Fmcsa Information

No, the term hot shot trucking isnt a nickname for a smooth operator, slick truck driver or a reference to a Charlie Sheen movie. Hot shot trucking is truck freight that is hauled via a midsize class 3, 4 or 5 truck. These are not the standard class-8 big rigs that you might see on the road. Instead, hot shot loads are hauled with super duty pickup trucks. Hot shot pickup trucks typically have four axles and range from the RAM 3500, Ford Super Duty models like the F-250, F-350, F-450 and the Chevy Silverado 3500HD, to name a few. If you have a 3/4 ton pickup, you could haul hot shot loads that are typically 13,000 lb. or lighter. However, you will need a CDL if the load is over 10,000 and its best to have a CDL regardless. Regardless of brand loyalty, if youre looking to start a hot shot trucking company, the midsize truck will need to be capable of hauling over 10,000 lb. with relative ease. Keep in mind that just because a truck is capable of towing that capacity, doesnt mean it can do so efficiently. Its typically a better option to opt for the larger size truck to avoid any potential issues when hauling a load. Yes, bigger can be better! Hot shot trailers can range from 20 feet to over 40 feet of usable deck space, making them a perfect solution to ship equipment, automobiles and machinery that might be large in terms of length but under 8-ft high and below the max weight threshold. Hot shot driver requirements are different from traditional class-8 truck drivers. Hot shot trucking does not require a CDL (commercial drivers license) if the driver hauls truck loads that are under 10,000 lb. All hot shot drivers will, however, be required to file an MC number and have operating authority granted by the FMCSA. There are several advantages to being a hot shot owner-operator and much of them revolve around saving money in comparison to hauling flatbed freight. For one, the cost of obtaining a CDL can be expensive. Training school and fees to obtain a CDL can cost over $5,000, making it appealing to bypass a ...