Couple of HotShot questions...

Your experience will be a asset. You might think “ I gotta book this load “ but there’s always another one. For me the paperwork was a hassle so I would hire my former dispatcher and pay $20 to do paperwork. Never burn any bridges.

 

Both are valid points. I know a guy who found a almost unlimited load source starting out. He had 50 F350 trucks sitting in his side yard within his first 90 days. Semi’s straight from the factory ( I still have the pictures somewhere ) his hookup was so good he became a dealer. Well he was making so much money he thought he was invincible and was indicted on tax evasion and lost his business. I would like to have his contact info. Oh well like everything someone is moving it.

 

How much are you hiring them for? How long have they been in business? Do you know anyone they dispatch? That is your gauge for information. How much time each carrier works with them

 

Choose the dispatch service carefully. A new start up service will likely do no better than you.

Only benefit would be spending less time looking and more time driving, but doing your own work is better in the long run, in my opinion. Doing it yourself you may be able to develop direct customers.

Same with a factoring service. If you can do it yourself you are better off.

Most of the reasons for being and O/O is to be your own boss, and make all the decisions.

If you can survive the first year breaking even, (paying your bills and saving for repairs) you will be on your way to success.

Otherwise just lease on to someone, and drive.

 

This is good advice.

 

@singlescrewshaker yes. Without IRP you must buy a NV trip permit if you are operating in commerce when registered over 10,001 lb. They're not cheap, pay $0.15/ mile plus $6.00, plus the fee from the third party which is about $35.00. ends up being 50-100 for just hoover dam on 93 to Vegas and back.

Sorry for the late reply. I've been killing it with this hotshot stuff! Lot of miles lately CA to AZ and CO.