I have some great advice for you coming from an owner operater. (Your handle) use a Loop wire lock pin. Easier to take the handle off and on. buy a half inch drill bit and make the hole bigger where you attach the handle to. Then buy the strongest lock you can find. When you drop your trailer put the king pin lock on, then but that thick lock where the handle goes. Also very important buy some apple air tags, for IPhone or the ones for android or a really good GPS tracker and paint it black and hide it underneath the trailer somewhere. Most people lower the landing gear all the way down. Well someone could just lift that up with a jack. If you raise it as high as it will go its a lot harder for them to lower it, especially if you have that thick lock on the landing gear arm. Another piece of advice If possible place a trail cam in a tree at the entrance and by your trailer. That way you see their face when they leave and you see the vehicle. Well hope that helps! Drive safe brother!
Hey thanks for the advice. I’ll consider doing that with the handle but it will just make it easier for someone to detach my handle while it’s on the trailer. I do use a kingpin lock when I drop my trailer. Usually I raise it higher just so no one can hook up to it. I also leave an AirTag hidden on my trailer 😁👍🏻
@@lemarcuswilliams6954I’m sure you would call broker and receiver and let them both know the situation. Usually they give you a bit of extra time factored in the delivery for breakdowns… that’s why usually you will see like 2 or 3 days delivery on a trip that might take 1 day etc…
Love ur videos you keep it simple and say facts and not BS appreciate it coming from someone thinking about getting in the business since I’m on the road all the time
Awesome video bro, god it was a great week for you! Take care man keep it up 🙏🏼💪🏼 getting me motivated little by little getting started into this business
Thanks Rob!!! Glad you enjoyed it. It was definitely a great week and I hope it keeps moving in this direction. Only time will tell. Having weeks like this motivates me too 😁👍🏻
Bro, i enjoyed the breakdown of your loads. Very informative. Im heavily considering hotshot. Im in Cali, and i haven't decided on getting a GMC or Ford. So i can get my insurance for my MC/DOT.
Thank you for watching and I’m happy you enjoyed the video. I’ve never driven a cord or GMc heavy duty truck so I don’t know much about them. Have you considered a Ram truck?
Take these things into consideration > Subtract truck/trailer payments, truck/trailer insurance, health Insurance, meals, lodging, fuel, taxes, expected & unexpected maintenance fund (wash,tires,shockes,brakes,etc), tools(Computer, iPad, Cell Phone, straps, tarps, chains, etc), DOT fees, DMV fees, Tolls, Accounting fees (Payroll Taxes). Then create a rainy day fund for when your out of work. That $8,900 doesn't seem like alot after you subtract the essentials. Hard work, Self Control and Professionalism pays off in the long run. That will make you successful.
Well this is only a week of income. We aren’t subtracting all those expenses from one week but rather from a month of income. You don’t pay your insurance and truck trailer payment every week. We do it once a month. Of course I take all of that into consideration. There’s no way around that 👍🏻
Hey Alex, glad i stumbled upon your channel! I'm running 26-footer and thinking about getting myself into car hauling and possibly hotshotting (I got a pick up truck with the flat bad currently hauling vehicles). Do you mind sharing what loadboard does your dispatch use and whats your maximum weight capacity? Thanks in advance.
Hey welcome to the channel. I honestly don’t remember what load board they use. I think it’s Truck Stop. As for my maximum weight I can put in the trailer, I am estimating 15,000lb which I never try to do but considering all the tarps, chains, straps and ratchets and all the other stuff stored in the trailer, 15,000 is max.
The pin lock can be bypassed by dropping your stem and putting in another one. A lock on the stem bolts is a must if you wanna use a hitch lock. Btw chains aren't needed with a 5th wheel. Also if you were running a gooseneck ball you can't have the chain and break away hooked to the same point.
Well someone has to be driving with a gooseneck stem or whatever it’s called looking for a trailer to steal in the same spot that I’m in for it to happen. They must really want the trailer. Also I’ve asked dot on the chains and they said since we are for hire, we have to have the chains. Non DOT regulated tv puller don’t. Strange. I actually want the chains for the piece of mind if anything happens and the trailer breaks loose.
Can you please make a video on how you do your logbook I just got a rig trying to find out how to drive longer then the book, and how the wiegh stations work
I’m loving the vids bro I live Chicago but work in Bolingbrook driving a 26 footer box truck for a liquor company delivering 4 days out of the week and recently my little brother started hauling and he just offered for me to start hauling for him and in a few months save up enough money to get me a box truck or something similar to what you have this is a sign for me to get started he lives in Murfreesboro TN and his wife is his dispatcher and she suggested I work for them this is a sign bro it’s crazy.im so familiar with this drove a forklift for 6 years and worked in a steel meal for a few years
Hey sir, I just came across your channel, good content I have a suggestion you take the handle to your landing gear off why not get a hitch pin and use it for the handle then your not having to unscrew the bolt Everytime you pull it..... Just a suggestion
Thats a super longggggggggg trailer. Not going to lie this looks like a fun and relaxing (highway miles) type of job..... My little truck (2023 Silverado ZR2) not build for this kind of work.
