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

Hello, can you please tell me are you working with a broker? I am close to starting with my hot shot business can you give me one advice.
Thank you

 

I work with multiple Brokers and Shippers to keep our trucks loaded.

I'll be happy to give you all the advice you could want about being a Independent, pm me, or ask away. I may not always be able to get back to you quickly though because I stay pretty busy here.

 

Thank you for the reply.. How long have you had your MC # ?? How many trucks do you operate?? What state do you call home?? Are you pulling over 26,000 or under?? What length are your trailers or trailer?? Thank you for your time.. Sorry maybe to many questions ??

 

William express. If you don't mind I'll jump in as I am sure flatbedcarrier is busy. There are many operations on these sites ranging from single truck o/o, to individuals who run many trucks but don't drive much anymore. They are from all parts of the country (and even some from outside the country). Most pull over 26k but some remain below that. I think the most popular length of trailer is 40' but that depends on what you plan to haul. I am sure if you do a google search you will find more sites that can help you get even more answers. There is enough information out there to keep you busy reading for the next year or two. Believe me I know (lol). Good luck.

 

Well that was an interesting read... Great job guys. Great info. I am thinking about this line of work as well. Figure $120K to get going; which is OK with me. Being an "old newbie" sucks...
Please keep the informational contributions coming in!

 

I've been in trucking for over 33 years now. I've had my MC for a lot of years, and a CA permit for many years prior to that. I work a 25 truck fleet, all are Independent Owner Operators. Yes we haul over 26,001, all class A. We focus heavy on the western half of the country. All our trailers are 40' 3 axle lowboys.

This is the type of equipment we run.

 

1st off fbc, thank you for the great pics & constant advice throughout your posts! It helps alot as my wife & I are making serious considerations & investment in becoming hotshot team drivers for the east coast (we are based in TB, FL). I noticed you prefer the 3-axle setup with wood decks to control the freight better. We have been in the transportation industry for many years with tons of customer service experience, but this will be a new frontier for us. Scary doesn't even begin to define the feelings but we're tired of just "spinning our wheels" so to speak, making money for others and just surviving ourselves.

 

Do lots and lots of research before taking the leap into the hot shot business. I can tell you from personal experience it is very difficult to make it without a direct customer base. A lot of these companies you can lease onto will run you right into the ground.

 

Thank you Mw...we will do just that! It is nice to now have the internet, laptops and such to assist the transportation world...can't even imagine the "good ole days" when word-of-mouth shippers and chatty dock workers were the lead sources of information xD

 

Ok, so dumb question here... I haven't heard anyone mention Inner or Outer Bridge Weights for these configurations. So looking at the nice picture provided by flatbedcarrier above, what's the Inner Bridge on a set up like that? i.e. from the single drive axle to the last axle on the trailer.? Or perhaps not an issue with this kind of configuration? Now I'm confusing myself. If this comes of as a completely stupid question then simply disregard. Thanks.