Biggest problem in HOTSHOT TRUCKING 

I like the fact that you paint a realistic picture and not just gloss over realities of the industry. Having the wrong expectations can easily demoralize you.

People need to understand that you need to stack your money for that rainy day. At the same time to make sure your debt to income is low. You are on point my friend.

If you want to start a hot shot business just do it and stop worrying about the economy stay positive!

A CDL will give you more opportunity to haul heavier freight (which you probably shouldn’t do). Basically, more “less desirable” loads will become available. I’d rather haul lightweight loads - saving fuel and not wearing out the equipment.

Wow! It's like you were talking from the future COVID killed everything.

My man piglet is on fire! thanks for breaking it down for us👌🏼

Master of your craft. Your dedication and attention to detail combined with your willingness to help others is why your page is the best HotShot channel on here.

Best I can say Is having a cdl gives you more options. True if freight dies off, doesn’t matter what your pulling, it sucks. Having a contract option on your DOT opens you up for contract trucking. I’ve been a CDL driver for over 10 years and I can honestly say that getting experiences in all for of driving gives you options.

Alex, first of all I like your channel and watch every video. Great job. I think the most important thing is not how many loads you can get but how much money you can make. I’m a shipper and let me give you one example. I ship a full truck load (53 foot van). That weighs 44000 lbs from Charlotte to Denver, 1556 miles. I pay this guy $4000 for non hazmat and $5200 for hazmat freight. He turns around and picks up street signs in Colorado Springs, roughly 120 mile deadhead and returns them to N.C. For $2300 since the whole load only weighs 20k That’s about 3100 miles for about $ 6300 to $ 7500 depending what I ship His cost driving a semi round trip in fuel alone have to be 75% more than a hotshot all around If I don’t have that much of a load and my guys in Denver don’t need a lot I use a hotshot, same miles 9000 lbs, $3500. Non hazmat. So that’s $4000 for 44000 lbs or $3500 for 9000lbs. I think if it was me I would run hotshot all day and just become the greatest load grabbing hog I could be, no matter how little the amount of daily loads are out there. Keep on trucking, there is a big need and demand for all of you hotshotters.

TP, you might just be rambling on that "HS CDL-A sucks" video but look how far you've gone...you had planted the seed and now flourishing man. Keep up your informative channel and thank you for your service in the transport industry. Safe travels my friend!

Don't forget the biggest reason. The life style of not being with family and sleeping in the back seat of a truck on the road eating crappy foods. 🙈

You have real balls parking next to Werner

Many step deck owner operatos are starting to cary more than one loads cutting into hotshot industry. They also cary big loads. $30k truck $25k step deck (used). Can do best of both worlds☺

I understand what you are saying between CDL hotshot and non CDL hotshot but the ones that do have CDL have the advantage that if hotshot business takes a hit the guy with a CDL can park his truck at home and go drive a semi as a company driver at least until the hotshot market recovers.... otherwise you limit yourself to only hotshot and if market crash you can end up bankrupt. Remember that truck payments, trailer payments, insurance payments they will all keep coming every month and if you are a non CDL hotshot and there are no loads available then you are screwed. The guy with the CDL can ride it out easier in my opinion. Thanks for the video, very informative.

Bro You got the best videos in the business, I got my CDL and I am thinking about getting my own truck, thanks so much for all the info.

I feel you should have prefaced this with I choose not to get a contract, or I can't get one because I have a cdl, or don't want to spend the money on certain equipment. In my area there are plenty of hot shots that run contract freight. One guy even has a VanGo setup gooseneck. Opening up more freight to him. Your gonna get out of it only what your willing to put in.

You're a wealth of knowledge as always Alex thanks for sharing and seeing The Good The Bad and The Ugly

I'm watching your channel for a while now, and while I was getting excited about the Hotshot part of this of this business I actually realized it's exactly the same like expedite. Expedite is also a very limited amount of freight and of course there are thousands that fight over a load.

If you go to CDL you can carry heavier loads, but heavier loads will destroy your 3500 pickup and if you plan on upgrading to a 4500 or 5500 your better off getting a good used semi, go all the way that way you can make yourself available to about 75% of all load board loads

Alex, your videos are incredible. In four of your videos, I learned 20 new points that will help me make more money. Awesome. Thank you so much. Keep the info coming.........

You lay it out plainly. Thanks. Dispatching seems to be the key.