It is long but not like the semi trailers. You get used to it and it’s not hard to maneuver with it. You do need a good powerful truck to pull it with a load. It can be relaxing at times and stressful at other times. Depends where you are driving.
I was wondering if you were going to tarp lol good job though. I think I would be tarping everything just for extra security. My anxiety would be more at ease lol you vids are ASMR ❤
Thank you! I actually hate harping. Takes up so much time to tarp and untarp. Once you start doing this job you’ll feel more comfortable and you will not want your tarp everything. Trust me.
Question, kinda dumb but I’m just starting non cdl. When picking up loads what are some recommendations on knowing how to load it on the trailer. As far as weight distribution and where to put it
Like ur set up!!! I'm trying to get my cdl so I can load heavier would have to redue set up! Have 2500 ram if u b have a.y pointer would be appreciated thanks bro
Great video Alex question would you be able to do a little video of your trailer would like to know more about it the length of weight, the gross weight cost year etc.
Thank you! Yes I can definitely make a video of the trailer. It will mot be my next video as I have other video ideas planned but I will try to make it soon. Any specific things you want to see about it?
Great video! I’m in the process of getting my CDL and want to get into hotshotting. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! How much did your truck and trailer cost?
Wondering who do you use for dispatch, factoring, and insurance? I saw your MC form date was 6/14/23. With all the videos and everyone saying how bad trucking is you still took a chance at it. What's your opinion on how to be profitable in this market? Your videos look authentic and your not trying to “sell” people stuff like almost everyone else on TH-cam. I'll keep watching!
I use a company based in another country for dispatch Fir Factoring I use RTS Financial and insurance is Berkshire Hathaway but will most likely be a diff company at renewal. As to an approach to be profitable there’s a lot to talk about. I will make a video about it soon. I’m as honest as can be in my videos. If it’s slow I’ll tell how bad it is or if it’s good like this week I’m honest about that as well. No point of making things up. A lot of drivers on TH-cam do make up stories I believe because when you comment their videos they never reply. Glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Appreciate your support and stay tuned for upcoming videos with more info.
@@Mr.AlexKogan thank you for the quick reply! May I ask why do you use a company based out of the USA for dispatch? I thought too maybe you were using load boards? Thanks again! Thinking about getting into it myself. I Work for local steel delivery (flatbed) out in PA. I see a lot of turnover within our company for 10 full time drivers. Most guys come in wanting to work 40hr work weeks and be home every day like 9-5 jobs but that never happens. Also a lot of guys think throwing straps and jumping up onto bed looks easy but once you start pushing, pulling and moving steel to adjust load they realize it’s physical work and end up quitting. I enjoy the physical aspect of local flatbed but if I can hustle and get loads I don’t see why I can’t be profitable too…we’ll see!
@@joe2689 There’s no specific reason as to why I use a company that’s based out of another country. That’s the dispatch company I worked with when I was working as a driver for someone. Had good experience with that dispatch company so went with them when I started my own company. Yeah loading trailers and strapping and chaining and if you have to tarp can get challenging and physically demanding. So fir the guys who think it’s easy, this type of work isn’t for them. We will not get into talking about doing this in the winter time, that’s a completely different experience.
@@Mr.AlexKogan lol winter time is when I get all the Over time I want because guys drop like flys. It’s like once you say the word “tarp” we can’t keep anyone at my job. Yeah winter sucks but it’s called “work” for a reason. We don’t drop and hook trailers it’s definitely physically demanding and that’s a great idea to get a planet fitness membership to keep in shape on your resets, etc. to some degree you can always tell who is driving flatbed when walking around a truck stop. The old guys at my job are still in pretty great shape. Please send me your dispatch company so I can look into them. Thanks !
@@joe2689 can you email me or message on Instagram? There should be those links in the about section of my channel. instagram.com/mr.alexkogan?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
America's transport cost must be very expensive i see all the trucks carry normally only a 1/4 of there capacity. Get a good warehouse and make bigger loads to different places,customers get better rates or the contractor that do the transport. In South Africa you won't get a truck that move empty,if we don't get return loads then you have to wait for it
Awesome vid man. You run a tight ship. I'm 52 years old and sick of being in my office and seriously considering getting into this. Do you have your CDL? Not sure where to go on that one. Do you work for a company (dispatcher) or do you find your own? Forgive my ignorance on this.....
Thank you! I couldn’t work in a building myself. Like to be out and about. I work for myself and I have a dispatcher to find my loads but I also have a load board that I Keep an eye on. I have a CDL but that’s only needed if you want to be more than 26,000lb total weight truck trailer and load combined. I think if you don’t have a CDL, in today’s market you’ll be struggling.
