Can I get my loads from 18 wheeler load boards ?

Most company will not allow that.

 

So im lockd in for the duration of the contract however long that is?

 

To OP's question just out of curiosity I looked on ITS and yes you can search for HS and HTU loads on it. HS "hotshot", HTU "haul and tow unit" (this maybe a toter truck for pulling house trailers though?). And also post your equipment available as such. Now before getting all excited a little reality check is order. I haven't checked any of the other loadboards but likely you can do the same on those as well.

Some quick searches one within 100 miles of my house. Eagleville, TN to Appleton, WI rate $700 miles 700 weight 11,000lbs. I know what this shipper is Landstar used to cover a lot of this freight on their flatbeds. Ringgold, GA to Channahon, IL rate $625 on 635 miles weight 2,500 lbs.....

So I searched some probably hotshot type markets like the oildfields in the Dakotas (I forget if it's North or South where the boom is) surely there will be plenty of spot Hotshot work from oil fields....

entire state of SD had 2 loads available with no posted rate....

entire state of ND had 0 loads posted.....

So then I take a look at Houston, TX on an instinct maybe something is there......

Houston, TX seems to be a "hot market" (sarcasm in quotes) with 23 available HS loads today. Houston to Fort Worth 260 miles rate $700 no weight posted. Houston to Durango, CO rate $2,300 on 1087 miles. Now before anyone thinks that Durango, CO is a winner quick search 100 miles radius of there finds 2 loads over the next 2 days both from Gunnison, CO to Muscatine, IA with offered rate of $455 on 1,022 miles weight of 9,000 lbs.

This work is seasonal probably like any other work. And so maybe I'm looking at a snap shot during a slow period? I don't know but if that's slow I can't imagine busy being very good at all. That is fricken dead. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. I cannot imagine anyone trying to make it off loadboards hotshotting just starting out "hey I got a 1 ton pickup and a trailer can I make money with it!?"..... .....sure you can lad, step right up...... see that noose over there go right ahead and stick your head in it.

That said there are people who do it and make money. I would imagine these people have good direct connections and use loadboards for fill in. And whoever needs hotshots in the Dakota oil fields obviously doesn't have to go to open load boards to find the trucks they need. someone has that all locked up... ....translation, you are competeing against pros and also every tom, dick, and harry who's bought a $50,000 hotshot pickup that thinks they can do it too.

I laugh when people say you can't make a living off loadboards with a big truck especially when they say you can't get a rate. It's so easy if you just follow the trends. When the freight is there it's like taking candy from a baby. A little common sense and negotiating ability - the sky is the limit. When I look at what's available for hotshots it's complete and total shock. There's nothing there. I cannot imagine, even if I had lots of LTL flatbed experience, which I don't, trying to make a go of that. There used to be a member here who did it and did it successfully but haven't seen him post in ages. That is one rare bird.

 

Rolling Coal, I think the guy who started this thread has his own freight. I believe he was asking if he could get backhauls off the load board board.

 

10-4 when he posted several days ago I started following the thread and it seemed no-one really answered his question. I had iintended to check ITS and see what various loads you can search for before I commented. Fast forward to this morning I finally did look and see available freight for hotshots. I forgot he mentioned his own direct hauls and went off on a rant but you're right he did say that. So the short answer (lol) for him is yes at least on ITS he can search for backhauls. From the looks of things if I were in his shoes any loads out from his direct customer had better pay round trip cause jollivanting around the country piecing together profitable hotshot weeks off loadboards looks like a TALL order. Any reload after delivering his direct freight would be a bonus. The rant was more for the newbies with stars in their eyes. And as always it is not to piss in their cheerios.. ..more of a "this is what you're up against Mr". Nothing would please me more than to see someone go do it and prove it can be done off loadboards. But really it looks like for hotshotters the pickings are insanely slim if one has no direct freight.

 

Yes you right, I have done this since 08. It can be very challenging. I have been very blessed, I started out leased to someone ( I did not make any money, he was just starting out, and had no direct freight, he is no longer in business) I got my own numbers and starting working with someone starting a dispatch service. ( he had tried hotshot and did not make it, he has since sold his business and passed on his good name) I know a few people who have direct freight and do fine. I do work off the load board, mostly after I get out. I come home ever weekend. You are also correct about talking to the brokers. I am by know means a expert, it is very difficult to start out with no experience. I am older, and no kids at home, no real bills, so that is an advantage. You are also right about the advice you are giving (anyone with a one ton truck that thinks they can do needs to think real hard ) I am just now starting to locate direct freight. ( that would be backwards, but that's how it is) I also would advise someone to find direct freight, before jumping into the hotshot business . Hope this helps someone