I will be getting in the hotshot business soon. I have watched your videos and I'm impressed of how much time and effort you have put into you videos. The information are very useful and enlightening to newcomers. This one video in particular is very informative. I was in the local trucking business in California for 27 year. Close the company officially in 2015 and said I'll never be a trucker again. Wrong! Once a trucker always a trucker. I just want mention that I watch other RU-vid videos too. And 2 of of the Hotshoters producing them videos are very informative as well. Thank for the invaluable information.

The economic situation at any given time depends on many factors. Hot Shot trucking started with split speed limits. In Ford E350 vans and non-CDL 2 axle trucks that could go faster than the 55mph speed limit in many key states. While auto and pickup vehicles could go 10mph faster. Had fewer restrictions on roadways and inspections. The freight could be a box of paperwork or a pallet with a pump, valve or key mechanical or electrical part. The freight was stuff too critical for UPS, or Fed Ex. That freight still exists. But what is thought of today as Hot Shot is exactly as you say. It is the left overs, or oddball quick load. But understand the mega carriers DO carry that same freight too! If they have a deadheading unit. The mega carriers computer may snatch that load at a lower rate. Just to make some revenue. Those meat and potaoes temperature controlled carriers. Will carry anything that can fit in the back in the back doors. Trucking is very hard mentally and physically. I still drive trucks incidentally to my job. I really learned bio-rythums and time management. Out driving the the 48 and Canada. What Tow Piglet is telling everyone. Pay attention and be prepare. The freight is changing. When a downside hits. Just be aware and be prepared!

I have a few issues with this video...I would argue that non-Cdl hotshots make up close to the same percent of the industry as the loads they can carry...also saying a Cdl hotshot sits in the same pool as a non-Cdl hotshot is making a BIG assumption...I have a 48’ hotshot which qualifies me for full truckloads...combined with a higher payload...we don’t swim in the same pool anymore...non Cdl would be in the kiddie pool and I’d be in the shallow end of semi pool...no offense meant there, i just agree with Manny...the more doors u open the better, get ur Cdl, get a big trailer, get ur TWIC...ANYTHING that qualifies you for more loads is a HUGE plus...appreciate ur content and watch most every video...keep it up! 🤙🏻

Been in hot shot business for 40 years quit wasting your time on the B.S. numbers just get out there and do a good job and the dollars will come your way. Im doing over 20,000 a month and I am home every night. And that's with a one ton truck.

I’m a cdl hotshot. I have a 4 car trailer and thats where having a cdl makes a difference. I can make more money with more cars so being higher rated capacity makes a difference. I get this video is only applying to freight but there are other options out there

All I heard was "DO NOT GET INTO HOTSHOT TRUCKING! YOU WILL STARVE YOUR ASS OFF!".

I agree with you 95%. Contract freight is any agreement between a shipper/broker and carrier. That COULD very well be between a HS owner and/or a semi owner op or company for LESS than full loads.

I agree with you getting loads as a hot shot is limited but no one says you can’t get a semi truck and trailer and cdl and still do hot shot freight or run the load boards it opens up your freight available to you and if your going to go all in on a hot shot with a sleeper and a new trailer you may as well go semi and get your own contracts

Nice coverage Alex, a lot of great info, I appreciate you putting it out there. Drive safe Buddy!

Cdl and non cdl hotshot the benefit to cdl is if hotshot isn’t there then a cdl driver can go back into a semi if needed and the non cdl will just be out of a job

Mr, Alex bro thanks for passing on knowledge . Can’t wait to become a hot shot driver soon. Become your own boss and enjoy the otr life. Yay 👍👍. Keep it coming bro.

You forgot to mention. Of the remaining loads that hotshot can pull. %99 of them only pay pennies.

you make some good points alex, and as you know we are riding a ten year up-swing with the economy and are due for a correction, also currently other factors like trade war will play a part in a downswing.

Alex, You've seen my truck and trailer. Ram dually from Enterise and a 40' air ride trailer. Weighed for 40,000 lbs. I can carry 16k on my trailer (rated max) and still be below 38k gross. CDL. I can't remember the last time I had to wait even a day for a good load. I haven't been below 1.80 a mile for several months now. Most loads 2 -2.50. Biggest issue is where you register the truck. I'm in CA, so I have extra costs for reg, insurance, fuel, and LLC costs. That will all change when my registration expires in August. Will be registered in a much cheaper state.

