So you want to hot-shot? (Will be updated/edited frequently)

Thanks for the insight, it's all good info. I'd still really like to talk to you one day of you're up for it.

 

csryan, this forum frowns on advertising in any way. Because of that I can't just post my phone number and say call me without the risk of getting booted off this forum. I'm not very hard to find on the web though.

 

You can ask me any trucking related question here on the forum, or you can even private message me if it's something you don't want to ask publicly and I'll try my best to answer it for you.

 

Thank you!

 

Hello from another Newb.
I read thru the entire thread, great info here.
Looking for your professional opinion, even though it has probably been asked somewhere on the forum. (sorry for the short novel, wanted you to have good info for your input)

Let me start by saying I am no stranger to the trucking world, done nearly everything except drive a big rig. (driven before but not as a pro) Straight trucks, propane bobtail, 1ton with goose, dump trucks, loading trucks, unloading, securing loads, etc.
Yet, I am not an expert by any means, and can always appreciate a new perspective, and can always use more Knowledge!!

This will be the token newb question probably because I really hate the job I have now, but the pay is good, and I keep my bills paid. Drawing on my driving experience, I have done a ton of hotshots for construction equipment and the like for my boss for years. Yet I am desperate to start my own business, and make my own $, and have the pride to show for that work rather than someone else. (besides the boss started getting into concrete and stuff I have zero interest in doing for a career)

So I currently have a 2011 F250 xcab LB /w a 6.2 gasser. Equipped with a gooseneck hitch. I am dedicated to starting my own business, even though that srw 250 is extremely crippled in comparison to the rigs a lot of you guys run. I am so dedicated I am going to sell my 2016 Street Glide to free up outgoing $$$. (this is like selling my sanity, been riding on 2 wheels since I was 6) but sacrifices need to be made sometimes, and I am willing to do that.

In your opinion should I continue to work where I am while I try to search for an F350/F450 and trade in the F250 first, or is it possible to start hauling RV's and such with that F250 till I can step up to a F450 and my own trailer. (without getting into a brand war, just let me say, the others aren't an option for me)
I would really love to get away from this job as soon as possible, yet we've been friends for 20 years, and I think I could selectively work for him if things are slow with the truck, like plowing snow, and other less desirable jobs, and I usually always have people asking me to come work for them, and I get a ton of side work fixing motorcycles and vehicles, so keeping my head above water should not be a problem.

The gooseneck hitch my truck has offers a 5th wheel adapter for purchase if I was to use the F250 to start.
Your input will be valuable, because if the F250 is an option to start I am gonna pick up a set of airbags this weekend, and if not I am gonna get the truck ready to trade in or sell by getting a few of the Previous owners dents fixed and throwing on some rims to spiff the truck up a bit. Thanks awaiting your input so I can get started on my own path.

 

hello everyone I am looking into getting started into hot shotting strictly part time I currently work on tug boats and enjoy what I do and make good money doing it how ever I would like to buy a 1 ton and goose neck to give me something to do on my time off cause I work 50 days on and 50 off and would like to only work a week or two roughly everytime I am home basically to pay for the truck and trailer and to have a tax right off and also just for spending money and to explore the country or would I be wasting my time in doing something like this?

I would be looking into getting a 1 ton dually dodge and a 40 foot goose neck but I a not sure if I have to have a cdl or not I know I do if I am going over 26001 lbs.

a little about me I am 25 and a engineer for a tug boat company out of Oregon and I reside in wasington state and just looking to see what my options are for a side job and I also know about getting the dot and mc number and commercial insurance etc.. thanks!

 

If if you only need tax advantage and to pay for equipment on time off is do able. And would be advantageous being 25. Know though your insurance will be a expense much higher than you anticipated. I have a couple of options to consider first if you get your own authority, you need to find a good dispatch service. The service mush have numerous years in the industry with plenty of connections out of your area. They also must be based in you region of the country. The other idea that comes to mind is find a company that moves rv's cargo trailers or someone to lease to that has their own freight. The last option is the least complicated and risky starting out.

 

Rather than the huge investment, headaches, and risks of buying a truck for a part time job, why not contact truck rental agencies (Ryder, Penske, etc,) dealerships, and others. They move trucks between agencies/dealerships constantly.

 

I am not looking for a big truck just a truck for leisure and towing my four wheeling rig in the winter