I was an Owner Operator for 20 yrs. Sold everything and drove Company truck my last 5 yrs before retiring after 44 yrs of Trucking. Bless you my friend as I would not move freight for 1.20 per mile. Even if it gets me back home. That Low Rate plus uncounted DH miles will eventually Bankrupt many guys! Parts,Tires and Oil Changes continue to increase. Nobody can continue to run and be profitable at these Garbage can rates going lower. It is a race to the bottom as JB Hunt use to say! How do you pay your House Bills? The 2 worst 4 letter words in trucking are "BACK HAUL"! Brokers know people will take those Garbage can loads just to get home. They think you should be able to run for 50% less!!! This Insanity is the Main reason Trucking companies are going Belly up every week! When I had my Semi-truck, I had to know what my CPM was. If you don't know then you end up running for peanuts Losing money while Dispatchers and Freight companies make a profit! My motto became "If it doesn't profit me, Don't turn the key!!!" NO CHEAP FREIGHT!
I always like driving through the Siskiyou's. The elevation changes can suck if you're heavy, but the scenery is gorgeous. And that last exit, at Hilt, saves me a bunch of money (if you know, you know).
I have a 25ft 5k load that needs to go from klamath falls oregon to lompoc ca it's a Branson 2400h tractor with a backhoe and a couple small attachments if you have 25ft of deck space available
Looking to sign on with you in January or February. Just got a nice 2020 big tex 25 plus 5 with mega ramps and put brand new 14 ply tires and brand new trailer brakes on this weekend, I live north of Seattle, 57 years old and have been towing and hauling heavy equipment for many years. Retiring from commercial masonry and going to hotshot, getting cdl and bigger setup maby next summer, any input for good people to try to sign on with would be appreciated if your not taking on anyone, thanks
Very cool! I’m working towards doing hotshot out of central WA. Reading the comments saw that I need to stay under 10K pounds on the trailer. Any other stuff for CA that might be different than Oregon and Washington?
From what I understand, the 10k limit is all that’s different. Also, some states you can run without Apportioned Plates (IRP), but if you’re running over here you have to get them.
Not on this trailer or my new one, but when I get my next trailer it will be a dual tandem and I’m definitely leaning heavily towards paying the extra $5k and getting air ride.
It’s very nice here in Southern Oregon, I personally wouldn’t live near Portland but that’s just me. Real estate is also through the roof expensive just a heads up. Otherwise it’s great here.
Only during inspections, but that’s part of it so it’s expected. Other than that, I e had a guy come out and pull on chains and binders when hauling over width in Idaho, but that’s about it and they were fine.
Normally I would if I’m at a different shipper and the paperwork is close to my max. I load often out of this place though and the paperwork is detailed and spot on for weight.
I use Internet Truckstop and that’s it, everything else is brokers/customers that offer me freight direct. Not sure on the fuel, I don’t keep track on every trip, I do my fuel on an average of 10mpg.
I used to, but in the winter your straps get destroyed by road grime. Also, when hauling something tall I have to be able to throw the strap over and you can’t do it properly with the hook side. Only takes a few minutes to roll them up so I don’t mind.
It’s not necessarily the trailer that makes me non CDL, it’s that I’m registered at 26,000lbs. which is the max before needing a CDL. When I need to find a load the only site I use now is Internet Truckstop.
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots hmm ok im in CA and i was told something different by CHP or maybe he was just trying to scare bc im new, any who thanks been struggling with loads been active 1 month now thank you for these helpful vídeos
I pay $150 a month so it’s not the basic plan, but I’m sure someone could get by with the basic if need be. And California is different, you can’t have over 10k on your trailer is my understanding. I’ve had 2 level 1 inspections in California and passed both with how I’m registered. However, one of the times I had 10,250lbs on the trailer and technically he could have violated me but didn’t, he said it’s because I’m registered in Oregon with my IRP and Oregon allows it so they’ve been told to allow it as well. I think if you’re based in California they might look at it differently, which isn’t very fair in my opinion. 1 month in is a tough spot, but it gets easier and better as you build relationships and absolutely get a few of your own customers, running off the load boards 100% of the time isn’t possible anymore, there’s way too many hotshots to compete with now.
Where/how did you learn to secure your loads? Did you have a similar job before doing hotshots or watch a lot of TH-cam :p Seems to me like one of the more important skills as I assume you are responsible for it.
My dad taught me a lot growing up honestly, and the rest has been truthfully self taught. I always go based on weight and length for how many straps I use and where I put them. With chains and binders, most machinery has tie down points specifically for transport, and depending on weight that will tell me how many binders I’ll use to be as safe as possible. As far as tarps, nothing prepares you for that battle 😂😂.