Excellent subject matter narrative categorizing loads

your wrong about contract freight I have several contracts in my area, you simply have to get out and knock on doors

Great job A you always make great points, enjoy your holiday weekend

Good break down info, sounds like van trailers equipped with a refer is the way to go out of 100,000 loads you have 20% way better than 3%

I switched to cdl hotshot and have been running crazy but thanks for the great videos..also my boss went and got wild bill and enterprise rental f350 for non cdl ...

This will solve many people situations ,upgrade to a semi it's ALLWAYS easier just to downgrade.Now if you up grade you would cut your time and cost of figuring how much you can actually pull,yet many have to do as much as they can with what they have at the moment,however like another roller said great breakdown and research.Huge difference from a trucker/semi driver VS a roller/hotshot.Keep on rolling driver.Definitely on point,yes the economy will crash one day severely to the point that there is trouble feeding families we're income will not be enough to provide for a household.Its happening already,look at Venezuela.A dozen of eggs cost beyond what we think we would ever pay.It just hasn't hit home yet.For now all we can do is do what we can.Be safe out there sir Keep on rolling down that road roller's only lane .👍

Good information man. I'm finally running smoothly with a better dispatch an I have more experience on straps an chains an tarps an all the other equipment.

The more trucks that are available then the less the loads can get moved for.

Having a CDL gives you an option on all hotshot freight, not just the small loads. And what regulations does a CDL driver have that non CDL have? Apportioned tags and IFTA. Your first load pays for your tag. If you watch how you buy fuel, you can keep IFTA at a minimum. So neither of those hurt you.

As a 18 wheeler driver, I'm starting to see a lot of loads less than 10,000 lbs. Many customers are shying away from hotshot haulers.

Those are pretty solid numbers. I’ve done it all and I know from experience that’s the loads are slim and always will be and it’s going to get worst due to new owner/ops entering the industry everyday with no clue what’s going on and booking loads for pennies.

Ok, here I go! I love your videos so don't take this as bashing you. This is coming from an owner of 5 dually's and 1 semi company. Your breakdown of loads isn't really up for debate, because we don't really know the exact numbers. But you keep trying to justify not having a CDL. I won't put a driver in a truck that doesn't have a CDL. But you said with the small percentage of hotshot loads out there, having a CDL doesn't really give you a greater opportunity for more loads. I have to disagree. I know that you have sat waiting to book a load for 3, 4, 5 or more days. Knock on wood, I've never had a truck sit for more than a day. I really don't remember the last time a truck has actually waited a day to get loaded. Granted not all loads are the best loads, you have to put yourself in the best position possible to keep the wheels turning. A parked truck is a worthless truck. I bring in well over a million dollars a year, if there is a non CDL driver company bringing in that kind of income, then god bless you, but it's unlikely. I've been in this business for 15 years. Don't put a limit on your abilities!

Well, your videos are definitely educational. I'm interested and appreciate your information your passing on to us. Thanks man.

I disagree with one aspect of it if you're both hot shots and it comes down to that 26k that CDL weight. The driver with the CDL endorsement will get to work.

From what I see and read a lot of Hotshot irs' overload there or max out the capacity of Towing in damaged components of transmissions and brakes and axles and tires.

You certainly have learned a lot from day 1.

Spot market is good for owner operators needing or wanting to get somewhere. Years ago I needed to get an assortment of parts from Wisconsin to a customer in Kansas, total weight was less than 5,000 LBS. It could of gone flat bed, if no truck was available we were going to rent a U-Haul and get it there. It ended up going out on a refer truck that was headed to Kansas, I got it shipped for about the same cost of the U-Haul and fuel, he got home in time for his Kid's ballgame. As far as contract freight we had a Hotshot we used for some contract work but it was to take one unit to our supplier and bring another back to us, she ran loaded both ways and it was profitable for her at a reasonable cost for us.

IMO being CDL driver for carrier is more profit in it then owner op / owner op is all about freedom !! Mega carrier are on mission to squeeze owner op to min wage. Example todays market. Lets say you drive 100k yr n can avg $1.75 pm on all loads. That gives you a gross of $175k for the yr.. Now lets deduct expenses. $35k for fuel 10k insurance 5k for mantiance 3k for tags n reg 10k for unexpected, hotels, eld, tolls, emergency.. So ur $175k is down to $112k thats if you own truck n trailer. If u dont own add another 1.5k a month for truck n trailer. Thats another say 15k yr. So were down to 100k profit at best. 100k minus self employment tax everyone has to pay 15.3% and state and federal taxes dep on state . ur basicly left with around 60k on 175k gross for the yr.. Thats constantly hustling for loads . being on road min 250-300days a yr away from family n sleeping in truck like a rat .. For 60k at best ??? Ask ur self 60k worth to live like that ?? When i started i would gross 250k yr and walk away with $150-180k yr.. Fuel, insurance taxes were cheaper then today.. 150k vs 60k take home.. Is the diff. About 15yrs in hotshot... Just my 2 cents from a guy thsts been doing it since 1995..

