definitions: Hotshot vs. Expedite

Actually , if the truck has a GVWR that doesn't exceed 10,000 lbs. it is exempt from FMCSR .
However , the GVWR of newer 1 tons exceeds that .

 

Grumppy: A semi insurance cost $4,000 to $6,000 more per year with most ins companies. The apportioned tag is tripled for a semi. Also you don't have to pay heavy use tax for a hot shot. MPG is about 5.5 to 6.5 for a semi and MPG is about 8 to 13 for a hot shot depending on the method. 1 ton gets better than 1 1/2 ton by a long shot. Shorter trailer gets better etc etc. A new hot shot trailer runs around $10,000. A new semi flatbed or step runs between $20,000 and $40,000 (step cost more and the one I bought last year was $35,000 before out the door at great dane in AL). Used trailer will have about a split difference. I buy used semi trucks and new hot shot trucks. I spend $35,000 to $40,000 on them. A freightliner with around 500k miles and about 6 years old can be purchased for that. I do feel that that semi (if well cared for by previous owner) would probably last better than a brand new hot shot. The goal with a hot shot is to drive hard and pay it off fast. Anything but a dodge and you will start having issues after 200,000 miles. A dodge will see a lot more miles before it needs an engine or trans (unless you got a lemon or don't take care of it) as dodge are a little more made for this type of work than ford or chevy. I offer that info to everyone because we never had anyone to tell us that and had to learn from trial and error.
A semi needs something in the range of 40 to 60 cmp more than a hot shot. My small hot shots do well with $1.50 with deadhead ($1.80 loaded) and my larger hot shots do well with $1.70 with deadhead ($2.10 loaded) and that is not including tall freight as hot shots will get less than a semi on fuel mileage with tall loads that stick way over cab. We do not typically have trouble getting these rates. We have trouble with picky drivers who want the same money a semi gets, with holiday time, with half of July and all of January. But all flatbed has trouble with those things so that is not only for hot shots. I dispatch for a lot of trucks, a few steps and most hot shots. I own both types. I say hot shots are better to load when times are tough. When times are mediocre or great, a semi is easier to load. You will have your own exp in a hot shot and it will be unlike anyone else's experience so no one can say it will work for you or not. As long as hot shots have been around, there has to be some people making money. The average hot shot driver owner op stays with me for 2 years. I own 3 hot shots, so most of my guys are owner ops. We do not get fuel, toll, or tire discounts and we are lower 48. In the past we have not taken back hauls. Right now we are doing a test to see if we can get enough money to back haul with a partial and still get a great rate combined, but we are simply doing this to make it easier on dispatch and to get drivers home more. We haul mainly east coast, Midwest, and south rarely going out west.

I have nothing to gain by telling you this and I have about 7 years exp loading hot shot trucks.

 

Pretty good explanation... Except the part about the dodges being more reliable....NOT TRUE!!! The older dodges were pretty good trucks after about 2006 if your considering one of the big three. Then definitely go with GM.