Just the information I was was looking for, Thanks. Done that West Texas on a motorcycle a couple of times glad to hear there’s still nothing out there.
Great video I started Hotshot Trucking through my Dad and my uncle's because they own a Semi Trucking Company at the time I was using my 1988 GMC Sierra 1500 regular cab utility bed 2 wheel drive and my 16ft flat bed utility trailer I was doing local runs my Grandfather gave me the truck and trailer My 18th birthday it was my grandfathers Shop Truck after that I Bought a 1996 full size Chevy Conversion van with my 16ft flat bed utility trailer mint condition a Old Man Owned the van before I bought it The Reason I chose to use my converson van to save me money from renting a hotel room and I have used it for a few years until my wife started wanting one the road with me and I ended up getting a good deal on a 2008 28ft Coachman Motorhome and 18ft enclosed trailer mint condition a older couple owned it A Lot of Hotshot Truckers Should Use A Class C Motorhome or a Full size conversion van and enclosed / Flat Bed utility trailer Having a Full size conversion van and a Class C Motorhome is a lot like having a semi you have a bed in the converson van and in your Class C Motorhome you have a kitchen bathroom and bedroom using either one you can save a lot of extra money from renting hotel rooms and if you use a Motorhome you can actually stock up on food and drinks you can actually cook instead of having to go out to eat just a suggestion not saying everyone thinks the same actually my dad and uncle's are who suggested me to get a Motorhome so my wife can go on the road with me like my mom and my aunt's go on the road with them and because it would be like having a semi I just don't have to have a CDL and I can still haul loads Everyone Out Here Hotshot Trucking or Getting into it Drive safe watch out for those crazy drivers and have a great holiday and a great New year let 2019 be the best year for everyone
The big issue would be loads. The amount of loads you are able to do with a 16' or 18' enclosed trailer are very slim to none. That's why the industry standard is running 40' gooesnecks that can haul 20,000+lbs. Also in my pickup I sleep on a twin sized mattress, carry a microwave and pack all my weekly meals with me. Everyone has a little bit of a different way of doing things!
@Gary Burbank Another thing to consider here is that, currently; hot shot money is in hauling materials for oil and gas well sites and vehicles going into those sites need to be equipped with well service bumpers to be pulled into or out of the sites by dozers if necessary! Antero , Weatherford, Mark West, nor EQT are gonna pay for torn off factory bumpers!
I would agree that a lot of information is on an individual basis. I'm am getting back into driving after being out of it for nearly 10 years...my startup costs (new everything) is right now over $30k (trailer was $21k but customized/upgraded). Insurance, truck, trailer, straps/chains/binders, tarps...and that is even before I've hauled 1 load. Not to mention if you make any errors on your FMCSA (I did initially) it took over 2 months of dealing with the US government to get it straightened out. Not that the people working there are bad, just so many layers of bureaucracy. Love your straight forward information. Wishing you and your family all the best.
I been doing hot shot for last 5 years, like your videos, I have a 42 ft PJ with 8ft deck on the neck, gives me 50 ft of space. Leased to a company out of TX..next trailer get 16k axles. Keeps DOT off your tail LOL 🤠
Enjoyed the video. And its funny how when your thinking about something like should i go hotshotting then it appears to you. Today was one of those days. My son and i were discussing the idea on the phone not online. Then boom your the 1st video i see when i go to youtube. Be safe out there
Thank you for this informative video, I'm currently deployed and I've been trying to figure out what industry I should work with. I thought about truck driving but at the same time I was looking into running my own business. This will be a good way to start. God bless you and keep them videos coming.
Hey good morning - I have been a cdl A driver for about the past 8 years and have been wanting to get out of the industry because I have began to dislike the lifestyle. After randomly, on complete accident, clicked one of your videos from my recommended section I have been completely inspired from the information you have presented about your business moves. I am about to turn 30 and I wish I would have had this idea when I was your age! You were mentioning Kansas City for a previous job - That is where I am from haha this must be a sign! Be safe out there dude!
Hey Austin, thanks for all of your honestly on hotshot driving. I really enjoy all of your videos. I am thinking about starting up my business soon. I have a 2016 F350 Dually with a 33ft big tex trailer. With your experience do you think that i can get loads and stay busy with that size trailer?
I appreciate all the information you're giving out on the videos Austin. A question about your truck. Do you have load assist airbags on that or is it just Factory suspension and if it's just Factory suspension does it squat much with a near max capacity load?
