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

Yes we are still buying from thetrailerguys.com we don’t pull air ride trailers here. If you choose to go air ride, and you’re thinking about buying a three axle Lowboy like we use, you’ll want to check to see if adding the air ride will change the frame width, or anything else.

There’s thousands of brokers out there and a lot to know. We should really talk about rates. You don’t want to be hauling for $1.45 per mile. Private message me if you want to discuss it further.

 

Morph, are you the guy in Cincy?

 

Wow that is low. I just got a quote for $20,000 from Progressive. $4,900 down, $2000 a month for 9 months. Not as a hotshotter or expediter. Brand new Ram 4500 and new 40” Trailer. Deductibles set at $1000. No vehicle or hazmat towing. Did I do something wrong?

 

I was quoted yesterday at $9,063.(1 milion with 250K cargo)
Today I got an email saying the Quote for Expediters has decreased to $8,050.
My CDL is from 2013,No moving violations,No accidents and CSA score zero.
Picture is from yesterday quote.

 

Ok I see. I don’t have my CDL yet or MC. They stick it to the new guys. Trackin’.

 

Nope, Georgia.

 

How is the hot shot business doing to date?

 

Wow! you guys are amazing. There is so much information here!
Sorry for the book, but if you have the time. I would be grateful for any and all input.

So I've read through this entire thread to the letter. took me about 5 hours...
I still have a couple of questions. Either the topic got scanned over or maybe I didn't understand the response.

I'm a little foggy on the weight requirements.
To start I'd be running a 2004 Chevy dually. Fresh engine/transmission rebuild. Chipped to haul. Rebuilt rearend, aux tranny cooler. Essentially decked out within the last 5k miles.
Curb weight states it is 6,268 lbs
I'm looking into a GN trailer but i'm unsure what exactly I can use.
The empty weights I've found are between 4,900 and 7,600 pounds.
putting my total weight empty at 11,180-13,880
Would that put my acceptable load (staying under 26k) at 12130-14821 pounds?

I have a low interest benefactor backing me for my first year. Basically I have connections that are interested in making money but already have enough not to care how much. That isn't a gloat, just trying to explain my situation as best I can. I am VERY fortunate in this matter.

I do not have a CDL. That is my reasoning for staying under 26,001 for now at least.
Or am I restricted to a trailer at 10,000 pounds like I've seen here and there?
If I am restricted, it would not be worth it. That is my understanding anyway. I couldn't have a a long enough trailer or accept loads weighing more than 5,000 pounds. How can I load if I am so restricted right?

I do have experience hauling across state. Fifth wheel/Gooseneck/tow behind. All kinds of loads and all kinds of weight. Most likely illegal for some companies because we didnt have DOT numbers or the proper insurances. It was on a more personal level than business but was almost always long hauls.
Which brings me to why I want to go legit and try and make some actual money.

I've researched load boards and have had subscriptions for the past 3 months just as an observer.
I've set up countless mock trips. Ran the numbers. tested my OP cost and even deflated my expected fuel economy to try and increase my cost vs profit to see if it would still work out.
My latest mockup has led me from Maine to Florida and then bouncing around the south side of the east coast for weeks on end. It shows that I would be getting roughly $5K-8$K a week before fuel/toll costs. That's just gross, and include the semi cheap run I would have to make to get to the dense shipping areas. I understand shipments change and there are those that will underbid me or steal out from under me.

I'm trying to be as prepared as possible. I have a rough startup cost of $13k most of which goes towards the trailer. Which my benefactor is in the market for anyway and will just accept it back at the end of the year and only wants $2k for the YEAR to "rent" it. We have terms prepared to be written up to have it put in my name and I will "sell" it to him March 20th 2020 for the rental fee. This is to remove the issues of running someone else's property.

I am determined to do this. If I have to go for CDL I understand that I can go for it without the need of all the endorsements. I only plan on freight/car truck hauling. I have what some call a silver tongue and am a natural leader wherever i've been posted.
I have Certs for auto mechanic
I am a certified carpenter with a completed apprenticeship in plumbing AND electrical.
Java/ruby scripting and intro the computer programming with graphic design/web development.
My point is, when I'm serious about something I pursue it and don't give up.
Please, any advice would be amazing before we pull the trigger.

 

Just have to be under 26. The entire thing. Vehicle, trailer and payload. If I understand correctly. But I have my class A so the only weight restriction I have is the GVWR of my equipment. If you're aiming for a 40 foot, which I doubt, make sure it's under 65 feet, bumper to bumper.

 

That's what I was wondering. I have seen some posts stating if the trailer is rated for more than 10k lbs than I'd be up a creek without a paddle.
The FMCSA has horrible wording about it.
From the setup I’m looking to get started in, I should be cleared with around 35ft GN. And around 11k lbs load. That gives me a decent buffer for equipment and anything else I may have aside from the actual load.

Now would I still need to have some form of module hooked to my ECM to corispond with a written logbook?
I’m still semi vague on when I’m required to hit weight stations or if I’m required to because I’m under weight for CDL.