Hot Shot Trucking Companies
Hot Shot Trucking Companies
Starting a hot shot trucking business? Simplify the process and take the hassle out of paperwork with the DAT Copilot™ Authority Program.
Staying current with the paperwork to legally operate is a challenge, whether you’re a hot shot owner-operator or a carrier. The DAT Copilot™ Authority Program makes it easier, providing you access to a team of experts who will ensure your paperwork is on track so you’re always road-ready.
- Get your USDOT and MC numbers fast.
- Make taxes a breeze with automatic filing.
- Secure your federal and state permits with ease.
Get your USDOT and MC numbers fast.
Ensure a smooth start for your hot shot trucking business with help from the DAT Copilot™ Authority Program.
If you’re just starting your journey in hot shot trucking, you’ll need to tackle quite a bit of paperwork to get your business underway. The DAT Copilot™ Authority Program takes the hassle out of meeting your requirements, like obtaining a USDOT and an MC number. Our experts will guide you through the process and double-check your forms to ensure they are accurate and complete on the first try. With the busywork off your hands, you can start finding hot shot trucking loads right away!
Make taxes a breeze with automatic filing.
Focus on your freight, not your taxes, with help from the DAT Copilot™ Authority Program.
For a hot shot truck driver, time is money, and tax documents are a drain on both. Reclaim your time by letting the DAT Copilot™ Authority program experts keep your registrations and tax information up-to-date. We’ll file those documents automatically, so you’ll never miss a deadline, a convenience that can ultimately reduce your hot shot trucking startup costs. Focus your energy on your business goals and hand the paperwork off to us!
Secure your federal and state permits with ease.
Effortlessly meet all state and federal requirements with the DAT Copilot™ Authority Program.
Hot shot trucking brokers and carriers will need to meet both state and federal requirements before launching their business. Navigating these regulations, which vary by state, can be challenging. Fortunately, the DAT Copilot™ Authority Program simplifies the process of getting your authority. We stay on top of all regulations that may affect your business and work with you to ensure that you’re always operating legally, so you can give your full attention to growing your business.
"Some say it's simple to get your authority, and that you should save your money and do it yourself. Other people, including myself, are not sure where to even begin. I used a service provided by DAT to get my authority. It was important to me that it was done right the first time, by people who have done this before."
- Chad Boblett - Boblett Brothers Trucking
"They took me by the hand an led me through all of the difficult and confusing steps to ensure that I started off on the right foot. I cannot say it any clearer than these folks know what it's all about."
- Gregg Knight, LTL Trucking
A hot shot trucking business specializes in transporting hot shot freight, which are smaller loads that are usually more time sensitive. For example, a construction company may need hot shot trucking loads to be delivered quickly to ensure the materials arrive in time to meet tight project deadlines.
Hot shot trucking companies can transport local loads, but a hot shot trucking owner-operator or carrier may also deliver loads nationwide.
A hot shot truck driver or owner-operator will need some specific equipment to get started hauling hot shot freight. Because hot shot trucking loads often involve heavy equipment or construction materials, you’ll need a powerful truck that can handle this type of cargo. While you may be able to manage with a pickup truck, you may want to consider investing in a trailer instead. The hot shot loads you can haul will depend on your vehicle.
Beyond the physical equipment, the best hot shot trucking companies subscribe to a quality load board that can connect them to the freight that will keep them on the road.
DAT’s Carrier Startup Guide outlines every step you need to take to get your hot shot trucking business up and running. The most important things you’ll need are a government-issued USDOT number and an MC number. After obtaining these, you’ll need to secure the right insurance, stay compliant with tax forms, and undergo regular drug testing. The DAT Copilot™ Authority Program can take many of these off your plate, helping you fill out forms and keep them up to date to get your hot shot trucking business off the ground.
All hot shot trucking companies must obtain MC and DOT numbers. The USDOT number, issued by the Department of Transportation, serves to collect and monitor safety information and inspections, as well as to investigate crashes.
The MC number, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is required to legally transport freight across state lines. Both certifications are required for any hot shot truck driver handling interstate freight.
Brokers act as an intermediary between carriers and shippers, negotiating agreements for hot shot trucking loads. Just like hot shot truck drivers, brokers working with this freight type must obtain certifications including DOT and MC numbers. Brokers also need an FF (freight forwarder) number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
As a hot shot trucking owner-operator or carrier, you need to ensure that the hot shot trucking brokers you work with are certified. The DAT load board can give you reliable information so you can be confident that the partners you choose to work with have their broker authority.
You should expect it to take a minimum of five to seven weeks to obtain full carrier authority at both the federal and state levels. Federal clearance takes an average of about 16 business days. After you’ve received your authority, you’ll need to file BOC-3 process agent forms, secure the appropriate insurance policies, and cover your registration fees. Any errors or omissions on these forms will delay the process further.
Collaborating with the experts at the DAT Copilot™ Authority Program is the best way to streamline this process. We’ll help you with your paperwork, making sure it’s complete and accurate to prevent any delays.
Trust DAT to handle the paperwork so you can focus on the road ahead!
Starting a hot shot trucking company can be a real hassle with all the paperwork and regulations involved. But with the DAT Copilot™ Authority Program, we make it easy for you. Our experienced team will handle all the necessary paperwork accurately from the get-go, so you can focus on hauling freight and making profits. Your journey to success starts with us.
DAT Copilot™
Authority Bundle
- Federal MC Authority ($300)
- BOC-3 MC Authority ($30)
- 50% off DAT One for 6 months (from $150)
- The DAT One Fuel Card with a $60 rebate and $100 preloaded
- Discounted factoring rate from OTR Solutions
- Free commercial trucking insurance quote from Marquee Insurance Group