LTL Hot shot dispatching services?

Hey I just became a member and saw your post. Do you still need help finding loads?

 

Newbie looking for advice on best equipment and recommendations on good company to either lease on to or use for dispatching. I am located in SE Virginia (about an hour from the Hampton Roads ports of Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News).

I retired from running the family business after 35 years. Always enjoyed trucks and driving and even drove locally (R Model Mack & flatbed trailer) back in late 70s-early 80s. Last September I attended community college and got my Class A CDL with all endorsements. Also have hazmat, TWIC card and a passport.

I have the option to drive for a friend who runs about 20 trucks regionally (Kenworths pulling either 48' flatbeds or 53' vans). Just thought with my experiences, I'd prefer running my own truck and felt like I'd enjoy a little lighter rig hauling lightweight freight, LTL or hotshot. I am willing to stay out OTR for couple weeks at the time. I am prepared to purchase whatever is the best equipment with which to succeed.

Again, looking for advice and possible quality company to work with.

 

Anyone familiar or have experience with Hotshot Logistics, LLC (http://www.hotshotlogistics.net/CompanyProfile.html)
which is a division of Roadmasters Transport ( http://roadmasterstrans.com/ )?
Any comments or experiences to share?

 

Hey Nottoway, Been trying to get started myself but Im still on active duty. I inquired about a part time job running weekends and basically whenever i could just to get my feet wet in the business before i retire from the service. John Ramirez, the president, contacted me and was very honest and straight with me about his operation. Seems they don't have time for part timers. Said their drivers were on the road 18-20 days at a time. Good luck.

 

I emailed him Monday with an introduction, resume and copies of some supporting documents. Am wondering if they'll take the time or interest to respond?

There're some others working the oil fields that I've read about. Maybe you could search them out: Acme, American Eagle Logistics, United Vision Logistics.

Hope it works out for you!

 

If you're in the Va. I'd stay in eastern area shorter runs and same money.
No loads out of Tx., La. or the area that pay anything.
Most important don't overbuy a truck or you be broke in no time.
Hotshot hauling isn't going to pay for a 50-60K truck..
Staying in a hotel everyday you're only working for inn keepers.
Operating cost management is the only way to make any money hauling lightweight freight.

 

Thx mcgoo! I'm trying to locate a business partner who operates on the east coast. Also was planning on a decent used truck with a sleeper.

 

unless you're like 6'2 or taller no need for a sleeper I wouldn't waste the money. I've done this 7 years now and sleep in my old fords without sleeper, no problem. Also you have to look at overall length. No more than 65 feet bumper to bumper. Super cab super duty w/ 40 foot trl. is just under 65 feet.

 

Ok, just heard back so here's the scoop on Hotshot Logistics, LLC for anyone curious.

They say they haul mainly plastics, HVAC units, construction materials and machinery...everywhere. They ARE HIRING Owner Operators with at least two years of verifiable over the road experience out of the past 10. Must have Class A CDL and medical card. All O/O must be equipped with at least a 1 ton truck or better and a 40',45',48' or 53' foot Flatbed or Stepdeck.They also currently have trailers for lease for $125 a week, if you don't have your own. They are an Over-the-Road company and not local delivery, working all upper 49 states and all Canadian provinces. Where you're from is not an issue. Their drivers are out on average 18-21 days at a time. You need a valid Passport or a receipt that you applied for it. They say their drivers average 2300-2700 loaded miles on a weekly basis.

They make 75% of 100%, which they say roughly averages out to be 1.30-1.65 a mile to the Owner Operator.

Minimum truck size is a one ton dually no more than 10 years old or SA tractor no more than 20. No Ford 6.0's, no 3/4 tons, no gas burners.

This is not going to be the place for a Noob with the minimum 2 years OTR experience.

This is from their website:

Hotshot Logistics, LLC & Roadmasters Power Transport Co.,LP. has one of the lowest Hot shot driver turn-over rates in the industry. We are now hiring for OTR drivers.

Owner Operator Benefit Package:

Truck Pay is 75% of 100%

After 12 months, Truck pay is 76% of 100% (Yes... You get a raise!!!!!!)

100% Accessorial Charges paid to the truck

Trucks Paid Weekly-in Cash or Direct Deposit

Comdata Fuel card issued for every truck

Fast Sign-on Lease Program

Free MVR and Drug Test

Free $500,000 Cargo Ins.

Free $1,000,000 Liability Ins.

Free Decals, BOL, and Log Books

Free Fuel and Mileage Taxes Filed

Free Trip Pak (Scan & Mail your paperwork in to be processed)

Financed Free Apportioned Plates and Permits ($640 per year)

No Company forced Physical Damage required

Occupational Ins required ($40.38 per week)

No Administration Fees

No Forced/24 Hour Dispatch

Huge Fuel Discounts

Live Fuel Management Personnel

National Tire Discount

Cash Safety incentives ($200.00 Level 1 Inspection, $50.00 Level 2&3
Inspection)

Cash Referral Bonus

Maintenance fund

 

I don't know how the FMCSA allows them to keep running . When drivers are constantly violating HOS it's because they can't survive running legally .
http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SMS/Data/BASICs.aspx?enc=R/jQDdVWFu/3OqxzqUnHqg==