I have factory suspension. And as long as the load is distributed evenly, it doesn't squat to bad. All trucks will squat with 30k behind it tho Haha. Also I carry roughly 1000lbs of fuel in the bed. So I'd say the factory suspension is doing more then I ever imagined
I’m reading the comments as I’m watching the video, and everything people are asking about, he has already, or is answering the questions right now. All u guys need to do is get a pen and paper and write this stuff down. Him and all the other TH-cam hotshotters do these videos all the time, and yet, people still ask the same shit over and over lol.
Thank you for the motivation keeps me going thank you for sharing this free information really helps me out a lot I truly appreciate it thank you for your time
I agree, if I had a cdl I’d probably be driving local preferably delivering gas or like heavy haul, or maybe dirt or powder working for a company with benefits etc as well as home after every shift.
Hey great videos man, a lot of inspirations. Just starting hotshot what things u need to start a company DOT/MC and need a whole list.... ooh yea no CDL only staying under 26000 lb
Mike Rajput pick up some trucking magazines at a truck stop, they will help you incorporate in Delaware get you your own authority and ins for about $600. This poor guy is paying $2500 a week 🤪 you can pick up loads at uship.com and they have nice software that will help you pick up multiple loads along you4 rout. So instead of one load @$2 mi you can have seven or eight simultaneous loads all paying $2 per mile.
A canvas tarp is a tarp you would lay down before you're actual tarp. It takes the beating of any sharp edges. Its thick and made to not rip or tare and to protect the next tarp
Thank you Austin for a such an informative video. Have a question about a trailers. Do you use one type of trailer like a hot shot or you have some different trailer depending on season? Thanks in advance.
I started in 1986 with 1 F-350 with an Eldorado Sleeper. Today I maintain a 14 Unit Fleet of 4500 Rams. At one point I had 43 Hot Shots running. My 4 2014 Rams have Exceeded 600,000 miles. Cummins Power and Manual Transmissions. All my trucks are finished out with Roadmaster Sleepers. No I'm not hiring.
I got a hypothetical question for ya. Let's say, I got my load of pipes and I'm haulin' across Texas. What do I do if there's a passing lane and nobody in front of me but I don't really feel like moving over to the right? Should I just go ahead and do it, 'cause there might be some tailgating a-hole in my blindspot? Or, just keep on keepin' on? Thanks!
Hi Austin great videos just found your channel and have a couple of questions I understand the non cdl or cdl status but are you required to have a dot physical to run hot shot or not and are you required to stop at scale houses?
@Homero Flores Research the companies that you would like to hire on to. Even as a sub-contracted operator, they may require the vehicle to be no older than five years old for their insurance underwriters!
Think I could make this my second job? I regularly get three day weekends and over a month off a year. I was looking at other work I can do on the side and was considering this. I can afford the materials easily but I was wondering if anyone could give there input on whether my limited time off would keep it from being an option. I have trailer experience but my heaviest loads were no more than say 13,000 and 30 feet long. All private towing so I don’t have anything other than a regular license
Part time would not be very profitable for you. Running the miles is where the money is. Plus there is no guarantee of you getting back in time for your full time job. It can take quite of bit if time to get loaded and unloaded.
I get 2 days off normally a week. Sometimes only 1 day. Its can be difficult. But my wife is a nurse. So she works 12 hour shifts and normally does 50 hour weeks. We both stay very busy so we dont notice it to much. We just make sure every few months to take a week for ourselves
austin haynes that’s not the worst thing but man how do you have any hobbies for yourself with only 1 day a week. Do you have a plan to work towards becoming your own company and hire drivers?
@@ryanboytim896 me and the wife like to gamble, if I'm not spending time with my son, then we are normally at the casino playing poker and enjoying each others company.
Austin, in your experience during your time hotshoting, is there a niche in hotshoting for an experienced oversize load transporter? I am a semi-retired otr super load hauler and was thinking about doing OS hotshoting. Also, I've watched many of your videos and they are very informative! People asking dumb questions goes along with posting videos.
There are lots of oversized loads in the hotshot industry. If you're able to capitalize on it, you will make a good amount of money. Most of use dont mess with them.
@@austinhaynes5127 thanks! Permits can be a royal pain if you aren't familiar with the system. Very informative and well organized videos! Keep on truckin bro! Be safe out there! Alot of professional steering wheel holders out there!
