18 year old non-cdl hotshot, is it possible?

Hello all, just wanting to get some info. I just turned 18 and I’m wanting to get into long haul hotshotting. I know I can’t do out of state with a CDL until I’m 18, but I wanna try non-cdl first. I wouldn’t be operating under my own authority, as my dad owns a trucking company with DOT and MC numbers. Still trying to sort out the insurance requirements as well, not sure if the company will cover an 18 yr old. I have a 2003 F-250 FX4 with a bulletproofed 6.0. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

I don't know yet about the limits of a full CDL for under 21 to go out of state. I will have to read up on what is allowed. I know that some trucking companies has been chiseling on Uncle Sam to get the younger 18's into exceptions to go over the road (And not pay them as much) but who knows? Wonders never cease.

Your insurance company decides what your company can and cannot do. It's already known that insuring young ones (As for myself same thing) is very expensive. So there is that.

You do have one thing I would say 95% of people who wanna drive don't have. A ability to talk to your Family who owns the outfit and learn what they know while they are still around to pass that knowledge to you.

 

I wouldn't even think of doing it with a 6 blow, just from what I've seen that's about the most unreliable engine diesel engine there is. Can you go out of state with a cdl before 21 in a hotshot, I know you can't semi.

 

Thanks for the reply, x1Heavy! I know what you mean about talking to the family, and believe me when I say I've been pressing them for quite a bit of info! Just trying to get info from multiple sources and see what my cards are.. The family has been a great help over the years, there's times I wish we could stay this way forever. But, life goes on I guess, so I'm trying to get my own feet under me in case (God forbid) the family company goes under. I appreciate the response!

 

No, I don't believe you can go out of state with a hotshot CDL. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but CDL requirements and restrictions are the same no matter what you wanna drive with a Class A.

 

You are the company and the future. Consider that a while.

Ty for the kind words, but I think it will be a while for you to run around full blood CDL A. I don't expect you to have any trouble getting it when it's time to do it. The other problem is the medical. The two are tied together now. You at 18 should have nothing wrong with you so 2 years card.

I don't doubt you can do the work, I remind you that there are tiers of trucking such as farm, if there was someone that had a farm tag and you were allowed by the state to run a farm truck for that purpose of harvest etc, you can do some small time trucking just like the rest of us coming in with 90K in Grain to the Coop at the bottom of heartattack hill. That will get you settled while you pass the time until you have the age to get up and go.

 

I hate to burst your bubble, but even non-CDL you have to be 21 to operate in interstate commerce. So, you will have to hot shot local loads until you turn 21, otherwise your company faces fines for allowing a non-qualified driver engage in interstate commerce.

I dealt with this way back when I was 18, lived in a tri-state area with most of the work just 8 miles away in New York or New Jersey but I lived in PA, so I could only stay on my side of the river. Really limited what I could do and where I could go for the towing company I worked for.

Insurance will also be difficult, but not impossible, for an 18 year old. Expect it to be expensive, unless you family's company will lease you on and they have a good record, then it may be more affordable.

Now, to explain why I said you have to be 21 even without a CDL to hot shot, see below.

First, read 49 CFR 390.5 for the definition of a commercial motor vehicle and you will see it is any vehicle with a gross weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds used in interstate commerce.
eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations

Then read 49 CFR Part 391 in it's entirety, you will see 391.1 covers applicability, applying to operators of commercial motor vehicles. You will also find the requirement to be 21 in 391.11, and since it reads "commercial vehicle" not "commercial license" it applies to your non-CDL hot shot as well.
eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations

 

You're probably better off getting a CDL now, then claiming 3 years intrastate experience once you hit 21

Whether or not you actually even worked much, just have the family company give you a reference

 

Big thank you to everyone who pitched in! I appreciate all the feedback, I guess what I'll do is get my CDL then hold it until I'm 21. I'm gonna just drive semi afterwards, we have contracts with companies that'll provide enough loads. Thanks again, and God bless!

 

This may not be too relevant but i met a hotshotter running on a class D license in a SRW 3/4ton with a small 4 tire GN trailer and business name, dot and MC on the side. I was like no way, and he was like way. Said he just has to stay under 26k and that he passed all audits and inspections. We were definitely in scale country and he was a middle aged man that seemed pretty legit. It was in NC but i dont remember what base state. It was a clean looking operation, not some shady junk. Only one ive met on a class D. Not sure if legal but apparently tolerated???