So you want to hot-shot? (Will be updated/edited frequently)

Yes, if you are going to be hauling for hire you'll need commercial cargo and liability insurance.

You'll also need state and, or federal authority to haul for hire. And this is just the tip, there's actually a lot to do before you can hit the road legally.

 

I live in Columbus Ohio and am really thinking about starting a hotshot business. Does anyone know if there is much business in this area? I figured the large auto auction in Groveport would be a good place to start.

 

There used to be a guy who had a booth in Obetz that did good over there. I think he is out of the area now, I have not seen him in a long while. He had a 4 car trailer that he pulled with a 99 F350. He had 600,000 miles when he dropped another engine in. He stayed in state for most part.

 

Thank you for the info! Do you happen to know if most brokers and load boards require a certain year truck? I saw on another site a guy said I would need a 2007 or newer truck to get any business. Is there any truth to that?

 

What we experience, very few brokers ask what year your equipment is. Seem to be hearing more of them asking that lately though. It's the shippers that might hesitate loading a older truck. I doubt they'd turn a 2007 away though?

 

How do you get loads and do you have to live near the oilfields to really make it in Hotshotting?

 

Thank you

 

I have researched a lot of the comments on this thread and found it very useful so now here's my question.
I have a 2006 F250. It's rated at 10,000 GVW with 6100 on the rear axle. It has the 6.0 that I have already had the ARP head studs, gaskets EGR delete and 4 inch from turbo back exhaust. I pull a 24' car trailer with no problems. I'm thinking of buying a 30' gooseneck and going through everything to start doing hot shot, staying under 26001 lbs. It has the 5000lb airbag assist on the rear axle but that doesn't allow more weight on the axle as far as the DOT is concerned. Is this enough truck or do I need to sell it for a dually?

 

From my experience you really need a dually. Also trying to stay under 26,001 is going to limit your options of available loads.

If your just starting out I wouldn't go the route you mentioned unless you already have freight lined up for that setup.

 

I did some research today on a dually versus my truck. My F250 GVW Is 10000 the dually is 13000 my rear axle is 6100 the dually is 9075. I guess the 3000 lbs would make a difference as far as the DOT goes but with the 35x12.50 single tires on mine I'm not sure if it would give that much more stability.