When you say chain binders, does that also mean boomers? I think I’m thinking of the same thing you’re talking about but not sure. Just cinches the chain and removes slack
I am thinking about this as a second career, I have been a Laser operator in manufacturing for the last 20 yrs. I grew up in the trucking industry with my Father. I think its something I can do. what would you say to someone who hasnt been a driver and wants to get into this.
So to sum it up if I already have a class A CDL I can go by a real nice truck and find someone who wants to pay me to do what I already do but on a smaller scale and make just as much money? Is that too simple or does that really sum it up?
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.//// how can you do it without cdl, the lowest gvrw of a trailer I would even consider trying this with ihas a 14k GVRW, law says if vehicle being towed is in excess of 10k GVRW then you need a cdl if the Truck GVRW is 11,300 and trailer at 14k it would be under 26001 but the trailer alone exceeds the 10k
I got my authority a couple yrs ago and was going to start hotshotting!! Got to the final steps and all I had left to do was get my insurance and BOC filed,, but had some family issues, had to leave state, and used the money I had for insurance to pay for a funeral!! So my MC/DOT is filed as inactive,, Looking to get it started at the beginning of the year!! A little more informed now than I was 2 yrs ago!! But still not understanding the CDL requirement!! The way I read it says if the trailer your pulling is over 10k GVRW it requires cdl !! Really not trying to be stopped at my first attempt to pass through a scale and be put out of service on first day!!
@@jdexpresscarrierservicejd735 You do not need A CD L if your trailer and vehicle combined are not over 26000 pounds. I ran without A CDL for roughly 4 months with a trailer rated as 16000 pounds I got stopped several times they check the paperwork and then I was on my way
Don't have to put in any time with the anyone get otr or over the road experience as long as insurance is willing to insured you. It's to say that you're right when your cdl is new like you just got cdl license company will not hire you until you have accumulated 6 months or a year experience else where.
@@austinhaynes5127 Think i am in the wrong profession then. I only get around a grand every couple weeks as a County Dispatcher. Wont complain too much as the vision, dental, and health insurance is covered.. Know if i switch id never be home..
@@austinhaynes5127 I know it's a personal question but is the weekly amount net $2,500 what you average every week all year? How many hours in a week are you working? Thanks I never heard of this until it popped up on my TH-cam today. I'll listen to your good advice.
@@stangtrax normally you'll work about 55 hours a week. And I net about $2,000 per week on average. I will be doing a full month breakdown of pay and expenses in the next week
@@austinhaynes5127 I'll go through your videos to look at all the information because I'm 100% ignorant on this topic but eager to learn because I like see job options for my teenagers coming up. I traveled in my car from East Alabama to Phoenix AZ 4 times round trip in past 3 years, so good luck on the roads. I'm flying this next time lol.
Great vid. My questions are about insurance. I cant seem to find anyone to give me insurance to cover my load since I dont have a cdl or a tractor truck. Who do you use for insurance?
Austin, Do you have any experience with hot-shotting in northern New England? Just curious if there's opportunity outside the center of the country. Also, heard anything about hot-shotting into Canada?
If you're getting your cld anyway with the price of modern pick-up trucks won't you get a better return on investment getting a used semi tractor with full capabilities?
Used tractor trailers come with used problems. Also, with only having a cdl for 1 year, the insurance cost for new cdl and a semi would put me out of business. That's why I chose this route for now.
@thephilb Full capabilities vs. used problems vs. being asked to do things that do not coincide with your original game plan. Dispatcher: Come on!! You can do this, right?! You can legally haul 45,500lbs so take this load that we need delivered tomorrow 800 miles away for $1,500!!! Of course they take 25% of the gross off the top for securing that load, that makes the load pay TO THE TRUCK $1,125! Now divide that by the “800mi” cause you’re gonna have to drive 175mi to the load point(which they aren’t paying you for), then the 800mi came from the P C Miler computer miles calculator, and the actual loaded miles are at lest(and this is normal for P C Miler)20% more than the quoted number of miles which makes the division of the $1,125/960mi.! So the pay to the truck is now $1.17/mile and the used truck you bought costs approximately $1.00/mile to operate!!! Fuel, wear and tear, tires, brakes, break down costs(in an escrow account to make sure the money is there when you need it), base plates(apportioned), IFTA(fuel tax sticker for which you pay the fuel tax in every state that the carrier sends you into even when you don’t buy fuel in that state, you get changed harder on fuel taxes if you aren’t buying fuel in those states that you run in, but don’t buy fuel in) and that is never a flat rate fee, truck insurance, load insurance, and most states require you to have a form of workers comp insurance even if you are the only employee of your small company, these are all factored into that $1.00/mile it cost you to drive that used tractor pulling your trailer or theirs!!! I did not add in the costs of maintenance and upkeep on the trailer that you may or may not be leasing.
