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:
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Machinery and construction equipment
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Building materials
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Vehicles and trailers
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Oilfield equipment
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Agricultural supplies
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Expedited freight (regional or long haul)
Step 2: Business Setup
A. Choose Your Business Structure:
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Sole Proprietor (easiest, but no liability protection)
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LLC (recommended for asset protection & tax flexibility)
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Register with your state’s Secretary of State
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Open a business bank account
B. Get Your EIN (Employer Identification Number):
Apply at irs.gov – free and fast.
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.
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:
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Primary Liability ($750,000 minimum – $1 million recommended)
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Cargo Insurance ($100,000 typical – depends on what you haul)
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Physical Damage (protects your truck/trailer investment)
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Uninsured Motorist & Non-Trucking Liability
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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:
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1-ton or 2-ton dually (Ford F-350/F-450, Ram 3500/4500, Chevy 3500HD)
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Diesel engine preferred
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4×4 if off-road or construction site delivery is common
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Gooseneck or 5th wheel hitch setup
Trailer:
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30–40 ft gooseneck flatbed is most common
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Must be DOT legal and properly rated
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Consider dovetail, ramps, or hydraulic tilt options
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Ensure brake system compatibility with truck
Step 6: Tools & Load Equipment
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Grade 70 transport chains
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Ratchet straps (10,000 lb+)
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Edge protectors
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Tarp (for weather-sensitive freight)
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Winch, ramps, or forklift access
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Safety gear: gloves, vest, flags, cones
Step 7: Compliance & Tracking
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ELD (Electronic Logging Device): Required if you’re running over 150 air-mile radius and crossing state lines
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Pre-Trip Inspections & DVIR Logs
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Driver Qualification Files
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Maintenance Logs
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Drug & Alcohol Consortium Enrollment (if operating under DOT)
Step 8: Finding Loads
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Load Boards:
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DAT
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Truckstop
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123LoadBoard
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Select Logistics
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Central Dispatch (autos)
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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
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TMS (Transportation Management Software): For scheduling and invoicing
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Invoice Software: QuickBooks, Wave, or TruckingOffice
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Rate Confirmations
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Proof of Delivery (POD)
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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.
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