Now that was a good content viedo !! And here in lies the problem. Hotshot gets a fraction of the % of frieght outhere !! Now for the killer , mix in a 1000% percent increase in people that started in hotshot and ur phucked !! In late 90s when i was on the road. Sometimes i would have to drive 300-500 miles before i would see another hotshot on road.. It was all class 8. Today i can hop on any major interstate within 5-15 miles i might see 4-5 hotshoters rolling down road, mostly empty or deadheading or just a partial on there.. Its not good !!! Saying goes when everyone is on to the same thing , its over ...

Oh and also picking the right vehicle for the right job makes all the difference in the world you can have the truck have more powerbut if it's not gears right you're going to blow something in the motor or the transmission so you got to keep in mind also the gear ratios are important as well brakes are important like the issue you had with tires the truck might not have been rated for that particular type of towing you got a speck your vehicles out for the right job dad just say the pickup truck have good job let's go and that be the end of that know there's so many variables that will cause you to spend a whole heap in a lot of money on that vehicle alone you got to also spec your vehicle Dodge Ford Chevy it makes sense. let me put it to you like this play stupid games win stupid rewards.

Houston is a port city, and oil market that rarely gets put on the board

You're right! Very informative!

Love your content, keep up the awesome work.

I am livestock hot shot running 2 dedicated hauls, TX sale barn-KS feedyard and KS dairy calves to South Dakota dairy for the next 3-4 weeks.

Awesome breakdown Alex!👏👏👏

The cost of repairs, tires, fan clutch ($800) hood ($15,000) or fuel cost, factor these things into the equation and hotshot has a better advantage. A brand new big truck costs three times what a dually does

So been talking to Landstar who does contract freight and hotshot. Here is a weird requirement that does not make sense to me so maybe you can explain it to me. Truck: One Ton or Larger with Gooseneck Ball Coupler…..Must be ELD Compliant and plated at 45,000 lbs OK ELD no problem, but plated at 45k??

If only everyone would stop 🛑 doin Hot Shot🤗n I was the only one doing 🤗u would all make me Happy 😃

Superb analysis. Great insight and detail.

yo piglet..... where do you get your loads? what boards are your favorites??

Great videos man. I’m a new subscriber and don’t have any clue on where to start when it comes to hotshot. I currently work for Pepsi and would like to get out and start my own business. I was wondering if maybe someday you can do a live q&a? This will be a big help to all of us just starting out. Hope to hear from you. Keep up the great videos

CDL making $9k to $11k per week (no partials). Weight is never an issue plated @ 70k. I visited a weight scale mabe 3 times in 3 years I can also take baby loads at 26,000 gross, if I choose to, I'll leave them for non-cdls Used Semi is cheaper, safer, more reliable, & less inspected than a dully. I'm getting a 5500 only to supplement my Semi. Buy the way small stepdeck (w/Fithwheel) is far better & safer than gooseneck

Hey Alex, can you possibly make a video of you picking up loads and delivering loads we never see those?. Also have you ever thought about buying your own semi and trailers and being an owner operator with the larger loads?? Or is it not beneficial? What's your take on that?

Hello Alex, I thought you were not going to talk about me and my bad habit. When are you coming bad to work, so I can get EDUCATIONED. LOL haha

Unless you pull doubles, and then you have up to 56' of deck two axle tractor is the way to go.

theres good freight out there and more money for a hotshot driver with a CDL. I see you upgraded to a dually of course you did. A person starting or having a hotshot business with a few trucks will make a lot of money a year. a hotshot driver with one truck and a CDL (and I do mean working your truck and don't having it sitting around for a day or two not making any money should make very close to $300,000 and maybe even plus a year.) That's what I make so CDL is the way to go

Alex, what market would there be, if someone were to build a reefer van trailer meant to be pulled by a dually? Would it help tap into a larger market?

Me personally. I'm getting into hotshot as a stepping stone to owning a semi been a cdl company driver for years. Gonna send a year or two with hot shot learning how to dispatch my self and giving my mc time to age with significantly less overhead

Is there more freight available from the load boards depending on what subscription you have ?