Also to get started in any business you need to have the Entrepreneurial Spirit and Good Work Ethic!
Good info, no hype, which I appreciate... I am a semi driver so I understand you. Thanks, stay safe
I love and appreciate how honest and real you are man. I've been driving a semi for almost 3 years now and plan to start hotshot as soon as possible.
Were u able to get into
Hot Shot driving after all?
Hell no lol he only been driving for 3 weak ass years
You doing a semi truck and going back to Hot Shot what the hell is wrong with you👉😅
Have you started yet? I’m almost done with my 1 yr contract with this start company, I plan on starting to hotshot as soon as I can
Just the information I was was looking for, Thanks. Done that West Texas on a motorcycle a couple of times glad to hear there’s still nothing out there.
This was short, sweet, simple and straight to the point. Thank you for the valuable and informative video!
Great video I started Hotshot Trucking through my Dad and my uncle's because they own a Semi Trucking Company at the time I was using my 1988 GMC Sierra 1500 regular cab utility bed 2 wheel drive and my 16ft flat bed utility trailer I was doing local runs my Grandfather gave me the truck and trailer My 18th birthday it was my grandfathers Shop Truck after that I Bought a 1996 full size Chevy Conversion van with my 16ft flat bed utility trailer mint condition a Old Man Owned the van before I bought it The Reason I chose to use my converson van to save me money from renting a hotel room and I have used it for a few years until my wife started wanting one the road with me and I ended up getting a good deal on a 2008 28ft Coachman Motorhome and 18ft enclosed trailer mint condition a older couple owned it A Lot of Hotshot Truckers Should Use A Class C Motorhome or a Full size conversion van and enclosed / Flat Bed utility trailer Having a Full size conversion van and a Class C Motorhome is a lot like having a semi you have a bed in the converson van and in your Class C Motorhome you have a kitchen bathroom and bedroom using either one you can save a lot of extra money from renting hotel rooms and if you use a Motorhome you can actually stock up on food and drinks you can actually cook instead of having to go out to eat just a suggestion not saying everyone thinks the same actually my dad and uncle's are who suggested me to get a Motorhome so my wife can go on the road with me like my mom and my aunt's go on the road with them and because it would be like having a semi I just don't have to have a CDL and I can still haul loads Everyone Out Here Hotshot Trucking or Getting into it Drive safe watch out for those crazy drivers and have a great holiday and a great New year let 2019 be the best year for everyone
The big issue would be loads. The amount of loads you are able to do with a 16' or 18' enclosed trailer are very slim to none. That's why the industry standard is running 40' gooesnecks that can haul 20,000+lbs. Also in my pickup I sleep on a twin sized mattress, carry a microwave and pack all my weekly meals with me. Everyone has a little bit of a different way of doing things!
what's are good terms to search looking for employment ads
Gary Burbank how much money u make a week??
@@satbir3719 between 1500 and 3000 depends on if I haul all week or a couple days
@Gary Burbank
Another thing to consider here is that, currently; hot shot money is in hauling materials for oil and gas well sites and vehicles going into those sites need to be equipped with well service bumpers to be pulled into or out of the sites by dozers if necessary!
Antero , Weatherford, Mark West, nor EQT are gonna pay for torn off factory bumpers!
Thank you for the video it's timely as I have been planning for almost 3 years now starting one with my truck.
I would agree that a lot of information is on an individual basis. I'm am getting back into driving after being out of it for nearly 10 years...my startup costs (new everything) is right now over $30k (trailer was $21k but customized/upgraded). Insurance, truck, trailer, straps/chains/binders, tarps...and that is even before I've hauled 1 load. Not to mention if you make any errors on your FMCSA (I did initially) it took over 2 months of dealing with the US government to get it straightened out. Not that the people working there are bad, just so many layers of bureaucracy. Love your straight forward information. Wishing you and your family all the best.
I been doing hot shot for last 5 years, like your videos, I have a 42 ft PJ with 8ft deck on the neck, gives me 50 ft of space. Leased to a company out of TX..next trailer get 16k axles. Keeps DOT off your tail LOL 🤠
What do you pull it with?
