Fine Tuning Hotshot

Hello There,

I started a hotshot company back in May and have been running for a solid two months now. During those two months I have learned a lot; actually A LOT is a understatement. Anyhow, what I have came here to ask is help with fine tuning my operations.
1. I am need of tarps - but since I only operate a 40' trailer and haul a ride range of material what is the best tarp to use for versatility? I'm thinking of getting a larger steel tarp but I'm looking for some opinion. Should I get a larger tarp that covers everything but have all lot of room left over?
2. I'm currently using 123loadboard and hotshotcarrier.com ( also includes a few other sites with the one subscription) to find loads. I'm content with those two but I am finding it harder to fill my trailer. I have a good understanding of "hot and cold" states as far a freight goes but what's the best way to fill my trailer? I'm waking up at around 6am central to get a jump start at brokers on the east coast.
3. I've been getting about 3,500-4,000 a week since I started which I feel is fine - its paying the bills and I'm still making a profit but I think this will jump drastically to about 8 or 9k once I have had my authority for 6 months (I'll be able to haul for more companies like UTI and Select). Does this sound right.
4. Can someone explain how the fuel surcharge works!


I had more questions but forgot :-/! Please weight in!

 

Yes. Usually I do mostly LTL loads or just about anything under 20000 lbs. if I haul a TL its usually due to the fact that it's easier for a 1ton dually to maneuver the area then a semi.

 

That's what I am running and its doing the trick. I bought mine from Hallettsville - The Trailer Lot. They customized the trailer to what I was wanting - an extra tool box, dunnage rack, ratchet wheels and straps with monster ramps. Cost was very reasonable! One thing I wish I would have done is take more time calling brokers before I started running. If you are running under your own authority and you haven't had it at least 6 months you wont be able to run for UTI and Select Logistics which they have a lot of loads coming from Houston but don't let that discourage you there is still a lot of loads. I think the BEST thing to do is contact Tina from 123loadboard and ask for a trial of their loadboard. She will show you how to search, do credit checks and etc. I personally like their loadboard over Getloaded and a few others because of how many features you get for the price; and starting out I didn't have 150 dollars to spend on one website. Look at hotshotcarrier.com too.

 

Hahaha, very true. That is before fuel which is roughly $550/weekly. In about 1 - 2 weeks I pay all of my payments which is roughly 3500 and that is including putting money aside for up-keep and repairs.