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots Thanks man. Very interesting watching what you do and showing how much you are figuring out as you go. You know the tarp is miserable when you can't even take the time to film it haha. Probably make the entire video double R rated :)
The chains I used on the scissor lifts are 16ft each, and the chains I used on the mini excavator are 12ft or 14ft. A lot of people will buy all 20ft chains, but I’ve found I never need that much and it’s nice to have a variety.
I probably would have done that if I was keeping the trailer, but now that I got the new one and they actually put the license plate in a good location I won’t have to worry anymore.
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots if you don't mind me asking, what Brand did you buy? I think just abought every damn manufacturer out there lol. You put your plate down below where immediately it gets ripped off
@@beauvaistrucking6365 I bought a LoneStar and the license plate is at the top of the left ramp with a single light over it, works so much better than these other ones dragging them around all day 😂
What you’re doing looks good but you shouldn’t hook to the rub rails of the trailer it has no structural integrity to the trailer and you can also receive a unsecured load citation as well as an out of service until it is corrected.
I appreciate the info. I’ve actually heard that before, and once a guy told me it’s ok if they are on the inside of the rub rail which I’m not sure about. It seems like they should be hooked to the L on the under side of the trailer? I’m always open to changing things, especially if I’m doing it wrong or someone has a better way.
WD40 is a lubricant and it helps against rust, which is what I fight the most. There are other things I could buy and use, but I had a full can of WD and it works just fine on ratchets every time I’ve used it.
It depends. If you’re only going a certain amount of miles away from home then you don’t need logs. But if you’re looking into trucking then chances are you’ll need to go further and in that case CDL and Non CDL both require an ELD.
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots Strap can fall off the trailer under the tarp, get on the wheel, and it will pull so hard it can damage the load. Happened to me, can happen to anyone...
Hey bud what do you average in a week after fuel food and if you stop at a hotel for the night what do you clear after expenses and taxes what's your average take home after everything is all said and done
It’s really hard to throw a number at you because I have other income due to another truck leased on as well as income from TH-cam. Also, everyone spends different on fuel (type of setup and fuel prices depending on where you haul), how you eat, I never have stayed at a hotel I think it’s an expensive and unnecessary thing, and taxes will be different depending on how much you know to get around certain things to pay much less. Sorry I wish I could help more with that.
Ya it’s all no touch. I’ve helped with a few little things before when delivering at job sites, but otherwise they need to pay more for help loading or unloading.
I was an Owner Operator for 20 yrs. Sold everything and drove Company truck my last 5 yrs before retiring after 44 yrs of Trucking. Bless you my friend as I would not move freight for 1.20 per mile. Even if it gets me back home. That Low Rate plus uncounted DH miles will eventually Bankrupt many guys! Parts,Tires and Oil Changes continue to increase. Nobody can continue to run and be profitable at these Garbage can rates going lower. It is a race to the bottom as JB Hunt use to say! How do you pay your House Bills?
The 2 worst 4 letter words in trucking are "BACK HAUL"! Brokers know people will take those Garbage can loads just to get home. They think you should be able to run for 50% less!!! This Insanity is the Main reason Trucking companies are going Belly up every week!
When I had my Semi-truck, I had to know what my CPM was. If you don't know then you end up running for peanuts Losing money while Dispatchers and Freight companies make a profit! My motto became "If it doesn't profit me, Don't turn the key!!!" NO CHEAP FREIGHT!
I always like driving through the Siskiyou's. The elevation changes can suck if you're heavy, but the scenery is gorgeous. And that last exit, at Hilt, saves me a bunch of money (if you know, you know).
I have a 25ft 5k load that needs to go from klamath falls oregon to lompoc ca it's a Branson 2400h tractor with a backhoe and a couple small attachments if you have 25ft of deck space available
I definitely would but I’m in Missouri picking up a new trailer. Unless it’s not time sensitive?
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots I'll have more for you in the future
New Subscriber here. This is the most detailed channel for HotShot that I have seen thus far. Thank you
Wow, thank you so much, we appreciate it a lot!!!
New to the channel... thanks for takin us along!
Thanks for watching!!
Nice weekly vlogs on strapping loads I enjoyed the video
Thank you, much appreciated!!
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots no problem
Your right on strapping the bucket down.. it could have swung the whole cab around on bouncy curves over the siskyous.
