BECOME A HOTSHOT TRUCKER

Expeditors haul time-sensitive loads using a medium or large-sized vehicles with or without a trailer. They have a lot of freedom to choose which loads to haul based on their vehicle. Some vehicles set ups may not even need a CDL depending on the weight of their vehicle and trailer and where they are hauling.

Whether you’re new to the trucking industry or are a trained veteran, you may find it easier to become an owner operator of a smaller set up. Some perks include:

• Become your own boss
• Lower start-up costs
• Choose your own schedule
• More home time
• Certain loads are only available for smaller vehicles

No matter what piece of equipment you chose, it is much like starting your own trucking company. If you’re thinking about hauling expedited loads with a hotshot, box truck or sprinter van, here are a few starting steps:

1. 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 equipment 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 equipment 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.
2. Get your operating authority. Like owner operators, hotshot truckers, box trucks, sprinter vans and expeditors need to get their operating authority to haul commercially. The coaches at Motor Carrier HQ can take care of all the paperwork for you, so you can have peace of mind knowing your company is registered properly.
3. Get insurance. Any type of company 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.
4. 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 smaller set ups, and there are many resources you can use to find them.

Listen to our podcast Haulin Assets for more information on what you need to get your trucking company started.

No matter what type of equipment you choose, if you want to become an owner operator of a semi-truck, box truck, sprinter ban, hotshot or mix and match your equipment under one authority, Motor Carrier HQ 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.