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