21 Violations By Hot Shot

I’ve noticed lately..last few months there’s a lot more hotshots running at night. Really never seen them running night before now.

I think they finally figured out what I’ve known for years..most weigh stations are closed.

 

I don’t really understand hotshot work. The pickup costs the same amount you can get a decent semi for and the trailer isn’t too far off either so they really aren’t saving that much money if they get a halfway decent set up. Then by 200,000 miles they’ve repaired the tranny at least once if not twice and the truck is basically shot. A semi is just getting going good. To me I don’t really understand the financial benefit of hotshot unless you already have a diesel pickup to pull your camper or something anyway.

 

Plenty of hotshots need but don’t have a CDL. They’ll tell you they don’t need one as long as they don’t haul more than 10,000 of freight. Many also have no authority, saying they don’t need it, or they choose an existing company and use their information. Next they print a name and DOT number with GVWR 26000 and stick it in the window. Then proceed to load 20K on the trailer. Most have no idea about load securement. I recently watched one loading ahead of me (with the 26000 rating) load three AC units at 8500 lbs each. They needed two chains each. He carries two chains and 2 straps for a 42 ft trailer. How does he handle this dilemma? Easy, just sign your papers and drive off with no securement at all.

In best Russian accent “is good, do all time, be okay”

 

From what I thought, hotshot drivers were drivers that couldn't drive a semi for whatever reason. It got their foot in the door, and eventually moved on. I don't recall too many semi drivers going hotshot.

 

i think a lot of it boils down to financing. You can easily get financed for a 3/4 or 1 ton truck (and gooseneck trailer), a semi is a whole other animal.

 

Louisiana has a hard on for just about everything on I-10. But yes, Hot shots really catch it for sure. And they will definitely pull over hot shots with high end cars on them and start looking them over very closely.

 

Louisiana isn't playing around. Some of those LSP guys have. a portable X Ray thing they carry too. They look into the vehicles with it and see if they have hidden compartments and whatever else.