So think you want to run a hotshot?

Everything but the 100-150 miles!

 

Same here.

 

What are they average paid miles per week and rate to driver after your cut for use of authority and trailer ?

 

We have an authority but are new and still figuring it out.

 

Picking the right loads and where to go is the MAIN issue I see right now.

Finding a decent load going one way I can do, sort of, but getting a decent one to get back seems to be a nightmare.

If I could just find a nice loop out and back.

 

REAL hotshot pays a good enough rate to head back empty . Every dually with a gooseneck trailer is not pulling hotshot loads . Very few are .

 

When I first heard the term "Hot Shot" it was to indicate a just a puckup truck pulling a trailer as if it were a smaller, light weight version of an 18 wheeler.

I assume now it implies something expedited regardless of weight or size?

We do not as of yet have the 1 ton and trailer.

We have just been renting Penske trucks and trailers so far, and as for long distances, we put it off as finding the return load was an issue and we were in an 18 wheeler.

I see so many smaller loads that a pickup with a trailer could haul, and with the cost being 1/4 or less compared to a Big Rig ($700 a month as opposed to $3000 a month), it looks like the way to go for us right now.

 

There are several problems with this much hauling .
1. Too much competition from people that got the idea watching Shipping Wars .
2. More random inspections . There's a lot of haulers in duallys not meeting regs . Inspectors know it and a much higher percentage of 1 tons get pulled to the rear at the scales . Consider getting a Class 7 truck like a Freightliner FL 70
3. Fewer good base customers . I knew several hotshotters several years ago that had construction related loads like rebar and rooftop HVAC units drop down to nothing .
There are some opportunities , especially around oilfields with established carriers like ACME .