Hotshot Trucking Overview: Flexible Path to Hauling Success

Shipping is an ever-changing industry. Currently, supply chain issues have been wreaking havoc on the shipping industry. 96% of lighter-than-load shippers experience delays. Traditional freight is more inefficient and costly than ever before.

That’s where hotshot drivers come in handy. Being a hotshot driver doesn’t mean you’re a trucking superstar (although you might be). It’s an actual term in the shipping industry, changing how some businesses choose to ship. 

This guide will give you all the information you need to start hotshot trucking.

Hotshot Trucking Definition

Because trucking companies prefer their trucks to have as close to max weight as possible, getting large cargo shipped quickly requires a more streamlined approach. This is where hotshot truckers fit in.

Hotshot trucking is the special force of the trucking world. When a company needs something yesterday, they get a hotshot. These drivers’ jobs are typically shorter notice, lighter than load (LTL), and time-sensitive. They also generally involve a single shipper and customer, so the jobs are straightforward.

Hotshot truckers typically drive personal consumer trucks, not large semi-trucks. This difference saves gas money and makes this driving style a lower investment cost. If you want to see what trucking is about, hotshot jobs are an excellent place to start.

Different Vehicle Classifications

The truck’s size differs significantly from traditional freight and hotshot trucking. Hotshot trucks are typically smaller consumer vehicles, but can they be any car? What is a hotshot truck?

Hotshot drivers are required to drive certain vehicles. Each truck has a classification that denotes what weight it can carry. For these loads, classes 3, 4, and 5 are preferred. Here’s a quick breakdown of each.

Class 3

Weight limit: 10,001 - 14,000 Lbs

• These trucks are standard consumer vehicles that contractors typically use
• Examples: Ram 3,500, Chevrolet Silverado 3,500, and smaller cargo vans

Class 4

Weight limit: 14,001-16,000 Lbs

• These trucks are heavier consumer vehicles
• Examples: Ford F-450 and Chevrolet Silverado 4,500

Class 5

Weight Limit: 16,001-19,500 Lbs

• This class has both heavy consumer trucks as well as light commercial trucks
• Example: Ford F-550, Ram 5,500, Kenworth T170, and Peterbilt 325

Tips For Getting Started as A Hotshot Trucker

The world of hotshotting is complex. While it is considered beginner-friendly, there’s a lot to know about and regulations to follow. These 10 tips will ensure your success on the road.

Use our guide on finding loads as a hotshot trucker to learn everything you need to know about picking up your first job

Choose the Right Equipment

Before you start hauling, you need to make sure your truck and trailer are capable of hauling heavy cargo. To do this, you should check the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of your setup to determine your maximum carrying capacity.

Find the Right Jobs

To find jobs as a hotshot hauler, you can utilize online load boards and partner with freight-matching companies. Before accepting a job, you want to make sure your hauling setup is compatible with the type of cargo you’ll be hauling.

Optimize Your Routes

Whenever possible, you should optimize your routes to avoid deadhead miles. Deadhead miles, or empty miles, are miles driven without a cargo load. To put it simply, deadhead miles are miles that you aren’t getting paid for.

Monitor Traffic Patterns

Although most GPS apps will circumvent traffic blockages for you, it’s still a good idea to monitor traffic patterns while you travel. Timing is everything when hotshot hauling, so always keep an eye out for potential disruptions along your routes. When possible, you should avoid peak traffic hours and severe weather conditions. 

Maintain Your Equipment

Think of your equipment as an extension of yourself. It needs to be in proper working order to get the job done right. In addition to complying with safety regulations, make sure you perform routine maintenance and inspections and to ensure your equipment is functioning correctly. 

Take Care Of Yourself

Sometimes, hotshot hauling involves long hours and back-to-back deliveries. This can make it easy for you to miss out on opportunities for self-care. To make sure your mind and body are fit for the road, get plenty of sleep, eat balanced meals, and take breaks when you need to. 

Network With Others

Establishing connections and building relationships is important in the hauling industry. Developing your professional network can lead to repeat business, job priority, and referrals to other customers.

The best way to develop your network is by consistently delivering professional service. Your customers need a driver they can rely on, and they’re more likely to work with you if they trust you can do the job right. 

Communicate Consistently

Whether your delivery is going smoothly or not, you should always keep an open line of communication with your customers. Consistent communication can not only help them prepare for potential delays, but it can also give them peace of mind knowing their shipment is safe, secure, and on time.

Make Safety a Priority

Before traveling, ensure that your cargo is properly secured, your cargo weight is distributed evenly, and your equipment is functioning properly. Performing safety checks before hitting the road will prevent unnecessary damages or injuries.

Stay Organized

Organization will make life a lot easier while you’re hotshot hauling. Staying organized will help you keep track of delivery times, manage expenses, and make sure your permits and licenses are up to date.

How Many Hours Can You Drive Hotshot Trucking?

Hotshots are required to follow the rules and regulations of the road. That includes how much time they’re allowed to drive.

All property-carrying drivers are allowed to drive 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. On top of that, drivers are required to take a 30-minute break after driving for 8-straight hours.

Finally, drivers cannot exceed 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days after 34 or more hours off.

The rules about how long you can drive are there to keep you and everyone else on the road safe. Not following them can put others in danger and can cost you penalties up to $11,000.

Traditional Trucking vs Hotshot Trucking

Freight often ships with a time frame for when it will arrive. This scenario differs significantly from hotshot trucking, which people use in SOS situations. Instead of taking the time to optimize the truckload and route, hotshots get the cargo to where it needs to be ASAP.

Hotshot drivers are not always independent, meaning they operate similarly to regular carriers with higher costs and stricter schedules. However, that’s not quite what Open Road is doing.

Open Road incentivizes people to be independent drivers who set their own schedules and operate their own trucks and trailers. After you’ve gotten set up with our team, getting jobs is as easy as tapping your phone screen.

Hotshot Trucking vs. Expedited Shipping

All this might sound the same as expedited shipping, and it basically is. However, there are some differences.

Hotshot shipping is a type of expedited shipping that occurs without any delay. These truckers don’t wait around. Typical expedited shipping happens through a trucking company and is, therefore, slower and more expensive.

Expedited shipping happens faster than usual, but hotshot trucking occurs NOW.

Industries That Use Hotshot Trucking

Any industry can request hotshot trucking. However, the most popular would be construction.

Other jobs that hotshot truckers could receive include:

• Farming equipment
• Large Machining 
• Pipes
• Vehicles
• Livestock

Most industries rely on the shipping industry. There are a lot of opportunities for hotshots.

Qualifications for Hotshot Trucking

Anyone with a truck can be a hotshot trucker.. Because of the smaller weight and size of freight, there are very few requirements for drivers. 

All drivers have to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to receive a Motor Carrier Authority Number. As well as required registration, drivers follow all applicable regulations.  Freight drivers must have their commercial driver’s license (CDL). However, hotshot drivers who haul less than 10,000 pounds do not need a CDL.  

Be a Hotshot with Open Road 

Driving hotshot jobs can be rewarding for those looking for independent hauling work. Not only is the barrier of entry lower than average, but some people enjoy the faster-paced workload.

Open Road offers a more flexible scheduling and personalized experience. Our app makes it easy to get started. From there, you’ll be able to see a list of available jobs and choose according to your liking.

If you’re ready to start driving, join Open Road now to get started today.