looking to get into hotshot

Do yourself a favor before you plan to far, get insurance prices from several, then decide if you think its for you, hunting loads is alot of time invested unless you lease onto a co then they hunt your loads for you.

 

Add up all your axle capacities. Steer, Drive, and trailer. You cannot exceed those weights. When you register under IRP, pick the weight on the IRP weight chart closest to that total weight. If you need a number for a good insurance agent in your area PM me.

That Aisin Automatic is a awesome transmission. I just purchased a new one and it's pretty impressive. Been running the Aisins here since 2008 in the 4500,and 5500 trucks no compaints with them. I think we had one with over 400,000 miles on it that needed some new sensors at one time. Other than that just keep the fluid clean. The service intervals call for like 50,000 miles. Mine will get changed every 20/25k miles.

I would'nt plan on being home as often as the guy you mentioned. Our CA based Hotshots are home most weekends but there are times they're out for a couple of weeks. Sometimes thats just what it takes to make a decent living in this type of business.

 

There's a ton of semi-technical stuff on here detailing exactly what you have to do to get started. I did it the hard way - bare naked startup with no customers. I used and still use Internet Truckstop. There are plenty of loads on there for me, but here's the catch ---- it depends on where you live. I'm in the rust belt and there are always loads coming out within 100 miles of home that I can handle. Check some of the load boards and get an idea of the kinds of trips available to you.

The longer you do it, the more repeat calls you will get from brokers as long as you do a good job for them. So have 3 or 4 months worth of living expenses in the bank BEFORE YOU START. Add another $1000 for trip expenses for your first trip. I'm at the point where I only take trips 300 mi or less so I'm out and back the same day. Again, because of where I live.

It's like anything else. If you want to do it and are willing to work for it you can do it.

 

Great information and viewpoint. I've gotten similar advice from friends I have that are currently running rigs. Farmer, are you on your own authority? I was looking at Internet Truckstop, is it worth the subscription?

 

what about price per mile? what are peoples thoughts? is 2.50 a mile a reasonable price if fuel is at $4/gal? so that would be like $2.35 per mile with the current price average. I would have an f450 with a 36ft gooseneck that has air rid and able to load equipment. 15,000lbs would be my trailer capacity.

 

2.50/mile is high way high. iirc running a class 8 semi you should be able to show profit at 1.50/mile. shoot for 2.50/mile is great tho

 

Profit at $1.50 a mile?? Smh...

 

1.50/mile with paid off equip isnt possible?

 

Paid off? As in no replacement or maintenance plan? I suppose if your in it to go out of business it would work.

 

Yes, I have my own authority. My costs are about .65 per mile, so I can do just fine on 1.50 per mile. I just don't like to if I don't have to (chuckle). I try to get at least $2 per mile. Sometimes I get more ($8 per mile is my record so far) and sometimes I'll take less, as long as I'm going to turn enough profit to make it worth my time.

Internet Truckstop is very inexpensive if you take the basic service. It's the only board I use and it keeps me busy.