Running hotshot non commercial truck.Is their driving hours restrictions?

I’ve always thought I’d just buy a used toter home. I’d be starting with a heavier duty platform that’ll last way longer, with onboard accommodations. Plus, I’d have similar fuel mileage numbers. People have no idea how bad 1T fuel mileage is, when one is pulling the guts out of them.

 

Dino Soar,

Let's put it this way, my DOT compliance consulting firm had over 100 hot shot clients at he beginning of 2022, and exactly 4 as of today. All but a handful went under in the last 90 days due to the freight market falling out from under them while fuel prices were rising. A few of the hotshotters I had as clients with CDL rigs upgraded to a class 8 tractor and are surviving, but just barely. That said, even my tractor trailer owner operators and small fleets are struggling but I have not seen a drop off of those clients as hard as I have seen my hotshot clients go under.

As for expenses, they are fairly close to that of a traditional class 8 tractor trailer combination, including insurance and maintenance. The number one reason most chose hotshot when I surveyed my clients was the ease of getting credit to buy a pickup truck compared to a class 8 rig. Their number two reason was to avoid the hassle of IRP and IFTA, three was to avoid getting a CDL, four was to avoid drug testing (scary, right?) and fifth was because they thought they could fly under the radar (these became my client after getting caught by DOT LoL).

 

A hotshot trucks some step freight, some flat freight, & some auto freight..

I used this to work my way into a big truck & the rest is history. Authority went active 02/13. Never drove a truck in my life nor worked for a trucking co. Here we are almost 10 years later..

Dodge was a leftover 2012 financed new for $41k, 04/13. Wagon paid $13,300 cash. Every thing else has been paid cash by trucking, including my 2020 Doonan bought new 10/19. Can make money in a small truck if you work at it.. Is a class 8 easier to make money with? Sure.. And that's exactly why I worked my way up & into one..

 

Progress


Streched

New wagon


New hood & grille

 

Finally a 5 axle
Sure it's easier to find loads, but just because they weigh more doesn't always mean they pay anymore. Still got to use your noggin to make it work out here. Just one guys opinion..




Hotshots get a bad reputation because of exactly what @brian991219 said..

Most are trying to skirt the regs & get by under the radar with something or other. That's was one of the factors driving me toward a bigger setup. Lots of brokers & shipper were posting loads specifically saying "NO HOTSHOTS". Tired of late, damaged product, & unprofessional, not dressed for the job, screwing us guys trying to do right, & be professional. Tired of being lumped into that category..

Quite unfair actually, cause there are just as many goons rolling around in white volvos pulling open deck that have no business doing so either.. Oh well, I've made the change & ain't looked back..