What Is Hot Shot Trucking And The Benefits It Offers For Truckers?

Posted by: lukwago J in Life Style February 3, 2022

Have you ever been working on an on-site project or managing products for a company, but you’re suddenly in need of a certain supply urgently? This is where hot shot trucking comes in.

Hot shot trucking plays a substantial role when it comes to ensuring that goods and items arrive on time. Hotshot truck drivers are trained to optimize the transport process and provide additional convenience to their clients.

Let’s go a bit deeper into the world of hotshot trucking, what it takes to become a hotshot driver, and what benefits one can hope for during it.

What is Hot Shot Trucking?

Hotshot drivers specialize in small, time-sensitive loads, where delivering the items within a certain period is crucial. The term initially originated from the oilfields of Texas, and it was given to trucks that would pick up parts from various stations and off-roading drills to deliver them as fast as possible to the determined location.

Meaning that trucking companies with the hotshot option provide same-day delivery to ensure your load gets to you on time. It’s an ideal service option if you’re ever in a sticky, time-critical situation.

If you’re a trucking company owner, hotshotting can also benefit you in many ways. Outsourcing your urgent load deliveries to logistics providers leaves you to focus on the core elements of your company. Whether you have a small company, a large organization, or you’re just an individual, the advantages of outsourcing can be significant.

Advantages of Becoming a Hot Shot Driver

Self-Employed Freelance Work

Being self-employed means you have no bosses or superiors, and you get your work directly from your clients. It eliminates numerous problems that employees face in the workplace, namely, undeserved promotions and uninteresting work environments.

Doing freelance work means you can do whatever job you see fit, take vacations whenever you want, and work according to your own schedule.

More Work Equals More Money

Since you’re your own boss, meaning you don’t work for any single particular company, a fixed salary isn’t something you’ll have to think about. Though a constant monthly income might seem appealing to some people, it is ideal for individuals who don’t have time for a 9-5 job.

It is definitely satisfying to see the exact amount of effort you put into your work gets directly compensated, and you get what you deserve. You can do more work on days with more energy and operate moderately on other days.

Start Earning Money Right Away

If you got your truck, trailer, paperwork, equipment, and numbers in order, there’s no need to hold back. Having everything set up, you can immediately start booking yourself loads on the load board and gain revenue right away.

After you’ve gotten a handle on everything you need, it won’t seem as complicated as much. This advantage of hot shot trucking allows anyone with the ability and the right tools to work in the field.

What are the Requirements Needed to Be a Hot Shot Driver?

Besides the typical driver’s license, there isn’t much that a hotshot driver needs. Most people suggest that drivers have a CDL license on hand for larger operations. Following the DOT regulations for hot shot trucks are also crucial. Apart from that, there are a few rules to keep in mind:

Load weight must not exceed 26,000 pounds.
If loads are under 10,000 pounds, you don’t need a commercial license.
A Motor Carrier Authority number is mandatory.
Approval from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is required.
Required to pass physical examinations, including for eyesight and reflex reactions.

Things start getting a bit complicated once you begin carrying loads over the 10,000 pounds limit. The Department of Transportation has set up some requests that drivers need to follow once the combined weight of their vehicle, load, and trailer gets over the limit.

For safety purposes, all trucks must be equipped with a fire extinguisher. They need to have light reflectors, a DOT license plate, and a certified load sticker on the exterior. The department also requires you to fill out a logbook to make a note of all completed and upcoming deliveries.

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