Greg Barth hey, how I can calling you..? About details
Ginger Mistery kindly may you text
Me on 4154251686 , with a text of hot shot... to kindly guide through with the details of starting up?
The only honest hotshot video on YT
Just wanted to see was this video before or after you went on with Maverick??
@@joey5287 I don't work at Maverick.. I would never do flat bed for 0.08 more than dry van..
TowPiglet is very good too.
He has very strong points on start up costs so pay attention to all of this
Not true check out On the road on TH-cam.
Seems like this guy is honest and realistic not selling people dreams
Genuinely honest and candid. Very informative. Best Regards
Enjoyed the video.
And its funny how when your thinking about something like should i go hotshotting then it appears to you.
Today was one of those days. My son and i were discussing the idea on the phone not online. Then boom your the 1st video i see when i go to youtube.
Be safe out there
Tumbleweed and Sweetpea....same.
You seem like A genuine dude, super into your videos!
I'm inspired thanks to you buddy! Now I need to build my bankroll and get geared up.
Thank you for this informative video, I'm currently deployed and I've been trying to figure out what industry I should work with. I thought about truck driving but at the same time I was looking into running my own business. This will be a good way to start. God bless you and keep them videos coming.
Mikey MM 00000+qq
Get CDL
Aww, the good stuff, buddy! Thanks 🤘Blessings to you & your family, both on & off of the road. 🙏
Thanks Austin I noted all your start up equipment and the advice to get started. To get the most profit. Thank you very much!!
Awesome informative video! Just hit 20 years old and definitely interested in hotshotting!
Wow..thank you for sharing..You Will get more in return for helping us.
Thx for ur quick responses. HAPPY Holidays to u and urs.
Thanks for the info. I'll be waiting for you to drop another video.
Next video should be up within 2 hours!
Not the same class as a semi driver, but I agree on the clean equipment.
Hey good morning - I have been a cdl A driver for about the past 8 years and have been wanting to get out of the industry because I have began to dislike the lifestyle. After randomly, on complete accident, clicked one of your videos from my recommended section I have been completely inspired from the information you have presented about your business moves. I am about to turn 30 and I wish I would have had this idea when I was your age! You were mentioning Kansas City for a previous job - That is where I am from haha this must be a sign! Be safe out there dude!
Thank You for the information. I was wondering how to get started.
Have you started up your hotshot business?
Not a driver myself. This covered good info.
Your right there’s nothing in west Texas
Thats what he wants you to think, just have to know the right people
Yeah the back ground video is cool,
keep that up Mr. Austin !!
Appreciate all the details you provide
Good cost breakdown.! Like the drive video
Thanks for sharing!! Please keep making more videos
Hey Austin, thanks for all of your honestly on hotshot driving. I really enjoy all of your videos. I am thinking about starting up my business soon. I have a 2016 F350 Dually with a 33ft big tex trailer. With your experience do you think that i can get loads and stay busy with that size trailer?
Yes you can. But in the long run. I would suggest a 40ft. So you have even more opportunities
Great video. I'm really appreciating the lack of drama.
Just watched for the 2nd time making notes. Thanks for the info.
Great vid, thank you for sharing
I appreciate all the information you're giving out on the videos Austin. A question about your truck. Do you have load assist airbags on that or is it just Factory suspension and if it's just Factory suspension does it squat much with a near max capacity load?
I have factory suspension. And as long as the load is distributed evenly, it doesn't squat to bad. All trucks will squat with 30k behind it tho Haha. Also I carry roughly 1000lbs of fuel in the bed. So I'd say the factory suspension is doing more then I ever imagined
I’m reading the comments as I’m watching the video, and everything people are asking about, he has already, or is answering the questions right now. All u guys need to do is get a pen and paper and write this stuff down. Him and all the other TH-cam hotshotters do these videos all the time, and yet, people still ask the same shit over and over lol.
How much did you pay for the insurance and what insurance company did you decide to go with
Thanks Austin for the info brother been wanting to hotshot for a while.
Thank you for the motivation keeps me going thank you for sharing this free information really helps me out a lot I truly appreciate it thank you for your time
good to know iv been thinking about it for a bet and this really helps
Shame we cant do this in the UK. Me and my missus drive across america on our holidays and this would be a perfect job for us.
Yeah great video thanks
Thanks for the video.. Been thanking about doing hot shot for a while now
Is it worth it though? Are you wishing you had a different job yet?
Thank you!