Hi bro !! I am in French Guiana nothing to compare to the US!! But for my own business (sourcing, procurement AND delivery to the client) I a considering using my pickup truk mitsubishi L200 and a flat bed trailer. Your video are nice. You take your time to do the right thing!!! 🎉
I can’t answer that because it’ll depend on the truck, type of trailer you have, type of load on the trailer and what part of the country you are driving in.
Keep the handel in your truck and get a longer bolt to put through it, no need to screw the nut on it every time, just push the bolt in, wind your legs and return handel to truck, easy
Yeah I take the handle with me in the truck when I leave the trailer. I also drop my AirTag in the trailer so I can track it 😀 I don’t mind putting the nut on the screw when I put the handle back on but your idea will be considered.
Great video! Hey is there a way to secure 2 loads at the same time before committing to go 2k miles or do you have to just book partial loads and make it work along the way?
@@terrancejones8175 Thank you! It’s possible to secure two loads before picking up your first one. That’s where a dispatcher comes in very handy. It’s much easier for them to do this on the computer because they have a team of other dispatchers that help them. I’ve had two loads booked at once before picking up my first one.
I’m thinking about going solo been in the trucking industry for years but not as a hot shot before it will be my first time doing hot shot tell me more because I got the pick up and a CDL Driver thanks
@@Mr.AlexKogan I had my own truck before everything I know is about big trucks pulling a reefer I have never pulled a flatbed before and being honest I want out the big truck, been looking at hot shot for a while, and had been looking at a lot of videos about it, and I just decided to reach out to ya because you seem more real
@@masonlee94 Thank you! I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. Hotshot is pretty much the same as a semi just in a different truck and trailer. Same dot rules apply.
As a hot shot truck owner. I just want to give you a smart investment advice. To save you money and time when doing trips. Invest in an auxiliary fuel tank. Helps on the way and gives you less stop and more fuel. Max out my trip by 1200 miles just by having that installed on the truck.
Does anybody hire drivers to do this? I love being on the road but dont wanna drive an 18 wheeler. I work with a guy that haul lumber on a hotshot and two box trucks for windows and doors and he said he would get a truck and trailer and I could drive it but people are saying rates are horrible right now and dont want him to do that just for me. Looking for conpanies that know all the ins and outs and established already
Partial brokers suck. How are you going to get an appointment for a partial load. You need FCFS to make it in this market. Gives you time to pick up other loads
What’s up new guy 😁 it’s so the straps don’t vibrate from the wind. Pay attention to tall loads on the road where straps aren’t twisted. They vibrate like crazy.
I don’t remember what load was in this video. To be non cdl you’d have to know the weight of your truck and trailer and then find a load so all three add up to less than 26,000lb.
This is cdl hotshot, no? And with a dispatcher and all costs (fuel, insurance etc)...what do you suppose you will bring home after expenses of that $8900?
On good months you make 10-15k...but if it is not a good month...are you able to pay your expenses? Seems like everyone has gotten out of HS in the last year or two. Has to be hard to make a decent living...or so it would seem.@@Mr.AlexKogan
@@jl909-nr5vx even on a bad month I’m still able to pay all my bills. I can’t speak for the ones that hit out of hotshot business but there are plenty hotshot drivers still hustling.
you don't have anti-slip carpets, the angle between the straps and the trailer is less than 35 degrees (the strap is close to zero value) and the very good straping with the pipes....you are ready and safe to go
Wow, Alex I fill for u. After reading through the comments I don't know how you handle such negativity without just completely ignoring it. Stay safe out there and just ignore the negativity and keep doing what you're doing.
Yeah I agree. This week was a great one. I do use a dispatch service to book my loads because doing it myself would be hard while working. The market is awful right now and diesel prices once again went up unfortunately.
I could see that man. Great job. Sounds good man that’s the way to go, mainly cuz being busy driving and tarping or strapping so I agree. Yes it is man. A lot of owner operators are just sitting back at home mainly cuz of the rates and yes diesel is going back up.
@@frankyvillalobos1230 Can’t afford to just sit home. I used to work a 3 week on 1 week off schedule but when business declined I started hitting the road for 2 months. It’s tough being away from your family that long but hopefully things are getting better.
I agree bro totally. Yes mainly everyone was doing that but now it’s different. Yes sacrifices have to be made sometimes. Hopefully man. We just have to put our trust on the almighty above and trust in him that he’ll do the impossible for everyone that’s in this industry. Alright man won’t take much of your time. God bless you man. Safe trips 👍
@@frankyvillalobos1230 i completely agree with you. Don’t worry about taking up my time. I enjoy the comments and replying to them. Appreciate your support 👍🏻
@@martingomez2611 As long as you are using a factoring company then it’s the next day. If you don’t have a factoring company and you wait for the broker to pay then it’ll take 30 days.
Fuels is always different because prices always change and depending on the part of the country you are in, also depends if there are mountains. Anywhere from $800-1500 per week. Depends on what type of load you have and how far it goes.
I have some great advice for you coming from an owner operater.
