Hi, first time here at this forum, I have a question regarding hotshot work and hauling. Being a former OTR driver in the last few years I would like to look into doing hotshot or expediting work on more a local basis.

I have decided that getting a heavy-duty truck would fit the bill, and after doing some online reading, I figured that I could go with a Dodge 3500 to start out with (good used one if I can). I think this type of vehicle should be adequate to haul alot of different things, and though I have no trailer of my own right now, I could well consider one down the line.

My question is, would it be ideal to lease on to a company to start out, or would it be better to drive for myself? Being here in Texas I know there are many opportunities, and though I would rather drive for myself, I need to figure out what needs to happen for me to go that route.

I had bought a new car a year ago now (2007 Prius), but I may consider trading it in for a truck to where I can use to make some money with. Any thoughts?

 

if you could swing new, i would look into the 4500/5500 series C&C. you probably wouldnt have nearly the headache with weight restrictions like you might encounter with a 3500. also you would get the aisin tranny!!

brett

 

I would drive for a company, that way, they have the DOT numbers, insurance and all that good stuff, plus they already have the client base, you don't have to go out searching for business. Believe me, getting your own DOT numbers is a pain and EXPENSIVE!! Good luck to you and Welcome to the forum!!

 

You might try asking around some of the trucking forums. I'm sure there are "hotshot" specific ones but a good place to get start might be the "owner operator" section in the "roundtable" (forums) over at truck.net good luck.

 

i'll send a pm

 

There are almost no hotshot companies hiring company drivers . The majority of hotshotters leasing on with carriers are leaving the business within a year . I know several very successful hotshotters that have their own authority . The cost of authority and insurance is considerably less than the percentage they would give to carriers and their own authority allows them to turn down low paying loads . A carrier will force a contractor to either accept whatever is thrown at him or he'll get to sit and think about it then accept anything for the next load just to move .

 

that's all good and fine if you can get ANY work and then wait for your money.not the easiest way to get started IMO

 

If you don't have work lined up and cash reserves you shouldn't get started . Don't assume you'll get your money quicker with a carrier . An "advance" at Panther Express is 50% when the customer signs the bill . You get the rest when the company pays . I've had pay for loads withheld because paperwork like logs or copy of license renewal I gave the home terminal was never faxed to corporate . Then when you are paid it's with Comdata with fees tacked onto that .

 

I agree, start out working for somebody at first to learn biz and use there insurance.


I disagree, Dot # is free and only takes 5 minutes online is not a pain.
MC is 300 bucks and is not pain but you must have everything for it to become active but that is useless if your instate.

 

DOT numbers aren't free in the great state of TX

 

Don't know what the deal is with Texas but my Dot was free with the feds.