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I need to change careers . Is the hot shot market any good ?

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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 05:17 PM
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Checkmate's Avatar
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I need to change careers . Is the hot shot market any good ?

After 7 years of owning a construction company, I have finally admitted that there is no longer any good money to be made for several reasons.
I sit here and try to figure out what else I can do, but a big problem I have is that I do not like bein cooped up in a building.

Is there any way to part time hot shot ? IF there was, I could keep the company goin and hope for better times while makin a lil extra money. I dunno, help me out guys. What's your opinion.

Also, I was reading on a company site that you need a cdl to hot shot for them. I assume this is NOT the norm ???



Thanks in advance for ANY help in this stressful matter, Dan
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 05:21 PM
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From: misplaced Idahoan stuck in Albuquerque, Roughneckin on RIG 270
you would need a CDL cause it is then considered commercial and have to follow DOT rules/regs and carry a log book.
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 05:36 PM
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i am with you i need another career or something to keep my company going as well hardwood is a want not a need. i am considering my cdl and just driving truck
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 07:50 PM
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Originally Posted by cbrahs
you would need a CDL cause it is then considered commercial and have to follow DOT rules/regs and carry a log book.
There are many hotshotters out there under 26,000 GCW that do not have CDL's . Many expediters choose to run cargo vans because staying under 10,001 lbs.gvwr they don't have to follow HOS .
It's not really possible to make worthwhile money hotshotting part time .
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by RickG
It's not really possible to make worthwhile money hotshotting part time .
Why not? This something I have considered also but know nothing about. Please clue us in.
Thanks
Cory
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 08:52 PM
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Money aint that great, think about maybe picken cucumbers.
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 08:55 PM
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it's gotta be better than workin at wal mart which is where i'm gonna be headed if things don't pick up soon.
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 09:02 PM
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Wally world does have good insurance, stock purchase plan and a 401k. Hottshotting or trucking is hit or miss right now. Some are doing very good while others are almost starving.
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 09:05 PM
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Just the thought of having to get up way early in the morning to haul stuff discourages me.
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 10:09 PM
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the insurance you will need is your biggest obstacle.
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 10:18 PM
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From: The Gas Patch
Originally Posted by 2006Mega
the insurance you will need is your biggest obstacle.
You beat me to the punch on this one. I sign a lot of hot shotters tickets some are doing good but you have to pay your dues and build up your customer base..
The same holds true for any business..If your truly thinking about it go to work for one and get a taste of it before you dive in head first..
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 10:30 PM
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Cheapest insurance I could find was 6k, most others were around 10k / year.
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 11:29 PM
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My buddy recently shut his hot shot company down. Too many people driving for little to no $$, lots of them aren't legal. Hard to have drivers sitting somewhere with nothing to haul to even make expenses. He sold the last trailer last month.
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 11:42 PM
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the economy sucks right now its hard to find a good job. I would love to find a new job but I cant take a big pay cut I owe to much at the moment. I would love to be my own boss but dont have that many talents really
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 11:54 PM
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From: The Gas Patch
Originally Posted by jwb600
the economy sucks right now its hard to find a good job. I would love to find a new job but I cant take a big pay cut I owe to much at the moment. I would love to be my own boss but dont have that many talents really
Here's something to think about..

go to the oilfileds they pay big bucks.. Just show up with a can do attitude they will train you..
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