(Your handle) use a Loop wire lock pin. Easier to take the handle off and on.
buy a half inch drill bit and make the hole bigger where you attach the handle to. Then buy the strongest lock you can find.
When you drop your trailer put the king pin lock on, then but that thick lock where the handle goes.
Also very important buy some apple air tags, for IPhone or the ones for android or a really good GPS tracker and paint it black and hide it underneath the trailer somewhere.
Most people lower the landing gear all the way down. Well someone could just lift that up with a jack. If you raise it as high as it will go its a lot harder for them to lower it, especially if you have that thick lock on the landing gear arm.
Another piece of advice If possible place a trail cam in a tree at the entrance and by your trailer.
That way you see their face when they leave and you see the vehicle.
Well hope that helps! Drive safe brother!
Hey thanks for the advice. I’ll consider doing that with the handle but it will just make it easier for someone to detach my handle while it’s on the trailer.
I do use a kingpin lock when I drop my trailer. Usually I raise it higher just so no one can hook up to it. I also leave an AirTag hidden on my trailer 😁👍🏻
What do you do if your truck break down during hauling a load?
@@lemarcuswilliams6954I’m sure you would call broker and receiver and let them both know the situation. Usually they give you a bit of extra time factored in the delivery for breakdowns… that’s why usually you will see like 2 or 3 days delivery on a trip that might take 1 day etc…
Congratulations to ur lady admire ur words of encouragement to all other truckers and God Bless all those truckers who keep the merchandise arriving
Charles, thank you! 🙏
Thank you brother amazing I’m just getting started .🙏🏻💪🏻💯
Alex you are doing great! Your information is very help and im looking for a truck and trailer. I have a cdl and drove otr for 13yrs.
Thank you! I’m happy to hear that I’m helping you out in some way 👍🏻
I dig your videos you speak what you know and nothing fancy
Good job man!!! Alway positive and open to show the details on hot shot business!!!
Thanks Gus!!! I try to be as open as I can. Really no reason to hide anything 😀
Love ur videos you keep it simple and say facts and not BS appreciate it coming from someone thinking about getting in the business since I’m on the road all the time
@@Mike-T0523 Thank you! Really appreciate that. 👍🏻
I love how tidy and organized you are! Cheers from Hungary!
Thank you my friend. 🙏 Really appreciate ya!
Great, video! Love the detail.
Thank you! Really appreciate your feedback and happy you enjoyed the video 🙂
Thanks for posting.
Awesome video bro, god it was a great week for you! Take care man keep it up 🙏🏼💪🏼 getting me motivated little by little getting started into this business
Thanks Rob!!! Glad you enjoyed it. It was definitely a great week and I hope it keeps moving in this direction. Only time will tell. Having weeks like this motivates me too 😁👍🏻
Best coffee when added with honey! Keep on killing it
Thanks bro! I’ll have to try that out. 👍🏻
Awesome video good luck out there
Thank you!🙏
Love the videos, Alex. Good luck and be careful on the road-lottsa crazies out there-
Thank you Glenn! Happy that you are enjoying the videos. Appreciate it. 👍🏻
Good job Alex you're the best guy!
Bro, i enjoyed the breakdown of your loads. Very informative. Im heavily considering hotshot. Im in Cali, and i haven't decided on getting a GMC or Ford. So i can get my insurance for my MC/DOT.
Thank you for watching and I’m happy you enjoyed the video. I’ve never driven a cord or GMc heavy duty truck so I don’t know much about them. Have you considered a Ram truck?
@@Mr.AlexKogan I'm looking at a few HD Rams. I haven't been behind the wheel of one. So I'm looking forward to comparing them.
@@jamariquai01you’ll like them.
Take these things into consideration > Subtract truck/trailer payments, truck/trailer insurance, health Insurance, meals, lodging, fuel, taxes, expected & unexpected maintenance fund (wash,tires,shockes,brakes,etc), tools(Computer, iPad, Cell Phone, straps, tarps, chains, etc), DOT fees, DMV fees, Tolls, Accounting fees (Payroll Taxes). Then create a rainy day fund for when your out of work. That $8,900 doesn't seem like alot after you subtract the essentials. Hard work, Self Control and Professionalism pays off in the long run. That will make you successful.
Well this is only a week of income. We aren’t subtracting all those expenses from one week but rather from a month of income. You don’t pay your insurance and truck trailer payment every week. We do it once a month. Of course I take all of that into consideration. There’s no way around that 👍🏻
Even if you talk home only half 4k is a shit load of money
@@Jester2361 Net is always at least 60% of the gross.
How do you keep in shape on the road?
@@Mr.AlexKoganthat just let me know your not doing it right. It’s a weekly breakdown, sometimes even a daily breakdown
Very nice setup 💯
Thank you!🙏
Hey Alex, glad i stumbled upon your channel! I'm running 26-footer and thinking about getting myself into car hauling and possibly hotshotting (I got a pick up truck with the flat bad currently hauling vehicles). Do you mind sharing what loadboard does your dispatch use and whats your maximum weight capacity? Thanks in advance.
