CDL a Necessary Evil?

Do what you have to do to get the CDL and get the hazmat also. That's the first step; then start researching for the hotshot 0/0 jobs. You'll get there, it's just difficult these days with the bad economy, not being able to save for your downpayment, permits, insurance, etc. Keep trying though.

 

You can get a CDL A testing with a 1 ton registered over 26,000 lbs. hooked to a trailer which makes a combo with a GCWR over 26,000 lbs .
You will get a no air brakes restriction on your CDL . There is no such thing as an air brake endorsement .

 

You know, REAL hotshot companies DO hire REAL people to deliver REAL paying stuff, for REAL money. And it's not a mostly fake "reality" show on TV.

 

And there is a REAL UShip where REAL dummies bid to haul for the REAL cheapest rate

 

Yup. I don't see Cajun Justice trying to go that route. I suppose it's possible he's not telling us, but his interest was leasing to a company that actually dispatches pickups. After reading discussions of UShip here and elsewhere, I decided to investigate UShip. I admire their marketing savvy, but nothing else about them. Selling a reality TV show to a network, to sell your name is just plain genius. They offer no added value to the equation, so I see them as shysters.

However, they're in it for themselves, they exploit both consumers and providers who are ignorant, and they consume a huge chunk of the pie for doing almost nothing.

 

Yes your job sucks in retail but with a 1/2 ton like others have stated you're going to tear your equipment to pieces. Here's an idea for you to ponder. Ever thought about a 3/4 ton? Here's the thing I know about dodge anyway. Back in 2001 when my 3/4 ton was built the only difference between my pickup is the dual rear wheels now then my truck was custom built as well but it's not that hard to swap an axle out and a bed people do it all the time. You can get a junk yard dana 80, and the leafs for about $800 and turn a 3/4 ton truck into a 1 ton. It'll save you money if you can do the work yourself I don't know how mechanically inclined you are but you could also call a local shop to see what they'd charge to swap the axles out. As for the bed heck you can pick up a dually bed for about $1000 I know a guy that sells them up here in good shape for that price. But using a half ton won't get you anywhere but a repair shop.

We're all for making something of yourself. But to make something of yourself sometimes you have to take a step back and think it through before jumping in head first without the proper equipment. Also have you called a bank about financing for a new truck? Heck they'll finance a brand spanking new $70,000 1 ton that's all decked out that won't make a dime. But they won't finance a working truck that's older and cheaper. You may want to look into that as well if you havn't already. Good luck don't take what I've said personally but with a 1/2 ton truck it's not going to turn out well for you. Best to save up for your 1 ton, or try to finance one even though it's tough you'll definitely thank yourself for it in the long run.

 

I started to use a company called CDL Test Truck but most of the folks on this site think you'll go to the deepest chasms of truckers hell if you do that. Seems to me it wouldn't be so bad if you are only pick-up hotshotting though. I'm wanting to hotshot as well but some of the outfits I'm hoping to work for sometimes use a Semi so I'd like to be reasonably proficient at that too. Anyways, good luck!

 

cajun, anytime will hire you with out a cdl on a halfton p/u.