getting into hotshot trucking any tips?

I am starting my own hot shot trucking company. I want some tips and tricks from you more experienced truckers out there. Here is some info on myself, I am from New Castle, Pa. I am a real small company I haven't even booked my first load on my own. I just got my DOT # and MC # and payed more for insurance then i've spent on most of my cars i've owned. I've been been driving loads for 9 year under another companies authority but now i'm on my own. I have a 1-ton pickup with a pull behind trailer, like I said SMALL company. I am no longer employed and I put what I have into breaking out on my own. So please if anyone can point me in the right direction on my new venture, I would be grateful. I am looking for info like best places and ways to find loads, things to watch out for, general tips for success, things to be prepared for, ext...

 

I get what ur saying RickG. I've done what research I can and I'm a heck of a driver. This is my field of work and I'm tired of work for others and making them money while I settle for scraps. I do have a couple of companies lined up to haul different cargo for them , but them alone ain't goin to cut it. The best way to learn is by doing and getting advice from others like urself that have experience. I'm looking for info like good brokers, and other resources I can take advantage of to help my chances of continually have loads and in turn a successful Bussiness.

 

I am nerves getting into this, of course. But this is how I'm going to support my family. Driving is what I know and what I'm good at. I'm based in Pa and for now plan to stick to a 6-700 mile radius. My hope is to get in with these gas companies that are popping up every where do to the Fracking. I currently have a Big Steel Mill that I've made arrangements with to haul for from time to time. But I'm not sure about how to go about that cause they cant come close to keeping me busy enough but I don't want to be a slave to them like they would like. To make any decent money it seems I need to be able and available 24/7. Which is fine just not sure how that works being a one man operation and having a client list that may need you at a moments notice. If I take Loads off the Boards and am 600 miles away when a regular client calls they probable wont be clients for long.

One Question I have for You and all You more experienced Haulers is: My experience is with a company that worked with a client list and I hauled under there authority for Years. I've never Used the Boards so my question is can I make a decent living just off of pulling loads from the board or do I need to get in with a broker too.

 

lol.. no amish...ellwood quility steel..although i hear there is a buck to be made on horse haulin

 

Not that I know of, something to check into though