Hey welcome to the channel. I honestly don’t remember what load board they use. I think it’s Truck Stop. As for my maximum weight I can put in the trailer, I am estimating 15,000lb which I never try to do but considering all the tarps, chains, straps and ratchets and all the other stuff stored in the trailer, 15,000 is max.
DAT loadboard we mostly use but this guy has air ride which has massive payout according to the market right now
The pin lock can be bypassed by dropping your stem and putting in another one. A lock on the stem bolts is a must if you wanna use a hitch lock.
Btw chains aren't needed with a 5th wheel. Also if you were running a gooseneck ball you can't have the chain and break away hooked to the same point.
Well someone has to be driving with a gooseneck stem or whatever it’s called looking for a trailer to steal in the same spot that I’m in for it to happen. They must really want the trailer.
Also I’ve asked dot on the chains and they said since we are for hire, we have to have the chains. Non DOT regulated tv puller don’t. Strange. I actually want the chains for the piece of mind if anything happens and the trailer breaks loose.
How much on gas + other expenses such as food etc…
Can you please make a video on how you do your logbook I just got a rig trying to find out how to drive longer then the book, and how the wiegh stations work
lol. That’s illegal to drive longer than the log allows you and you want me to make a video about it? 😁
I’m loving the vids bro I live Chicago but work in Bolingbrook driving a 26 footer box truck for a liquor company delivering 4 days out of the week and recently my little brother started hauling and he just offered for me to start hauling for him and in a few months save up enough money to get me a box truck or something similar to what you have this is a sign for me to get started he lives in Murfreesboro TN and his wife is his dispatcher and she suggested I work for them this is a sign bro it’s crazy.im so familiar with this drove a forklift for 6 years and worked in a steel meal for a few years
@@zacharyfarmer497 Thank you! Give it a try and see how that goes for you. I don’t know much about box trucks.
Hey sir, I just came across your channel, good content I have a suggestion you take the handle to your landing gear off why not get a hitch pin and use it for the handle then your not having to unscrew the bolt Everytime you pull it..... Just a suggestion
Than you! Good idea with a hitch pin but it’s no big deal to take the bolt off. Takes 30 seconds. 👍🏻
Morning brother
Great video
Thank you!
Thats a super longggggggggg trailer. Not going to lie this looks like a fun and relaxing (highway miles) type of job..... My little truck (2023 Silverado ZR2) not build for this kind of work.
It is long but not like the semi trailers. You get used to it and it’s not hard to maneuver with it. You do need a good powerful truck to pull it with a load. It can be relaxing at times and stressful at other times. Depends where you are driving.
Awesome setup!
Thank you! 👍🏻
IM Planning starting my own Hot shot business and I have few questions about Hot shots
I've noticed you twist your straps when you throw and strap them vs strapping them flat and straight. Is there a method/reason for this?
@@WalkDifferent369 The twist is so they don’t vibrate in the wind.
@@Mr.AlexKogan Thanks
I was wondering if you were going to tarp lol good job though. I think I would be tarping everything just for extra security. My anxiety would be more at ease lol you vids are ASMR ❤
Thank you! I actually hate harping. Takes up so much time to tarp and untarp. Once you start doing this job you’ll feel more comfortable and you will not want your tarp everything. Trust me.
Question, kinda dumb but I’m just starting non cdl. When picking up loads what are some recommendations on knowing how to load it on the trailer. As far as weight distribution and where to put it
Great 👍🏻 regards from Chile 🇨🇱
8:28 😅😅oh u thought the shippers were stoopid huh...
I didn’t think anyone was stupid. They told me it was the only two things and then later remembered there was something else.
Good work
Thank you!!! Appreciate the positive comment.
Like ur set up!!! I'm trying to get my cdl so I can load heavier would have to redue set up! Have 2500 ram if u b have a.y pointer would be appreciated thanks bro
Good for you..
Awesome brother!! May asked what state or city you are base at? I’m from Honolulu, Hawaii think of doing this soon.✌️🤘
Thank you! I live in Florida.
when yo twist the straps like that on the ac units do it help with the wind slap
@@jgunzgalore Yes.
Great video Alex question would you be able to do a little video of your trailer would like to know more about it the length of weight, the gross weight cost year etc.
Thank you! Yes I can definitely make a video of the trailer. It will mot be my next video as I have other video ideas planned but I will try to make it soon. Any specific things you want to see about it?
Great video! I’m in the process of getting my CDL and want to get into hotshotting. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! How much did your truck and trailer cost?
Thanks! Truck and trailer were north of $100k
Wondering who do you use for dispatch, factoring, and insurance? I saw your MC form date was 6/14/23. With all the videos and everyone saying how bad trucking is you still took a chance at it. What's your opinion on how to be profitable in this market? Your videos look authentic and your not trying to “sell” people stuff like almost everyone else on TH-cam. I'll keep watching!
