![]() What do you need to start hotshot trucking? It depends on whether you plan to work for a company or create your own hotshot trucking business. Earning your CDL gives you more opportunities and sets you up for the future if you want to become a semi-truck driver. Many hotshot drivers still obtain their CDL to qualify for more jobs. Not getting your CDL as a hotshot driver limits what loads you can haul. For loads heavier than 10,000 lb., you must have a CDL. You do not need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to haul freight under 10,000 lb. ![]() The qualifications you need depend on the freight you plan to haul.Īll hotshot drivers need a valid Class D driver’s license, the standard driver’s license for most citizens. Qualifications & Hotshot Trucking Requirementsįewer qualifications are necessary to become a hotshot driver. Since they sit closer to the ground, you can clear certain height restrictions. They come in handy when hauling tall loads as well. Lowboy trailers work well for heavy loads because of their low center of gravity.These types of trailers hang low in the back, so be aware when driving across steep inclines. Dovetail trailers are made for hauling cars or equipment with wheels.Though they are a more affordable investment, bumper pull trailers cannot haul as much weight. Bumper pull trailers are shorter than other trailers and less expensive.When you’re ready to get back on the road, you can tilt the trailer to flat once again. Tilt deck trailers use a hydraulic system to move the trailer for easier loading and unloading.Gooseneck trailers can carry heavier loads and are known for their stability and tighter turn radius.Hotshot drivers may haul gooseneck, bumper pull, tilt deck, dovetail or lowboy trailers attached to their pickup. Semi-truck drivers pull large trailers such as 53’ enclosed temperature-controlled trailers, step deck trailers and bulk liquid trailers. They drive pickups or other vehicles outfitted with a trailer. As mentioned above, hotshot truckers do not operate commercial tractor-trailers. The biggest differences between these two trucking jobs are the equipment and educational requirements. Many believe that hotshot trucking started in Texas with drivers who delivered important parts to oil drilling and pumping operations. Hotshot trucks are commonly three-quarter to one-and-a-half-ton cab-chassis-rigs or pickup trucks with a weight-distributing gooseneck. Lastly, class five includes larger walk-ins, delivery trucks and bucket trucks. Some super-duty pickups, large passenger vans and city delivery trucks are considered Class four vehicles. Ĭlass three includes heavy-duty pickup trucks, box vans and walk-in trucks. Each class is determined by the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Hotshot trucks fall into commercial truck classes three, four and five. Most of what hotshot truckers haul is agricultural equipment, construction equipment, machinery, LTL (less-than-a-truckload) items, and other critical loads that need to be transported to one customer quickly. Transition from hotshot driver to semi-truck driverĪ hotshot truck driver hauls freight using a pickup truck and a flatbed trailer.Should you become a hotshot trucker? What’s the difference between hotshotting and driving a semi?įind out more about how to start hotshot trucking, the benefits of becoming a hotshot driver and the disadvantages of choosing this job over an over-the-road (OTR) position. Hotshot trucking can be a great first step into the trucking industry. These individuals are known as hotshot drivers. Some professional CDL drivers enter the industry by hauling small, time-sensitive loads with a heavy-duty pickup. Some people prefer to test out life on the road before changing careers. Most soon-to-be truck drivers go through a CDL training program and then begin working for a trucking company.
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