{"id":18373,"date":"2023-08-02T04:54:27","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T11:54:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/?post_type=resources&p=18373"},"modified":"2024-02-16T04:05:03","modified_gmt":"2024-02-16T12:05:03","slug":"what-is-hot-shot-trucking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/what-is-hot-shot-trucking","title":{"rendered":"What is Hot Shot Trucking?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When people think of trucking, they often imagine driving a massive semi-trailer across the country. Some may even become discouraged from entering the industry, as trucks can easily cost over $100,000. However, not all truckers need to have a semi.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, many drivers start as hot shot truckers (or hotshot truckers) to gain driving experience and mature their commercial driver\u2019s license (CDL). Not only does this help them more easily qualify for insurance, but it also gives them a way to quickly earn money to purchase or lease a semi. Still, other drivers are happy to work as hot shot drivers for the rest of their careers or drive to make a little extra money on the side.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you aren\u2019t quite sure what hot shot trucking<\/a> is, don\u2019t worry! We\u2019ll explain what it is, how it works, how to find hot shot loads, and more in this article so you can decide whether hot shot trucking is right for you and start your business off on the right foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is hot shot trucking and what are hot shot loads?<\/h3>\n

While semi trucking means delivering large loads in massive Class 8 tractor-trailers, hot shot trucking involves picking up and delivering time-sensitive less-than-truckload (LTL) loads to easily accessible locations. Hot shot loads<\/a> are generally small enough to fit on a box truck, a pickup truck, or a trailer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes, hot shot loads only need to be transported a short distance. However, some hot shot drivers may need to drive over state lines or even across the country to deliver their load. Essentially, hot shot trucking is like a downsized version of semi trucking with less overhead. And just as there are a variety of load types in semi trucking, there are also a wide variety of load types in hot shot trucking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hot shot loads often come from industries that need equipment quickly to avoid drops in productivity, delays, and revenue losses, such as the oil, agricultural, and construction industries. For example, a construction company that needs a concrete saw transported from one site to another might rely on a hot shot trucker to deliver the equipment as fast as possible and prevent downtime.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a hot shot driver?<\/h3>\n

A hot shot driver is someone who quickly delivers the small hot shot loads. Compared to semi drivers, hot shot drivers enjoy a lower barrier to entry, lower fuel costs, and lower insurance costs, as hot shot equipment is less expensive and cheaper to insure than large class 8 long-haul trucks. For example, a driver might need to pay $1,000 per month for their pickup truck. However, a truck payment for a Class 8 semi can be as high as $3,000 per month.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the most part, these drivers are freelance owner-operators. They own their vehicles and scour load boards or directly reach out to shippers to find hotshot loads and decide which loads to take and when to work. Some truckers work full time, others work on a part-time schedule, and others simply use their truck to pick up hot shot loads whenever they want a little extra spending cash. Some company drivers also occasionally deliver hot shot loads.<\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly, hot shot drivers have a variety of end goals. Some drivers use hot shot hauling as an entry point into the trucking industry due to the lower cost of vehicles, trailers, fuel, and operations. After they have some hot shot trucking experience under their belts, they may have enough money to purchase a semi. However, other drivers love hot shot trucking and are content to deliver hot shot loads for the remainder of their careers.<\/span><\/p>\n

How much do hotshot drivers make?<\/h3>\n

Since hot shot trucking jobs need tight turnarounds, companies are typically willing to pay premium rates to ensure their loads reach their final destination in time. While every hot shot driver is different, the median annual owner operator hot shot salary ranges from $49,000 to $75,000.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can even take home over $100,000 a year, depending on your experience level, equipment, region, types of loads, rates, fuel prices, dispatch fees, maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and more. Typically, CDL hot shot salaries are higher than non-CDL hot shot salaries. However, the amount of time you devote to driving, the number of loads available in your area, and how much time you spend deadheading can also impact your hotshot trucking salary. It\u2019s important to note that your hot shotting salary may vary from month to month as demand ebbs and flows.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does hot shot trucking work?<\/h3>\n

Aside from the fact that hot shot trucking involves delivering time-sensitive LTL loads and doesn\u2019t necessarily require a semi, the hot shot trucking process is very similar to other forms of trucking.<\/span><\/p>\n

First, you\u2019ll need to find hot shot jobs in your area. Load boards can save you time and enable you to locate loads based on your location, availability, equipment, and preferred load type and lanes. Some load boards like DAT will even let you post your truck so that shippers will come to you. If you don\u2019t have the time or desire to discover hot shot loads on your own, you can also use a hot shot dispatcher.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve found a load and accepted the job, you can drive to the pickup location, deliver the shipment to its intended destination, unload the cargo, and look for a new job or return home.<\/span><\/p>\n

To make the most out of your time, consider:<\/span><\/p>\n