I use a company based in another country for dispatch Fir Factoring I use RTS Financial and insurance is Berkshire Hathaway but will most likely be a diff company at renewal. As to an approach to be profitable there’s a lot to talk about. I will make a video about it soon. I’m as honest as can be in my videos. If it’s slow I’ll tell how bad it is or if it’s good like this week I’m honest about that as well. No point of making things up. A lot of drivers on TH-cam do make up stories I believe because when you comment their videos they never reply. Glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Appreciate your support and stay tuned for upcoming videos with more info.
@@Mr.AlexKogan thank you for the quick reply! May I ask why do you use a company based out of the USA for dispatch? I thought too maybe you were using load boards? Thanks again! Thinking about getting into it myself. I Work for local steel delivery (flatbed) out in PA. I see a lot of turnover within our company for 10 full time drivers. Most guys come in wanting to work 40hr work weeks and be home every day like 9-5 jobs but that never happens. Also a lot of guys think throwing straps and jumping up onto bed looks easy but once you start pushing, pulling and moving steel to adjust load they realize it’s physical work and end up quitting. I enjoy the physical aspect of local flatbed but if I can hustle and get loads I don’t see why I can’t be profitable too…we’ll see!
@@joe2689 There’s no specific reason as to why I use a company that’s based out of another country. That’s the dispatch company I worked with when I was working as a driver for someone. Had good experience with that dispatch company so went with them when I started my own company.
Yeah loading trailers and strapping and chaining and if you have to tarp can get challenging and physically demanding. So fir the guys who think it’s easy, this type of work isn’t for them. We will not get into talking about doing this in the winter time, that’s a completely different experience.
@@Mr.AlexKogan lol winter time is when I get all the Over time I want because guys drop like flys. It’s like once you say the word “tarp” we can’t keep anyone at my job. Yeah winter sucks but it’s called “work” for a reason. We don’t drop and hook trailers it’s definitely physically demanding and that’s a great idea to get a planet fitness membership to keep in shape on your resets, etc. to some degree you can always tell who is driving flatbed when walking around a truck stop. The old guys at my job are still in pretty great shape. Please send me your dispatch company so I can look into them. Thanks !
@@joe2689 can you email me or message on Instagram? There should be those links in the about section of my channel.
instagram.com/mr.alexkogan?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
America's transport cost must be very expensive i see all the trucks carry normally only a 1/4 of there capacity. Get a good warehouse and make bigger loads to different places,customers get better rates or the contractor that do the transport. In South Africa you won't get a truck that move empty,if we don't get return loads then you have to wait for it
good luck bro.
@@freeeagle6839 Thanks!
What year is your truck. Wish I can work with you and become great friends until I ready to branch off
@@brandonfoxworth2131 My truck is a 22. I am not hiring anyone. Sorry.
Awesome vid man. You run a tight ship. I'm 52 years old and sick of being in my office and seriously considering getting into this. Do you have your CDL? Not sure where to go on that one. Do you work for a company (dispatcher) or do you find your own? Forgive my ignorance on this.....
Thank you! I couldn’t work in a building myself. Like to be out and about. I work for myself and I have a dispatcher to find my loads but I also have a load board that I
Keep an eye on. I have a CDL but that’s only needed if you want to be more than 26,000lb total weight truck trailer and load combined. I think if you don’t have a CDL, in today’s market you’ll be struggling.
I was worried I’m to slow to get into it. But I do know what a bucket is.
Hi bro !! I am in French Guiana nothing to compare to the US!! But for my own business (sourcing, procurement AND delivery to the client) I a considering using my pickup truk mitsubishi L200 and a flat bed trailer. Your video are nice. You take your time to do the right thing!!! 🎉
Thank you! Appreciate your positive feedback🙏👍🏻
And please tell me the fuel cost for a HOTSHOT..??
Like how much the fuel cost would be for 1000 miles ..??
I can’t answer that because it’ll depend on the truck, type of trailer you have, type of load on the trailer and what part of the country you are driving in.
@@Mr.AlexKogan
I Tennessee and for almost 10k lbs..??
40Ft hotshot
Hope u are doing well..
Am a dispatcher
Can you please tell me how to arrange partial loads for my Carrier..??
Any useful tips..??
Hey! Sorry I can’t help out with that as I’m not a dispatcher.
Keep the handel in your truck and get a longer bolt to put through it, no need to screw the nut on it every time, just push the bolt in, wind your legs and return handel to truck, easy
Yeah I take the handle with me in the truck when I leave the trailer. I also drop my AirTag in the trailer so I can track it 😀 I don’t mind putting the nut on the screw when I put the handle back on but your idea will be considered.
Great video! Hey is there a way to secure 2 loads at the same time before committing to go 2k miles or do you have to just book partial loads and make it work along the way?
@@terrancejones8175 Thank you! It’s possible to secure two loads before picking up your first one. That’s where a dispatcher comes in very handy. It’s much easier for them to do this on the computer because they have a team of other dispatchers that help them. I’ve had two loads booked at once before picking up my first one.
