New to the hot shot business

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Zray1222, Mar 25, 2020.

  1. Zray1222

    Zray1222 Bobtail Member

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    Any pointers some old timers in the business can give me for starting up my own hotshot business? Why to expect costs? Obtaining solid customer base? Expenses to start? Best way to get loads?
     
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  3. Lite bug

    Lite bug Road Train Member

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    Start reading the hotshot section. Read the broker section. Some guys in the hotshot section will have some incorrect views they will not last a couple of years, so start reading from the beginning of the forums. A few guys have YouTube channels you can get ideas, what works for some don’t work for others. IMO finding a niche or specialty market to separate yourself from the herd. Starting out find a Dispatch Service who has established customer base, this company will have been in business for a number of years. By using a service like this will gain time and experience while taking advantage of higher dollar per mile average. You might find a trucking company who also has broker authority that will lease owner operators. Try to stay away from companies who will lease owners on without having their own freight or broker authority. My last two statements may seem confusing to a new person looking into this business. Depending on your location ( consumer or manufacture ) direct contact is one of the oldest most reliable method. Hope this give you some ideas.
     
  4. Zray1222

    Zray1222 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for you response. I’m very new to this so anything helps. I assume it is a very profitable business as long as it is ran right?
     
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  5. Lite bug

    Lite bug Road Train Member

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    It is not easy. Time away from home starting out
     
  6. Zray1222

    Zray1222 Bobtail Member

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    Money talks. I’m a crane operator now been on the rode for some time now.
     
  7. Lite bug

    Lite bug Road Train Member

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  8. Lite bug

    Lite bug Road Train Member

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    I have delivered stuff to the crane companies for rigging. With you knowledge contacting crane companies before you are ready to start could give you a good foundation with your hotshot company. What part of the USA are you located?
     
  9. Zray1222

    Zray1222 Bobtail Member

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  10. Lite bug

    Lite bug Road Train Member

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    My wife is from Marietta. Atlanta is good area to do this, because of the manufacturing. How long have you been operating the crane? How many other crane companies in Atlanta?
     
  11. Western flyer

    Western flyer Road Train Member

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    Are you prepared to live in the back seat
    Of a pickup truck.
     
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