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

I'm sorry I meant until the end of this month. I'll be relocating to the Fort Worth Area.

 

When you go to Texas. Being new to the area I would suggest trying to go with a hotshot carrier as a driver. Reason being the age of your equipment. Learn how the business works. Sell yourself as someone wanting to lean the business. The challenge is finding the company.

 

That makes sense...I've been working on a business plan and gathering data and such. I just kinda feel like I learned something that I never used and also costed a pretty penny to gain. Speaking of my cdl.... I've also been comparing trucks and trailers. It's like speaking a foreign language but I do thank you for your insite.

 

Hello gentleman. I am a 30 year old woman who grew up in the trucking world. My dad is a truck driver who was an o/o for a freight company for 24 years then recently started working Walmart in 2016. Anyway, I grew up driving F-250's and can easily tow and park a 38 foot camper as well as a 20ft pontoon boat. I have pretty much no experience in the field other than that but have decided I would like to somewhat follow in his footsteps and start hotshotting with my best friend. We have no kids and do not own anything but our vehicles. So I think we are in the perfect position to start this because we have nothing but our dogs (that we hope to bring along) keeping us in one place. Neither of us are working jobs we particularly care for currently and wouldn't mind leaving in hopes of making more money and seeing more of this beautiful country.

My question is, based on the fact that we are both totally green but VERY willing to learn what would be the best place to start? We will both need to get our CDL's, and the truck, trailer, equipment, etc but I just don't know where to start. We will most likely get a loan for everything we need but I'm not sure how much to get. Should we get the CDL first? But then if we don't get it first I will only have a truck not a trailer to tow yet. We live in Houston and as far as I know I don't think we will have a problem getting work. My dad also said he would assist in getting contacts if I need due to his previous job and relationships formed over the years. But also would it better since we are newbs to work for a company first? I have so many questions and a lot of them have been answered in this thread but not all. Sorry for the long post I will end it at this as these are the questions I am having the hardest time getting answered.

 

If you can line up freight connections first then there is no need to work for another company first. Although this is easer said than done. I thoroughly enjoy what I do, the part that took the longest was finding the right freight connections. There are those who need dependable carriers to carry their stuff and some pay you very good to do so.

 

The good news is, you can take the cdl test in the type of truck and trailer you’ll be running. You won’t have to go to truck driving school. For the type of hauling most of us in here are doing you won’t need the endorsement you typically get going to a truck driving school. That makes studying and taking the cdl test a lot easier. If your Dad still has his class A CDL he can take you out to practice for the test, and take you down to the DMV. As far as the written test you’ll only need to take the general knowledge part which will make it much easier. You won’t need to take the Hazmat, air brakes, doubles/triples part of the test. You will need a truck and trailer to take the test in though.

As far as which truck, which trailer that really depends on exactly what you intend on hauling. With two of you running the truck, you will need a legal sleeper berth so that one of you can be sleeping as the other is driving. A sleeper decent berth is going to increase the price of getting started by approx $8,000 to $12,000. There are some less expensive options but less comfortable. Running team is no picnic so comfort is very important. The good news is a sleeper can be financed in on the truck loan along with other upfits the truck will need, like a fifth wheel, etc. this part is just my opinion but I think you’d be better off with a Ram 4500, or 5500. An n chassis with a sleeper, fifth wheel, and fenders added. Everybody has their own opinion on what type of trailer to buy but the bottom line is you want one that’s versatile, one that you can haul freight, or vehicles, or a mixture of both with.

The picture is just to show you what a truck I’m talking about would look something like. You could go with a regular cab, or a crew cab. A regular cab with the longest cab to rear axle measurement available would allow you to have a larger sleeper.

 

More Hotshot trucks with sleepers.

 

Thank you so much for responding! Both answers I received have been very helpful! I will definitely check out the sleeper thing. I agree that would make things much easier. I will check back in if I have any more questions. Thanks again!

 

So I’ve been doig some research on the Chassis versus the 3500 dually. Are we required to get the sleeper? Or is it just a need if we want to sleep on the road once extra comfort? I’ve been on many a road trip and double teamed driving and sleeping and sleep fine in the truck so IF by chance I can avoid adding the extra expense of that I would like to. If I can’t then we will go work the 4500 chassis.

 

You only need a sleeper if you plan on logging sleeper berth. You can log off duty and crawl in the back and sleep across the seats if you want. I suggest an air mattress if you do. Or you can get a hotel room, or even pitch a tent somewhere.