Where can I get a good dispatcher to find loads for me while I just puck up and deliver I'd be happy with 2-4$ mile
@@justinmcurrie1 We would all be happy with $2-4 per mile. Send me a message on Instagram.
Very very good 👍
Alex, Im new to the industry and was wondering if you used a factoring company.
Yes. I use a company called RTS
I’m thinking about going solo been in the trucking industry for years but not as a hot shot before it will be my first time doing hot shot tell me more because I got the pick up and a CDL Driver thanks
What would you like to know?
@@Mr.AlexKogan I had my own truck before everything I know is about big trucks pulling a reefer I have never pulled a flatbed before and being honest I want out the big truck, been looking at hot shot for a while, and had been looking at a lot of videos about it, and I just decided to reach out to ya because you seem more real
@@masonlee94 Thank you! I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. Hotshot is pretty much the same as a semi just in a different truck and trailer. Same dot rules apply.
great vid thanks
Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoyed it 👍🏻
As a hot shot truck owner. I just want to give you a smart investment advice. To save you money and time when doing trips. Invest in an auxiliary fuel tank. Helps on the way and gives you less stop and more fuel. Max out my trip by 1200 miles just by having that installed on the truck.
Thanks but I’ve had an auxiliary fuel tank in my truck since day one. RDS. 😃👍🏻
@@Mr.AlexKogan do have the gravity auxiliary fuel tank ? I don’t see that one on the bed of your truck.
@@DeeSm0ke Yes. Here’s a video of my truck setup. You can see it there.
th-cam.com/video/rxK-o7GCgQs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=GRl2PIPVQiuz21rM
Does anybody hire drivers to do this? I love being on the road but dont wanna drive an 18 wheeler. I work with a guy that haul lumber on a hotshot and two box trucks for windows and doors and he said he would get a truck and trailer and I could drive it but people are saying rates are horrible right now and dont want him to do that just for me. Looking for conpanies that know all the ins and outs and established already
There are companies that will hire you but you’ll have to find them somehow.
@Mr.AlexKogan well it is what it is lol. Thanks
Hello sir. Can you please assist me how to start hot shoting job? Thank you
Don’t leave that DEF out in the sun
Appreciate the video. Friend how long is your flatdeck?
Thank you for watching and supporting. My trailer is 40ft long.
Partial brokers suck. How are you going to get an appointment for a partial load. You need FCFS to make it in this market. Gives you time to pick up other loads
@@zekefreak333 Exactly 👍🏻
New guy here. Whats with the twist on the straps. I see a lot of hotshots do this. What for?
What’s up new guy 😁 it’s so the straps don’t vibrate from the wind. Pay attention to tall loads on the road where straps aren’t twisted. They vibrate like crazy.
Hey Alex.. do you use Truck Stop App or how do you find loads?
I do but mainly my dispatcher books all my loads.
Please SHOW us how you get loads and what companies are hiring you or contract with you ????!
I have a dispatch company that finds loads for me.
@Skiff4079 I have my own authority and I use a dispatch service to get loads for me so I don’t know much about the load boards.
Great info, quick question, why twist the straps?
Twist the straps on taller loads so the strap doesn’t vibrate from the wind.
@@Mr.AlexKogan that makes sense. Prob super annoying on the highway with straps vibrating. It would drive me crazy.
@@2843Jesse you don’t always hear it unless you have a container but it can loosen the straps.
Did the dealership fix filter issues, or do you have to keep taking back to get new one put on continuously ?
DPF filter?
I just got my CDL but would this load have been able for a non CDL to carry?
I don’t remember what load was in this video. To be non cdl you’d have to know the weight of your truck and trailer and then find a load so all three add up to less than 26,000lb.
What do you think is better, Hotshop or Car hauling? I want to do something but I don’t know
@@ianlucas00 I can’t say much about car hauling because I don’t know much about it. Don’t want to give you false info.
@@Mr.AlexKogan thank you very much I appreciate your honesty
This is cdl hotshot, no? And with a dispatcher and all costs (fuel, insurance etc)...what do you suppose you will bring home after expenses of that $8900?
Well you can’t base take home after all expenses after one week. I have to see what the full month will be like to calculate the numbers. Yes cdl.
On good months you make 10-15k...but if it is not a good month...are you able to pay your expenses? Seems like everyone has gotten out of HS in the last year or two. Has to be hard to make a decent living...or so it would seem.@@Mr.AlexKogan
@@jl909-nr5vx even on a bad month I’m still able to pay all my bills. I can’t speak for the ones that hit out of hotshot business but there are plenty hotshot drivers still hustling.
How many day to pick all 3. How many days to deliver all 3.
At this time I don’t remember how many days to pick up and how many to drop off. All of it took a week.
you don't have anti-slip carpets, the angle between the straps and the trailer is less than 35 degrees (the strap is close to zero value) and the very good straping with the pipes....you are ready and safe to go
Wow, Alex I fill for u. After reading through the comments I don't know how you handle such negativity without just completely ignoring it.
