LTL Hot shot dispatching services?

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by nit2winn, Apr 9, 2012.

  1. tealtransport

    tealtransport Bobtail Member

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    Oct 10, 2012
    Manchester, TN
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    What an interesting subject. First off I must say that I am a dispatcher for Hotshots. Second, I am not allowed to advertise on here whatsoever..so please don't ask for my information. I can't even do in it PM. BUT I do want to restore your faith in dispatchers. Now just like every occupation out there, there are good ones and there are bad ones. I was introduced to the trucking industry by my pastor who actually got into hotshotting last year, working for Gary out of California. He promised them the world..that they would make $20000 in a month. The end results..he spend up to two days sitting at a time, an in 6 weeks only moved $12,000 in loads...now that could have been cause he was new..and a lot of brokers won't work with new or newer authority...it could have been Garys hesitation to give him loads he didn't know if he could handle or not. Either case, it was not good for Gary to have lead him astray with false hopes. Now it is true..that Hotshots can move $20,000 in a month...but not a newbie, not usually. Another thing...Gary..at closing time..locks the doors and is not available again until next business day..so f you have an issue..your on your own. This is from personal experience of Gary.

    Having said that, I do work for a company that specializes in moving hotshots. We are very small, and my boss has a lot of experience...24 years trucking...with several on the Alaskan Ice Run, he was also a DOT inspector and a certified Diesel Mechanic. We have a good strong backbone to our company and it is him. It must be said that not all drivers are suitable for all dispatchers..they must match. A good dispatcher should be like a full time secretary, to help you in any way possible. As a general rule, we usually don't make the best money west of the Mississippi river with a few exceptions. I usually never willingly send anyone there. We follow the money. because regions and hot areas change..all the time. A good dispatcher should be on top of the market and move with it. If there are any questions on being able to dispatch yourself. please let me know I would love to help in any way that I can.
     
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  3. ost1

    ost1 Light Load Member

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    Mar 28, 2013
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    join a load board. a good one. post for LTLs. it will take but you can probably find a good broker to work with. DO YOUR HOME WORK
     
  4. macmov

    macmov Bobtail Member

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    May 8, 2013
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    I'll give a quick chime in on this one. There's a reason you won't find anything about hotshot logistics. I worked for them throgh Roadmasters, with saying little more do yourself a favor and stay far away.
     
  5. macmov

    macmov Bobtail Member

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    May 8, 2013
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    I also worked for Gary and I hear ya bro. But a few things. I blame Gary for making me buy the wrong trailer, HE LIKED. I blame Gary for basicly taking advantage of newbes to Hotshotting. But I will commend Gary for giving me the courage to make the change. I still read Gary's forum every now and then, most guys are with him for 6 mths or so. Not much different then working for Swift.
     
  6. Nottoway

    Nottoway Light Load Member

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    Sep 3, 2012
    Southeast Virginia
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    I realize this question is veering off the OPs thread subject, but... I know Gary recommends a 40' "lowboy" with fenders above deck. As a newbie, I am looking at a Class 7 truck and 'deck over' stepdeck trailer...maybe 9' upper and as much as 43' lower. Your thoughts?
     
  7. macmov

    macmov Bobtail Member

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    May 8, 2013
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    Depending on how much you're willing to spend this is what I would do. (Anybody chime in if you have thoughts on this) Class 7 truck is good; make sure you get a long enough wheel base to accommodate thee step deck. I would go with 45' lower deck and an 8' upper deck. You may have to cut the corners on the upper deck if it doesn't give you enough clearance on the truck for turning radius. 2 or maybe even 3 12,000 lb. Dexter axles. I would suggest airbags and airbrakes. If airbrakes are too expensive try hydraulic over electric, but try and stay with the airbags.You'll need a good compressor. Also try and set up drop axles. I am not sure which axle I would leave stationary. Some will say the front and some will say the back. Go with a real 5th wheel hitch. They do make some setup that will not be as heavy as a big truck 5th wheel but will be more durable then the light duty rv puller style. Last thing, I would go with 17.5 rims, they will be about the same height as the 16s but they will be commercial tires and last you a whole lot longer.Get all this done and you can register at 53,900, This will cover most loads out there. I do believe this is a money making setup.
     
  8. Al. Roper

    Al. Roper Road Train Member

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    Bakersville NC
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    that is pretty much the rig i am going to try and put together. as far as the dispatch service goes its like anything else. start off using load boards such as ITS, truckersedge, etc. the more loads you haul for the same brokers the better rapport you have and a lot of times they will start calling to see where you are before even posting loads. this takes time but as they learn you can and will do what you say you will begin to see some better paying loads.
     
  9. Nottoway

    Nottoway Light Load Member

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    Sep 3, 2012
    Southeast Virginia
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    Appreciate the insights...you have definately confirmed much of what I have been thinking. Already wanted the dual, tandem Dexter axles, either 12k's or 15k's. (I believe the 12's come with 16" wheels and the 15's with 17.5 wheels.) Wanted air ride tractor and trailer. Also wanted air brakes on both as well as lift axle on trailer. And just today a dealer I've been working with was recommending a slightly lighter fifth wheel (maybe a Holland model?) that would be higher rated and more durable than the typical RV style.
    Really haven't settled on a truck. Have looked at a used '08 tractor but am leery of that year's emissions(?). It has a 8.3 L engine and the transmission has been upgraded to 13 speed with 3.90 rear gear. Am curious if could handle a taller rear gear (maybe 3.55 or 3.36) for better fuel economy? Or would that engine run out of power and bog down under load?
    At 250k the second owner put the last 50k on it and reports 7 mpg. Also said only problem was a sensor but said original owner had to work through several issues. I was hoping to close in on 10 mpg but unsure of best setup.
     
  10. KINGMILES

    KINGMILES Bobtail Member

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    Aug 8, 2014
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    I am located in the Atlanta area, could you help me out with a little information as well?
     
  11. badbob

    badbob Bobtail Member

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    Jul 15, 2012
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    After running a mix of hotshots, cranes, and multi axle heavy haul, the equipment to be the most consistent monetarily ( At least in my humble opinion) is similar to what I am currently running, an airride single axle tractor, Allison auto, and a 48 foot stepdeck with extensions. Plated at 54,000 pounds ,under 2290, and hauling light weight loads, usually under 10,000 pounds, but a lot more if in a bad area. Run under 65 miles an hour, get similar mileage to 1 ton with the same load, and DOT will pull over 10 little trucks before even looking at my rig. Also, several of my main shippers will not even load a truck with an RV type 5th wheel. I am also leased to a company that takes 25% off the top of every load, but if they pay $2.60 to over $3.00 a mile, I do not care., I still do good, and do not have to worry about insurance ,legalization, etc. Now a lot of hotshotters will not agree with me on equipment, but this has made me the most money over the years.Also, I have never met Gary out of Cali., but have talked to him on the phone several times, even got me a load once year ago when I was stuck on the west coast, and he seems very competent, just some people blame him for their own inexperience and problems. B
     
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