Please note: This is not legal or financial advice and should be used for entertainment purposes only. You absolutely will need to do a deeper dive research on each step and consult with an attorney [or multiple ones] to do this legally and safely. Consider a LegalShield Small Business plan as an option to save on your legal expenses.

Introduction:

Hotshot trucking offers a rare opportunity: the freedom of the open road, ownership of your own business, and a lower barrier to entry than traditional semi-trucking. But that doesn’t mean you can just hook up a trailer and go.

Whether you’re starting with a single 1-ton dually or planning to scale to a small fleet, this guide walks you through the nuts and bolts of starting your hotshot business the right way.


Step 1: Know the Business Model

What Is Hotshot Trucking?
Hotshot trucking involves hauling smaller, time-sensitive loads using a heavy-duty pickup truck and flatbed or specialized trailer. Loads are often partials or expedited, meaning you’re filling the gap between LTL and full truckload carriers.

Common Loads:

  • Machinery and construction equipment

  • Building materials

  • Vehicles and trailers

  • Oilfield equipment

  • Agricultural supplies

  • Expedited freight (regional or long haul)


Step 2: Business Setup

A. Choose Your Business Structure:

  • Sole Proprietor (easiest, but no liability protection)

  • LLC (recommended for asset protection & tax flexibility)

  • Register with your state’s Secretary of State

  • Open a business bank account

B. Get Your EIN (Employer Identification Number):

Apply at irs.gov – free and fast.

Gear Keeper CB MIC KEEPER Retractable Microphone Holder RT4-4112 – Features Heavy-Duty Snap Clip Mount, Adjustable Mic Lanyard and Hardware Mounting Kit – Made in USA – Black

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Your support keeps this website active and 100% free

C. Name and Branding:

Pick a memorable name and check availability. Reserve a domain and social media handles.


Step 3: Legal & Licensing Requirements

DOT Number:

Required for interstate hauling or over 10,001 lbs combined weight. Apply at FMCSA.

MC Number (Motor Carrier Authority):

Needed if you’re hauling loads for hire across state lines.

BOC-3 Filing:

Designates a legal agent in each state. Can be done through a filing service.

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR):

Annual fee based on the number of vehicles.

Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290):

Required for vehicles over 55,000 lbs.

Cobra 29 LTD Classic AM/FM Professional CB Radio – Easy to Operate, Emergency Radio, Instant Channel 9, 4-Watt Output, Full 40 Channels, Adjustable Receiver and SWR Calibration, Black

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Your support keeps this website active and 100% free

IRP & IFTA (If crossing state lines with commercial tags):

Required for apportioned plates and fuel tax tracking.

💡 TIP: You may be exempt from IFTA and IRP if staying under 26,000 lbs GVWR. Always verify with your local DMV or DOT office.


Step 4: Insurance – Get Legal & Protected

Hotshot insurance can be one of your biggest startup expenses. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Primary Liability ($750,000 minimum – $1 million recommended)

  • Cargo Insurance ($100,000 typical – depends on what you haul)

  • Physical Damage (protects your truck/trailer investment)

  • Uninsured Motorist & Non-Trucking Liability

  • Occupational Accident or Workers Comp (if hiring drivers)

💡 Startup Cost Estimate: $10,000–$20,000/year (can be paid monthly with a down payment).


Step 5: Equipment – Truck & Trailer

Truck:

  • 1-ton or 2-ton dually (Ford F-350/F-450, Ram 3500/4500, Chevy 3500HD)

  • Diesel engine preferred

  • 4×4 if off-road or construction site delivery is common

  • Gooseneck or 5th wheel hitch setup

Trailer:

  • 30–40 ft gooseneck flatbed is most common

  • Must be DOT legal and properly rated

  • Consider dovetail, ramps, or hydraulic tilt options

  • Ensure brake system compatibility with truck


Step 6: Tools & Load Equipment

  • Grade 70 transport chains

  • Ratchet straps (10,000 lb+)

  • Edge protectors

  • Tarp (for weather-sensitive freight)

  • Winch, ramps, or forklift access

  • Safety gear: gloves, vest, flags, cones


Step 7: Compliance & Tracking

  • ELD (Electronic Logging Device): Required if you’re running over 150 air-mile radius and crossing state lines

  • Pre-Trip Inspections & DVIR Logs

  • Driver Qualification Files

  • Maintenance Logs

  • Drug & Alcohol Consortium Enrollment (if operating under DOT)


Step 8: Finding Loads

  • Load Boards:

    • DAT

    • Truckstop

    • 123LoadBoard

    • Select Logistics

    • Central Dispatch (autos)

  • Broker Relationships:
    Build trust and offer reliability – this leads to direct freight.

  • Direct Shippers:
    Reach out to construction companies, farms, dealerships, and factories in your area.


Step 9: Tracking & Paperwork

  • TMS (Transportation Management Software): For scheduling and invoicing

  • Invoice Software: QuickBooks, Wave, or TruckingOffice

  • Rate Confirmations

  • Proof of Delivery (POD)

  • Factoring (optional): For fast pay, at the cost of a % fee


Sample Startup Budget (One Truck/One Trailer):

Expense Estimated Cost
Used Dually Truck $40,000 – $65,000
Flatbed Gooseneck Trailer $8,000 – $15,000
Insurance (Year 1, incl. down) $8,000 – $12,000
DOT/MC/UCR/BOC/Legal Setup $1,000 – $2,000
Tools, Straps, Safety Gear $1,000 – $2,000
ELD + GPS $500 – $1,000
Fuel & Operating Cash (1st mo.) $3,000 – $5,000
Total Estimated Startup: $60,000 – $100,000

Revenue Expectations

Load Type Rate Per Mile Miles/Week Gross/Week Gross/Month
Local/Regional $2.50–$3.50 1,000–1,500 $2,500–$5,250 $10,000–$21,000
Long Haul $2.00–$2.75 2,000–2,500 $4,000–$6,875 $16,000–$27,500

💡 Net income varies based on fuel, insurance, repairs, and downtime. Many hotshots net $3K–$7K/month after expenses once established.


Final Thoughts:

Hotshot trucking is one of the most achievable ways to break into the freight world. With hustle, professionalism, and solid business discipline, you can go from zero to load-ready in just a few months.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign In

Register

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.