Class 8 flatbed hotshot

99.99999% of shippers and receivers are already designed to accommodate tractor trailers. So you aren't gaining anything in the maneuverability department. All your doing is buying a box truck, but now you have to tarp.

You should get your class A and dive in all the way, or not at all. That's my two cents.

 

Pretty much what I am doing/did but for car hauling. Bought a long wheel semi but its being built as a haul and tow. Can carry 2 cars and tow a 25 foot trailer whether its a power only boat/rv/ect or my own 25 foot trailer.

A flatbed won't be very versatile. Can't take tall loads like a low boy, can't take full 40/53 foot loads like a semi. You are limiting yourself to 24-28 ft. partials.
Weight rating won't help you. A basic class 8 truck is min 18,000 lbs tare (i think) with 34k rated tandem axle and 12k front you are at 46k lbs GVWR. You can load 28k lbs only if the load is balanced perfectly. You can add a 25 foot pintle/bumper hitch trailer but with a B class you are limited to 10k lbs.

You can buy an expediter box truck and run teams with expedite/critical loads.

 

My truck is in the process of being built. Haven't used it yet. I currently run a Ram 3500 with a 3 car trailer.
I considered the 3/4 car carriers but I want more comfort of a bigger sleeper so I can stay out longer. I don't work more than 5 day 4 nights at a time on the Ram just because it is extremely uncomfortable. The semi will last a long time for what I needed and hopefully will work out to be cheaper in the long run. Also got a smoking deal on the freightliner I couldn't refuse.
If you want to do cars but have enough local work I'd look into a 5 pack. Can always squeeze a small sleeper box in there and carry only 4 units.

I'm building this:


On this:

 

Thanks, I am excited. Build should be finished in 3-4 weeks.
Been driving my 1 ton for 2 years. Skip it and get a class 8. You will be uncomfortable in a 1 ton long term. A class 8 will last 3 times as long as a 1 ton. A nice single axle sleeper will be awesome for hotshot work.
If you decide to go through with a 1 ton, don't get a wedge, get a cab and chassis with a low profile trailer with a 5th wheel hitch if you do.

All that said, my 3500+trailer is for sale if you are interested asking 66k for both.