Stay safe out there and just ignore the negativity and keep doing what you're doing.
Why didnt you add another p/up.more weight or more money.
Whatever I could get, I got.
Do you have to have a CDL for hauling?
No.
Is it better if you have one?
@@mesasavea8225 It gives you options for heavier loads. Non CDL you have to be under 26,000 lb Truck,trailer and load together.
Flawless 😊
Hey I’d really like to talk to you more about this, I’m in RV transport but looking to change over
Ask and I’ll try to answer.
@@Mr.AlexKogan are you cdl or non cdl
And what dispatch do you use I would like to get started doing hot shot
@@AlfieWhobrey I am CDL as non CDL is very limited in this market. As for dispatch company I don’t give that info out unfortunately.
Where do you get your loads from I'm trying start hotshot Business thanks
Load boards. There are several different ones.
It took you a week to load up your trailer to hit the road or am I tripping ?
Trippin. 🤣 I did a load from Illinois to Virginia, then I picked up three loads from there within 2 days.
@@Mr.AlexKogan thank god I was trippin 😭😭
Whats your fuel mileage on a load like this woth your rig?
Can’t remember ok that particular load but it will all depend what part of the country you drive in, if there are mountains or not.
Good job
I was considering getting into hotshoting how do I go about getting started?
@@DylanBallard-i5x your best bet is to Google that info. It’ll tell you step by step.
What size trailer are u using
U have the exact trailer I want .. yes indeed
If you want I’ll sell it to you 😁
How much is your net profit after expenses if you don't mind sharing?
Im not changing careers from being an excavating contractor....lol😂
I grossed $220k last year and spent $40k on fuel.
Wow man great loads. Cuz the market is bad. As we all know, the loadboards having bad percentages and all. Using any dispatching bro? Blessings 👍
Yeah I agree. This week was a great one. I do use a dispatch service to book my loads because doing it myself would be hard while working. The market is awful right now and diesel prices once again went up unfortunately.
I could see that man. Great job. Sounds good man that’s the way to go, mainly cuz being busy driving and tarping or strapping so I agree. Yes it is man. A lot of owner operators are just sitting back at home mainly cuz of the rates and yes diesel is going back up.
@@frankyvillalobos1230 Can’t afford to just sit home. I used to work a 3 week on 1 week off schedule but when business declined I started hitting the road for 2 months. It’s tough being away from your family that long but hopefully things are getting better.
I agree bro totally. Yes mainly everyone was doing that but now it’s different. Yes sacrifices have to be made sometimes. Hopefully man. We just have to put our trust on the almighty above and trust in him that he’ll do the impossible for everyone that’s in this industry. Alright man won’t take much of your time. God bless you man. Safe trips 👍
@@frankyvillalobos1230 i completely agree with you. Don’t worry about taking up my time. I enjoy the comments and replying to them. Appreciate your support 👍🏻
With a CDL set up, you should make that money. Good job Sir 👍🏽
Thank you! I agree with a CDL setup we should be able to make this type of money but the market is not that great right now so it’s not that easy.
How much of it is profit after all costs and how many do you make that much and how many dead head miles
I’m sorry didn’t understand the question.
That black steel thing is a front loader bucket.
Nice! I couldn’t figure out what they are called. lol. Thanks. 👍🏻
Jason Statham of hotshots! cool content man.
Thank you! Haha. Jason Statham of hotshot. That sounds cool. I’ve been told about the resemblance many times. 👍🏻
Alex, how long is your trailer?
40 ft
@@Mr.AlexKogan sry dude I just watched your video about your trailer. Thanks for the info though.
If applicable pickup trailer payments maintenance trailer repairs n so on
What size gooseneck do you run?
40 ft
Those were loader buckets. There was no pins or place to put pins for an excavator.
Hope u make video how they will pay for u and how long it will took?Thank u
You just upload your rate confirmation and signed BOL to your factoring company app and they deposit the money to your bank account the next day.
Wow it’s that fast? No net 30 or waiting around a couple weeks for a check in the mail?
@@martingomez2611 As long as you are using a factoring company then it’s the next day. If you don’t have a factoring company and you wait for the broker to pay then it’ll take 30 days.
Just out of curiosity, why did you twist the straps? Is there any reason for it?
So they don’t vibrate from the wind.
Is that a mega cab with a stationary 5 th wheel 😮😮
Not a mega can but I do have a fifth wheel. Factory installed.
Roughly how much do u have to spend in gas
Fuels is always different because prices always change and depending on the part of the country you are in, also depends if there are mountains. Anywhere from $800-1500 per week. Depends on what type of load you have and how far it goes.
Where at in Missouri do you live?
I live in Florida. My parents are in St. Louis.
It’s under 26k pounds? Do you need CDL?
If you are under 26k then you don’t need a CDL. I am over 26k so I have a CDL.