Did you know that over 3.5 million people work as truck drivers in the United States? These jobs range from driving big tractor-trailers to delivery trucks to hot shot trucking. Hot shot trucking is unheard of by many but keeps business booming.
Read on to learn about seven surprising facts about hot shot trucking.
1. It’s Time Sensitive
Hot shot trucking refers to carrying smaller loads that are time-sensitive. These loads get taken to accessible locations by drivers who are known as the minutemen of trucking. Typically, it would look like a standard pickup truck that can haul super duty loads like appliances or farm equipment.
Although each load gets delivered promptly, hot shot trucking is not technically expedited shipping. When something gets expedited it gets sent out quicker than usual. Expedited trucks, tractor-trailers, vans, or straight trucks are always on standby for these types of orders.
In contrast, hot shot trucking companies deliver smaller loads with medium trucks. They aim to make time-sensitive materials arrive on time at the proper destination. Instead of being on standby, these trucks receive their jobs through load boards.
2. It’s Cheaper to Start-Up
When it comes to a trucking career, starting up can get pricey. This is not the case if you want hot shot trucking jobs. Compared to traditional trucking, hot shot trucking is cheaper to begin.
The price is less because there is not a requirement for a commercial driver’s license if the loads are below 10,000lbs. However, all drivers need a motor carrier authority number and approval from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Getting approved to drive means fitting the physical requirements. It is important to check these requirements through the administration before going any further.
Once approved, you can start trucking with little money taken from your pocket. Eventually, you may decide you want something more than hot shot trucking. You can always invest in a commercial driver’s license down the line to begin driving a big rig.
3. Different Trailers Are Used
When you begin your trucking career, you will have to decide on the type of trailer to use. The trailer should function well with the loads you want to haul and work with the truck you have. The different types of trailers to choose from include:
Bumper Pull Trailers
This is a common trailer type used by all drivers because they are easy to master. It’s relatively lightweight and shorter which means you won’t be able to haul a lot of materials.
Goose neck Trailers
More experienced drivers tend to use gooseneck trailers because they are ideal for larger hauls on unfamiliar roads. There are different lengths for this trailer type, but the most common one is 40 feet.
Usually, these trailers are considered commercial because of their weight, so you need proper licensing. You will also have to spend more money on the hitching system it requires. This trailer is great for those who feel committed to trucking.
Deckover Trailers
These trailers can get used by recreational and commercial drivers and are great for larger hauls. Because of the wideness of the deck, you can fit more materials. However, the deck is low meaning the way you put materials on and off the truck will be affected.
Lowboy Trailers
Lowboy trailers have a low center of gravity so heavier loads will be more stable. However, there is less deck space so you may not be able to load a lot at one time. Stacking is possible, but what you can load is very limited.
4. You Can Ship Anywhere in the Country
Although most hauls are local, you may have to go across the country. This is a great advantage for someone who may want to branch out and explore other places. You mainly will be shipping heavy equipment, machinery, construction materials, or farm materials.
5. The Salary Is Determined Differently
A hot shot trucking salary is determined by several factors because drivers are owner-operators. You will make money per haul you make and the amount depends on how big the haul is and where the destination is located. Since you own your own trucking equipment, you have to consider those costs.
A career in this field is all about spending money to make money. You have to invest in your truck, trailer, maintenance, liability, and insurance. Don’t forget to consider tax rates.
As a driver, you can negotiate your own rates depending on the mileage. The rate is up to you but should be based on your experience, what your truck is capable of, and the haul.
6. Load Boards Find Jobs
When you become a driver, you will look to load boards to find work. This is a marketplace for people in the industry to post jobs for drivers who are willing.
A load board will have all of the tools you need to find work in the areas you want to drive in. You can find these on websites, apps, and services with subscriptions.
Some services you may have to pay for while others are free of charge. The services that require a fee will usually have more job options.
7. There Are Federal and Local Laws
When you become an owner-operator, there are laws you need to understand at the federal and local levels that will affect your business. For one, trucks have to be commercially registered with proper licensing or you will be fined.
Other laws include being in control of your own logs and understanding the legalities of business. For more information on key things about hot shot trucking,
Start Hot Shot Trucking
Starting a business in the world of hot shot trucking could be the right route for you. Finding jobs that work with your hours and can make you a good salary is just one advantage of being a hot shot trucker. Get your licensing now and start hot shot trucking today!
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