Non CDL is the best way to go if you do this, it’s also cheaper
I agree, if I had a cdl I’d probably be driving local preferably delivering gas or like heavy haul, or maybe dirt or powder working for a company with benefits etc as well as home after every shift.
Hey great videos man, a lot of inspirations. Just starting hotshot what things u need to start a company DOT/MC and need a whole list.... ooh yea no CDL only staying under 26000 lb
Mike Rajput pick up some trucking magazines at a truck stop, they will help you incorporate in Delaware get you your own authority and ins for about $600.
This poor guy is paying $2500 a week 🤪 you can pick up loads at uship.com and they have nice software that will help you pick up multiple loads along you4 rout. So instead of one load @$2 mi you can have seven or eight simultaneous loads all paying $2 per mile.
Me and my brother are going to get into this hot shot trucking found an F5 50 power stroke for five grand Rounds good drives good
Chris Ulatowski have y’all done it? I’ve been saving and thinking. I currently drive a freight liner but strongly considering hotshot rig
Now you need CDL for anything over 10,000 gvw on interstate commerce. I noticed this video is 2 years old.
Enjoyed your video as usual I had a question about the reason for getting a canvas tarp?
A canvas tarp is a tarp you would lay down before you're actual tarp. It takes the beating of any sharp edges. Its thick and made to not rip or tare and to protect the next tarp
Thank you Austin for a such an informative video. Have a question about a trailers. Do you use one type of trailer like a hot shot or you have some different trailer depending on season? Thanks in advance.
You are awesome appreciate this video. Im going 18 wheeler. To OO hotshot
Pretty crazy how your change in intro music can change the whole video montage
I know. I was very disappointed. I will be re doing the whole intro now.. I had it with the other song so perfectly and now it's a depressing 😂😭😭
Lots of good info,keep it up brother.
When you tested for your CDL, did you drive your pickup and 40' trailer for your driving test?
good videos thank you for sharing
You are Great example of American Capitalism at its finest!! Great Video!
Nice Video straight to the point
Great Content
I started in 1986 with 1 F-350 with an Eldorado Sleeper. Today I maintain a 14 Unit Fleet of 4500 Rams. At one point I had 43 Hot Shots running. My 4 2014 Rams have Exceeded 600,000 miles. Cummins Power and Manual Transmissions. All my trucks are finished out with Roadmaster Sleepers. No I'm not hiring.
Good for you??
Weird flex, but OK.
💩💩💩
Nothing is easy. i thought this would be simple process
U are not alone. Good luck n be safe bro💪
what are good places / sites to search and good terms to search for looking for good employers? aka how'd you find yours?
Much blessings! Stay safe out there 🙏 👍🤠
Thank you for the video and break down of getting started. I know I can probably very some, but what about insurance? Vehicle, cargo, ect...????
You have to carrie commercial insurance. It can range for anywhere from $150 per week. To $300 per week
@@austinhaynes5127 YIKES! $600- $1200/ month??? My goodness.
Great answer brother but now where would you buy a canvas tarp at the same facility?
Yes any commercial tarp place should have canvas tarps there as well. They will know exactly what you're talking about
@@austinhaynes5127 why canvas?
nevermind, saw it down below. thank you.
I got a hypothetical question for ya.
Let's say, I got my load of pipes and I'm haulin' across Texas. What do I do if there's a passing lane and nobody in front of me but I don't really feel like moving over to the right? Should I just go ahead and do it, 'cause there might be some tailgating a-hole in my blindspot? Or, just keep on keepin' on?
Thanks!
Hi Austin great videos just found your channel and have a couple of questions I understand the non cdl or cdl status but are you required to have a dot physical to run hot shot or not and are you required to stop at scale houses?
Good videos man.
I think it looks fun and sounds like I could make some money
Is it required to have a new truck say 2010 and up? Or can one start hot shoting with a mid 2000s diésel?
You can hotshot with any truck youd like. As long as it passes DOT Inspection.
@Homero Flores
Research the companies that you would like to hire on to.
Even as a sub-contracted operator, they may require the vehicle to be no older than five years old for their insurance underwriters!
Think I could make this my second job? I regularly get three day weekends and over a month off a year.
I was looking at other work I can do on the side and was considering this. I can afford the materials easily but I was wondering if anyone could give there input on whether my limited time off would keep it from being an option.
I have trailer experience but my heaviest loads were no more than say 13,000 and 30 feet long. All private towing so I don’t have anything other than a regular license
Part time would not be very profitable for you. Running the miles is where the money is. Plus there is no guarantee of you getting back in time for your full time job. It can take quite of bit if time to get loaded and unloaded.
