictability: Hot shot trucking can be unpredictable, with loads not always readily available and consistent work hard to secure
Long Hours: Hot shot trucking often requires long hours on the road, which can be challenging for some drivers
Administrative Work: Finding and securing your own loads, managing finances, and maintaining your equipment requires additional administrative work
Now that you are aware of both the pros and cons of hot shot trucking, let’s focus on why it is a great opportunity.
Low Startup Costs: Hot shot trucking can be less expensive to get started, as class 3 trucks are less expensive than class 8 long-haul trucks. Cheaper insurance also reduces the overall startup costs
Premium Rates: Hot shot loads usually have tight turnarounds, resulting in premium rates per job. You have the control to set your own rates and decide which loads to take, giving you more control over your earnings
Exciting Work: Hot shot trucking offers exciting work opportunities, as you’ll be hauling interesting loads on almost every job. The challenge of hot shot trucking and the satisfaction of helping customers on tight deadlines can be fulfilling.
Considerations
While there are cons to hot shot trucking, we want to highlight that it can be an excellent opportunity for you. Keep in mind that work can be unstable if you exclusively drive hot shot loads since it pays per mile. You’ll need to be ready at a moment's notice to take on loads, which may require some time deadheading to get each job done. Additionally, regulations and maintenance must be followed, including insurance laws, hours of service (HOS) logging, and drug and alcohol testing.
Overall, hot shot trucking is a promising opportunity for those looking for an exciting and rewarding job with the potential for higher earnings. With careful consideration of the pros and cons and a willingness to put in the work required, you can succeed in this industry.
What is a load board?
A load board is an online platform or marketplace that connects shippers and freight brokers with carriers, trucking companies, or independent owner-operators who have available capacity to transport freight. Load boards allow shippers and brokers to post their available loads, and carriers to search for and bid on available loads.
Load boards typically include information such as the origin and destination of the load, the type of equipment needed to transport the load, the weight and dimensions of the load, and the rate that the shipper or broker is willing to pay for transportation. Carriers can search for available loads based on their location, equipment type, and other criteria, and can then submit a bid to the shipper or broker.
Load boards can be a useful tool for both shippers and carriers, as they provide a way to quickly and easily find and book transportation capacity. While load boards can provide a convenient way for shippers and carriers to connect and book transportation capacity, it's important to approach them with caution. In some cases, load boards can be highly competitive, leading to price undercutting that may impact the profitability of carriers. Additionally, it's worth noting that it’s not uncommon that load boards are being used by scammers to post fake loads in an attempt to take advantage of unsuspecting carriers. As such, it's important to thoroughly vet any loads or shippers found through a load board and to be wary of any red flags that may indicate fraudulent activity.
Many load boards require a subscription or a fee to access their services, so it’s important to research and compare different options before committing to one.
Using Load Boards:
Hot shot drivers can use load boards to find loads and gain valuable rate information.
Free load boards are available but may not be up-to-date or have enough well-paying loads.
Paid load boards are more reliable and offer a high volume of well-paying loads.
Some popular load boards (or freight exchange marketplaces) for hot shot truckers include:
What is The National Register of FTL & LTL Shippers?
The National Register of FTL & LTL Shippers is North America's one & only trusted national publication of quality full truckload & less-than-truckload American freight shipper sales leads for all transportation professionals, business owners, sales representatives & account executives, including:
Hotshot carriers
Freight forwarders
Freight brokers
Freight agents
Motor carriers
Dispatchers
Owner/operators, and
Third-party logistics providers (3PL's)
The register of small and mid-sized shippers is a helpful resource for hot shot carriers who want to expand their customer base without paying intermediaries like load boards. It can help businesses expand their shipping operations and find reliable shipping customers to grow their hotshot trucking book of business.
Factors Affecting Earnings:
The amount of time devoted to hotshot trucking
The equipment used to haul loads
The region in which you operate
The number and types of loads available
Years of experience
Fuel prices
Rates and costs
Median Owner-operator salary:
Hotshot drivers can make as much as $100,000 a year, however the median yearly owner-operator salary for hotshot truck drivers is between $49,000 and $75,000.
When it comes to setting rates for hot shot trucking, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some key points to consider:
Aim for an average rate of $1.50 per mile if you’re just starting out. You can go as low as $1 depending on your driving costs and what you’re willing to work for. Eventually, you’ll want to increase your rates based on market conditions, supply and demand and how you value your time.
Itemize your driving costs before you start hot shot driving. This typically includes fuel costs, factoring/dispatch services, maintenance, and insurance. Ideally, you’ll be able to determine your cost per driving mile. Subtract this rate from your earned-per-mile rate to know how much you can put in the bank.
To find the best rates, reach out to as many local shippers in your area as possible. Make a hitlist of the companies that you’d like to haul for, have a clear and concise message to share, and be honest in your communication.
Before you start hot shot trucking, there are some logistics and requirements to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Make sure you have the right vehicle and trailer for hot shot trucking. However, this is a final step. First, there’s some paperwork to take care of before you can start hot shot trucking.
As an owner-operator, you’re in charge of your driving logs. Use these to mark timing, distance, and the weight of your hauls under hours of service (HOS) regulations. If hauling over state lines, stay aware of each state’s regulations and how to document hour hauls for interstate transport.
Before you get into the business, do the following:
Get your commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Get properly insured (liability, physical damage, cargo)
Get a USDOT number and MC number (for interstate commerce and regulated commodities)
Understand HOS regulations
Know how to secure loads properly
Comply with brake standards and regulations
To get a U.S. Department of Transportation number, apply using FMCSA’s Unified Registration System. FMCSA also lists the insurance requirements you need to operate.
A CDL is not always required for hot shot trucking, but it’s highly recommended. If your trailer has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more and the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the truck and trailer is 26,001 pounds or more, a CDL is required.
You can get a Class A CDL — sometimes called the “universal” CDL — through your state. Start with the CDL manual. From there, you’ll need to get a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), attend a CDL program, pass a knowledge exam, and pass a driving test. You’ll also need to undergo a medical exam to ensure you’re safe to drive.
If you’re ready to find your next hot shot haul, here are some resources to help you get started:
Become a Freight Broker in 2023: Your Ultimate Guide to Success
10 Things You Should NEVER, EVER Say or Do When Cold Calling Shippers
Hotshot trucking offers a unique opportunity for freelance owner-operators to earn money by delivering small, time-sensitive loads within a specific timeframe. While there are no significant requirements for hot shot trucking, drivers need to have their operating authority, a USDOT number if they're hauling over state lines, liability insurance, and proof that they own a business. The medium-duty trucks used for hotshot hauling include Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5, and the most common types of trailers used are bumper pull, gooseneck, tilt deck, and lowboy. While there are pros and cons to hot shot trucking, it can be lucrative and offer flexibility and a sense of accomplishment. To find hotshot loads, you can search for them on load boards or through publications like The National Register of FTL & LTL Shippers 2025 Edition.