Hot Shot Hauling a Conveyor from Pittsburg
Thinking of Becoming a Hot Shot Trucking Owner Operator?
If you are interested in becoming a Hot Shot Trucking Owner Operator, you might want to read this Blog Post. There is a lot of information and opinions about Hot Shot Trucking online, especially on Youtube. You can watch as many videos as you want, but remember to verify the facts before you follow anyone’s advice.
If you are going to make a living as a Hot Shot Trucking Owner Operator you must give yourself every advantage to beat your competition out of the best paying freight. To be a success, having the right truck, the right trailer, and proper accessories for the job is an absolute must!
It is very risky to start as a Hot Shot Trucking business without enough experience or knowledge in the industry. You should read all the materials about Hot Shot Trucking that you can find, and familiarize yourself with the DOT Regulations in: CFR Title 49. This is your new “Bible”, and you should treat it as if your livelihood depends on it… Because it DOES!
As a Dispatcher with over 9 years of experience, I often get calls from truckers who want to switch to Hotshot Goosenecks or start their own Hot Shot Trucking business. In this article, I will share some tips on how to choose the right Gooseneck Trailer for your needs. I won’t discuss the trucks, since you probably have your own preference. Let’s focus on the Trailers.
Do Your Due Diligance
Before you choose your truck or trailer, make sure you learn as much as possible about running a Hot Shot Trucking Business.
The trailer salesperson is there to sell you “A” trailer, Any trailer! Just like a car salesman they know that the minute you walk off their lot, the chances of you coming back to buy are extremely slim. The result of them not having what you need is that they will try to sell you what they need to sell you – Not their fault, they have a family to feed too.
The funny part about this whole scenario is that the trailer you need comes with a high price tag and they probably don’t have it in stock, SO TAKE A DEEP BREATH, MUSTER UP SOME PATIENCE AND ORDER IT…
The Trailer….
I highly recommend getting the Top-of-the-Line Gooseneck, the brand is totally up to you, I am not going to tout one company over the other, but the keyword is HEAVY DUTY.
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- Rule of thumb, consider purchasing a low-profile trailer that is rated for as close to 20k cargo weight as you can get with axles to match. It doesn’t have to be low-profile but it sure helps, and the closer you can get to 20k cargo weight the better, but make sure it will at least haul 17,500# (Make sure you are apportioned for the absolute maximum weight you can put on the trailer + plus truck and trailer.
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- 40’ Long x 102” Wide (35 + 5 if Mega Ramp), Make sure the ramp goes all the way across from side to side, visualize loading a 3-wheel ATV or Tractor to make sure it will work.
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- Make sure you can handle the weight of the ramps when flipping them down or back up, if not, look into hydraulic assist ramps.
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- Air Ride Gooseneck!! If it doesn’t have Air Ride don’t waste your money! Look into a Gooseneck Shock Absorber while you are at it.
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- Hydraulic Jacks are important if you have back issues.
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- Electric over hydraulic DISK BRAKES.
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- Torque Tube is a definite plus!
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- The more sliding winches the better (Without going overboard).
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- Tarps – 40’ @ 8’ Drops – Do yourself a favor and check into Kevlar or something else that is lightweight.
This list by no means is exhaustive and it is crucial that you communicate your needs clearly to the salesperson. Don’t let them sell you a low-quality trailer that won’t serve your purpose.
You need to customize your trailer to fit your specific requirements. The choices you make regarding your truck, trailer and support equipment are vital for your business. They will determine your success or failure in the Hot Shot Trucking industry.
Equip yourself with the best tools possible, and always keep learning new skills and strategies.
QDS Summary:
Quality Dispatching Services has been in the freight business for over nine years, we have the experience to know what works and the pitfalls for Owner Operators.
We will keep you rolling with “Good Paying” Freight. Don’t settle for a cheap dispatcher who charges $50 per week and handles too many trucks. Remember the saying; If it sounds too good to be true…” You deserve better, don’t take a chance with subpar service and support!
We charge 5% of the load value for Class 8 rigs and 8% for Hot Shot rigs and Power Only. We respect owner operators and the challenges you face every day, and we don’t want to be one of them. If you would like to discuss having our company Dispatch your truck(s) call us at:(337) 393-0012
Remember:
Safety is paramount in our industry. Always prioritize safe practices and drive responsibly.