How does this lifestyle play a factor in having a family. It seems you work 7 days a week
I get 2 days off normally a week. Sometimes only 1 day. Its can be difficult. But my wife is a nurse. So she works 12 hour shifts and normally does 50 hour weeks. We both stay very busy so we dont notice it to much. We just make sure every few months to take a week for ourselves
austin haynes that’s not the worst thing but man how do you have any hobbies for yourself with only 1 day a week. Do you have a plan to work towards becoming your own company and hire drivers?
@@ryanboytim896 me and the wife like to gamble, if I'm not spending time with my son, then we are normally at the casino playing poker and enjoying each others company.
How did you learn to strap things down, use your chains, and tarp your loads? Did you just research it and do it?
There wasnt a lot out there. I read the DOT regulations and then just figured it out along the way. Tarping was the hardest part to learn
Thanks for that info Rafael! I’ll have to check that out. That’s really impressive Austin. Thanks for all your videos!
@Rafael Alvarez JJ Keller has a book on load securement. I think it's about $15.
Austin, in your experience during your time hotshoting, is there a niche in hotshoting for an experienced oversize load transporter? I am a semi-retired otr super load hauler and was thinking about doing OS hotshoting.
Also, I've watched many of your videos and they are very informative!
People asking dumb questions goes along with posting videos.
There are lots of oversized loads in the hotshot industry. If you're able to capitalize on it, you will make a good amount of money. Most of use dont mess with them.
@@austinhaynes5127 thanks! Permits can be a royal pain if you aren't familiar with the system.
Very informative and well organized videos!
Keep on truckin bro! Be safe out there!
Alot of professional steering wheel holders out there!
I guess I should call ya neighbor beings I live 20 miles north of 36 and 65.
When you say chain binders, does that also mean boomers? I think I’m thinking of the same thing you’re talking about but not sure. Just cinches the chain and removes slack
Yes, chain binder and boomers are the same thing
Binders fold on themselves, boomers are the screw type.
LoL im CDL lic holder. You dont want to disclose that info CAUSE compétition.
Theyll end up taking your option loads away
Thank you for posting this
I m not crazy about being gone for London periods of time.
If I could make my truck with a add on sleeper I would do it
For the price of the the pickup and having a cdl you never thought of buy a semi and having a sleeper no hotel fees
Thought about it. Maybe in a year or so. And I don't stay in a hotel. I have a twin sized memory foam mattress in the back of my truck
austin haynes I’ve heard that isn’t a legal sleeper berth
@@411whatever1 As long as you log off as "off duty" instead of sleeper berth time it does not matter
don't get into semitrucks. It's a waste of time.
@@austinhaynes5127 that's not true. DOT can ask you for lodging receipts and if you can't provide them then you're falsifying your logs.
hey man I didn't see you in Taylor
lol I live 15 miles from that little town
The end helped a lot. I'll put back about 5k
I am thinking about this as a second career, I have been a Laser operator in manufacturing for the last 20 yrs. I grew up in the trucking industry with my Father. I think its something I can do. what would you say to someone who hasnt been a driver and wants to get into this.
So to sum it up if I already have a class A CDL I can go by a real nice truck and find someone who wants to pay me to do what I already do but on a smaller scale and make just as much money? Is that too simple or does that really sum it up?
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.//// how can you do it without cdl, the lowest gvrw of a trailer I would even consider trying this with ihas a 14k GVRW, law says if vehicle being towed is in excess of 10k GVRW then you need a cdl if the Truck GVRW is 11,300 and trailer at 14k it would be under 26001 but the trailer alone exceeds the 10k
When I first started. I had a truck of a gvwr of 10,000lbs. And the trailer was at 16,000gvwr
I got my authority a couple yrs ago and was going to start hotshotting!! Got to the final steps and all I had left to do was get my insurance and BOC filed,, but had some family issues, had to leave state, and used the money I had for insurance to pay for a funeral!! So my MC/DOT is filed as inactive,, Looking to get it started at the beginning of the year!! A little more informed now than I was 2 yrs ago!! But still not understanding the CDL requirement!! The way I read it says if the trailer your pulling is over 10k GVRW it requires cdl !! Really not trying to be stopped at my first attempt to pass through a scale and be put out of service on first day!!