I understand your effort here BUT Hot Shot work will die soon. Too many people can go buy a new pickup and go into business WITHOUT a proper CDL and the training it takes to get it. A few hot shotters will survive but all the newbys are as good as gone. Its WAY too easy to do now and everyone and their brother is doing it. I am glad I am a true professional driver with all the CDL endorsements and near perfect record. I cannot imagine sleeping in the backseat and not being able to properly rest all night. Tired drivers are deadly drivers. The saying goes " if it seems too good to be true" - IT IS !!!!!

Hey the I meant This really kind people that offered me to be a hotshot driver I’m in it for the adventure and new place and being on time and respect all these people. It’s a really good business to get into.

I’m in Chicago & I just discovered what ‘hotshot trucking’ is after I have gotten my CDL. I’m thinking about staying with a company for a year to learn the business but what truck would you recommend & if now is a great time to get into hotshot trucking in the Chicagoland market. Thanks.

@7:00 What's the point? Obviously if you get an F450 truck and a bigger trailer, going CDL so you can haul more than 10,000 lb, you can double the number of loads you can haul. Yes we're still getting our loads from the same pool however from that pool you just said being under 10,000 lb deletes half of those loads. Your hot shot cuts off at 10,000 lb, but if the truck/trailer combination I choose is good for 15,000 or 20,000 lb that means I can carry all the loads that you can carry as well as taking the heavier loads that are the same size that a no CDL can't get.

I have been watching all your videos but came across this today made me discouraged.

For the New York State people they're cracking down on non cdl because in New York State you are supposed to have A CDL with any business once your truck goes over 10,000 lb. . . And I hate to say it but eventually they will probably do that in every state

Ref truck drivers will have jobs all the time even during any economy crisis, simply because people want to eat..

Hey, awesome sharing... Quick question :- Do you recommend joining a company and work for them instead owning at the beginning? Also, share an example like how much will be my approx net take home if I work for a company vs similar to yours. Thanks mate..

So if your trailer weighs 6500 that only leaves you with 5500 total weight you can legally carry because your gvwr is 12,k

Great info. Thanks for the video.

Good informative video Mr. Piglet!!!

I really want to try hot shot, but after this. I may need to buy a 379 and a dry van... semi driver

Can we do hotshot with a box truck? 14-16 foot ones.

Exactly.. that's why I still non cdl for now .... also I be nights at home (all) I hot shot cars ..... even if I get cdl and can haul more cars I will be not able to deliver all in one day ... so I will be out at nights .... In my particular case a cdl no solve my needs ( be home nights) ...

I run a freightliner m2 single axle with a 53ft trailer and have no problem finding good loads

All great info 👍🏻👊🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸

I currently work on Denver routes have my cdl for two years and half I will love to have a hotshot truck and go on my own but I still dont know how or what's the best way to book hotshot loads

The info here in is probably correct and is fine because of that but I think one thing that you're missing tho it's all of the things you CAN DO that WE (80K Big Trucks) CAN'T. Think of how many places you're ALLOWED to go but we AREN'T. Add all the places that you can go and no one blinks, but if I go there with an 18 wheeler, I have some security guard come by almost immediately telling me I can't be there. Malls. Wal-Mart a lot of the time now. Restaurants. I basically don't go home. It's a choice I make. But that choice comes with a sacrifice. My family's thing when we get together is to go out to eat together. When I'm on the road, that's barely ever a thing, with few exceptions. You just can't find that many places. Especially GOOD restaurants. Like pricier steakhouse level restaurants. And other places you might go if you were just at home. But if you park there or nearby, no one really thinks anything of it. Yet, I can't even roll up to the same place as a BOBTAIL without at least getting the stink eye. If you're in hot shot, it's because you made a conscious CHOICE that you didn't wanna do tractor trailer OTR trucking and you're sacrificing the freight availability because of it. Maybe there's a few advantages to it that you've overlooked tho. That's all I'm saying.

So.... I should get a van! Got it. 😂😂😂

"Awesome information."

SO WHY DO YOU STILL DRIVE HOTSHOT ? Just a question

Well you know your stuff. Young man

Then, of those loads left, the brokers try and push them for under $1 per mile. Bunch of crooks.

Why won’t you get your CDL just a question

Good video 👌 thanks for the information

How do u find factoring places i have all the first steps but factoring and authority any quick link to help tackle these