So I'm interested in getting into the hotshot world, and I'd appreciate some advice. I dont personally know anyone in the hotshot business, so I'd like to know if you guys think its a good idea, for me, in my position, to start this.
I'll start with my background; I have 3 years of experience driving munitions and explosives in the military, I still hold explosives and HAZMAT licenses, as well as a security clearance (maybe that will help with government jobs?) I'm planning to on starting this business venture with a friend, he has some military driving experience, as well as, a year of driving a semi on a farm.
I'd like to start my own hotshot company, and team drive with my friend. My plan is to purchase a new F350 dually and big tex 16gn 35ft+5 with mega ramp trailer, downrated to 12,000 pounds. I plan to stay non-CDL as long as theres money in it. I'm planning on removing the rear seat of the F350, and building a sleeping/storage area. I saw that FMCSA regulations said I have to have a restraint system for the sleeping area, if anyone has any pointers on that, please let me know.
As far as start up goes, we have $30,000 saved for start up capital, and we have a combined $3,200 a month passive income. Our only bills are our car payments ($300 each) and phone bills. We don't have any debt, no credit card bills or anything other than car payments. We have a 670 and 700 credit score. We don't have mortgages, or rent, we both work jobs that travel. We don't have families or anything that ties us to any part of the country.
A quick money break down; I figure around $5,500 down on the truck, $2,000 down on trailer, $3,000 down on insurance (I hear thats a normal insurance upfront payment), $2,500 in equipment (straps, chains, toolbox, tools)
We'd like to do team driving, we're both disabled veterans, so we need each other's help. But, I'm curious if you guys think theres a market for team driving? If we team drive we can deliver things long distance without stopping, but do shippers actually care if goods get coast to coast any faster?
We've spent countless hours researching forums, youtube videos, and loadboards, but we'd like to hear from as many experienced drivers as possible. Do you think we're in a good position to start this?
Advice For A Newbie
Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by WhiteBuffalo 2311, Jul 26, 2020.
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- Sleeper Berth - Woodhouse
https://www.woodhouse.com/sleeper-berth
This Compliance Summary is intended to help familiarize inspectors and officers in the field with a Sleeper Berth unit which is being installed and utilized by “Hotshot” carriers in one-ton pickups. Woodhouse Sleeper Berth, Inc. (WSB) has developed a Sleeper Berth conversion for …
- Cowtown Sleepers
https://www.cowtownsleepers.com
Cowtown Sleepers & Toppers. Our units are custom to fit your needs by providing additional storage, added seating for pets and children, extensions for pickup truck camping, or sleeper berths that bolt to your truck for hot shot drivers. We can also color-match to your vehicle.
WhiteBuffalo 2311 Thanks this. - Sleeper Berth - Woodhouse
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You'll start your business as friends, and itll end with you being enemies.
Concorde Thanks this. -
Make the sleeper berth DOT legal, in case you later upgrade to CDL-A license.
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Last edited: Jul 26, 2020
WhiteBuffalo 2311 Thanks this. -
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Crude Truckin' Thanks this.
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I have seen every thing from old buses, pick ups with a long enough wheel base to install a nice big everything in it sleeper. I would look at a tractor rather than the 350, cost wise , you can get a nice tractor or what you will spend on a dually. With your back ground, there are loads that require teams, with your credentials
WhiteBuffalo 2311 Thanks this. -
I guess I'm just trying not to bite off more than I can chew. I figure if I start with a pick up, then work my way back into semis, it'll be a safer move financially.
What do you think? maybe starting small, with a pick up, is an unnecessary step. -
Am i only one finding odd driving team in f350 ?!
It will wear you out fast !singlescrewshaker, WhiteBuffalo 2311 and 24kHotshot Thank this.
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