@@jdexpresscarrierservicejd735 You do not need A CD L if your trailer and vehicle combined are not over 26000 pounds. I ran without A CDL for roughly 4 months with a trailer rated as 16000 pounds I got stopped several times they check the paperwork and then I was on my way
Whats up from Odessa Tx brotha!
When you got the Class A did you have to put in ride time with someone else or did you jump right in.
You get your permit and then must wait 2 weeks before taking your driven test.
Don't have to put in any time with the anyone get otr or over the road experience as long as insurance is willing to insured you. It's to say that you're right when your cdl is new like you just got cdl license company will not hire you until you have accumulated 6 months or a year experience else where.
Can you explain whats hot shot?. Like what do you do.
Haul stuff on a trailer with "normal" truck or dually (250/350)
Less than 26,000 CDL = NO
More than 26,000 CDL = YES
Good info. Thanks.
Thanks for the info
What are the take home numbers at the end of the week or couple of weeks? All expenses taken out.
I'll do a video on this month so far this weekend. After all expenses I average about $2500 a week
@@austinhaynes5127 Think i am in the wrong profession then. I only get around a grand every couple weeks as a County Dispatcher. Wont complain too much as the vision, dental, and health insurance is covered.. Know if i switch id never be home..
@@austinhaynes5127 I know it's a personal question but is the weekly amount net $2,500 what you average every week all year? How many hours in a week are you working? Thanks I never heard of this until it popped up on my TH-cam today. I'll listen to your good advice.
@@stangtrax normally you'll work about 55 hours a week. And I net about $2,000 per week on average. I will be doing a full month breakdown of pay and expenses in the next week
@@austinhaynes5127 I'll go through your videos to look at all the information because I'm 100% ignorant on this topic but eager to learn because I like see job options for my teenagers coming up. I traveled in my car from East Alabama to Phoenix AZ 4 times round trip in past 3 years, so good luck on the roads. I'm flying this next time lol.
West Texas sucks so hard miss that oilfield money tho
Great vid. My questions are about insurance. I cant seem to find anyone to give me insurance to cover my load since I dont have a cdl or a tractor truck. Who do you use for insurance?
It’s expensive!
Call around
Austin, Do you have any experience with hot-shotting in northern New England? Just curious if there's opportunity outside the center of the country. Also, heard anything about hot-shotting into Canada?
Good video, thank you
i thought a non cdl limits your trailer to no more than 10,001lbs lol
Did you have to get your own DOT#, MC#, and commercial insurance?
Whats a good setup i dont need a cdl for
Austin can you divulge where to find hotshot companies and those that are interested in pursing it what they should look for in a company?
If you're getting your cld anyway with the price of modern pick-up trucks won't you get a better return on investment getting a used semi tractor with full capabilities?
Used tractor trailers come with used problems. Also, with only having a cdl for 1 year, the insurance cost for new cdl and a semi would put me out of business. That's why I chose this route for now.
Ok fair enough sounds like a good start for someone interested in getting into trucking.
@thephilb
Full capabilities vs. used problems vs. being asked to do things that do not coincide with your original game plan.
Dispatcher: Come on!! You can do this, right?!
You can legally haul 45,500lbs so take this load that we need delivered tomorrow 800 miles away for $1,500!!!
Of course they take 25% of the gross off the top for securing that load, that makes the load pay TO THE TRUCK $1,125!
Now divide that by the “800mi” cause you’re gonna have to drive 175mi to the load point(which they aren’t paying you for), then the 800mi came from the P C Miler computer miles calculator, and the actual loaded miles are at lest(and this is normal for P C Miler)20% more than the quoted number of miles which makes the division of the $1,125/960mi.!
So the pay to the truck is now $1.17/mile and the used truck you bought costs approximately $1.00/mile to operate!!!
Fuel, wear and tear, tires, brakes, break down costs(in an escrow account to make sure the money is there when you need it), base plates(apportioned), IFTA(fuel tax sticker for which you pay the fuel tax in every state that the carrier sends you into even when you don’t buy fuel in that state, you get changed harder on fuel taxes if you aren’t buying fuel in those states that you run in, but don’t buy fuel in) and that is never a flat rate fee, truck insurance, load insurance, and most states require you to have a form of workers comp insurance even if you are the only employee of your small company, these are all factored into that $1.00/mile it cost you to drive that used tractor pulling your trailer or theirs!!!
I did not add in the costs of maintenance and upkeep on the trailer that you may or may not be leasing.
Yeah no thanks I'll stick to landscaping.
Great video!