Looking to sign on with you in January or February. Just got a nice 2020 big tex 25 plus 5 with mega ramps and put brand new 14 ply tires and brand new trailer brakes on this weekend, I live north of Seattle, 57 years old and have been towing and hauling heavy equipment for many years. Retiring from commercial masonry and going to hotshot, getting cdl and bigger setup maby next summer, any input for good people to try to sign on with would be appreciated if your not taking on anyone, thanks
Very cool! I’m working towards doing hotshot out of central WA. Reading the comments saw that I need to stay under 10K pounds on the trailer. Any other stuff for CA that might be different than Oregon and Washington?
From what I understand, the 10k limit is all that’s different. Also, some states you can run without Apportioned Plates (IRP), but if you’re running over here you have to get them.
Blue Skies motto: “Landed it”😂👌🏼
😂 that’s the first time I’ve seen myself say that, it’s funny the stuff we learn about ourselves making these videos.
You are able to drill new license plate holes so that the bottom of your plate is even with the bottom edge of your trailer or a little higher.
Hey new subscriber nice video did you have to load the lifts yourself ?
Thanks. They loaded the two scissor lifts with a forklift at the other auction, they weren’t running at the time.
Do you have air bags in the rear.
Not on this trailer or my new one, but when I get my next trailer it will be a dual tandem and I’m definitely leaning heavily towards paying the extra $5k and getting air ride.
Hows living in southern Oregon? Always been interested in the Pacific northwest may move there once my kids are out of the house.
It’s very nice here in Southern Oregon, I personally wouldn’t live near Portland but that’s just me. Real estate is also through the roof expensive just a heads up. Otherwise it’s great here.
Have you ever had DOT question your securement of a load?
Only during inspections, but that’s part of it so it’s expected. Other than that, I e had a guy come out and pull on chains and binders when hauling over width in Idaho, but that’s about it and they were fine.
9:46- Will you scale that load before you drive too far away from your shipper?
Normally I would if I’m at a different shipper and the paperwork is close to my max. I load often out of this place though and the paperwork is detailed and spot on for weight.
How much gas was that 700 mile trip ??? Also what load board you use ?
I use Internet Truckstop and that’s it, everything else is brokers/customers that offer me freight direct. Not sure on the fuel, I don’t keep track on every trip, I do my fuel on an average of 10mpg.
I noticed that you're running Firestone Transforce tires. How do you like them? I run them on my F350 Dually and they work well.
They lasted 60,000 miles so I loved them, never any problems. They came on the truck brand new, I just put Coopers on the other day.
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots I have run Cooper Discoverer H/T on my Dually as well. They didn't hold up as well as the Transforce though.
Why don’t you leave the straps wound up on the reel and throw the metal part over?
I used to, but in the winter your straps get destroyed by road grime. Also, when hauling something tall I have to be able to throw the strap over and you can’t do it properly with the hook side. Only takes a few minutes to roll them up so I don’t mind.
Great videos! Did you switch out your trailer hubs for grease? I just bout a 16GN and starting hot shot next week.
No, my 16GN is oil bath and my new trailer is grease. I prefer grease after using both, and it’s not even a close decision.
Shit man I responded and didn’t even say congratulations on starting your journey!! Good luck!!
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots Thanks and stay safe out there
hey question what makes your trailer non cdl?
and what do you recommend to find loads?
It’s not necessarily the trailer that makes me non CDL, it’s that I’m registered at 26,000lbs. which is the max before needing a CDL. When I need to find a load the only site I use now is Internet Truckstop.
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots hmm ok im in CA and i was told something different by CHP or maybe he was just trying to scare bc im new, any who thanks been struggling with loads been active 1 month now thank you for these helpful vídeos
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots and what plan do you have on truckstop ?
I pay $150 a month so it’s not the basic plan, but I’m sure someone could get by with the basic if need be. And California is different, you can’t have over 10k on your trailer is my understanding. I’ve had 2 level 1 inspections in California and passed both with how I’m registered. However, one of the times I had 10,250lbs on the trailer and technically he could have violated me but didn’t, he said it’s because I’m registered in Oregon with my IRP and Oregon allows it so they’ve been told to allow it as well. I think if you’re based in California they might look at it differently, which isn’t very fair in my opinion. 1 month in is a tough spot, but it gets easier and better as you build relationships and absolutely get a few of your own customers, running off the load boards 100% of the time isn’t possible anymore, there’s way too many hotshots to compete with now.
Where/how did you learn to secure your loads? Did you have a similar job before doing hotshots or watch a lot of TH-cam :p Seems to me like one of the more important skills as I assume you are responsible for it.
My dad taught me a lot growing up honestly, and the rest has been truthfully self taught. I always go based on weight and length for how many straps I use and where I put them. With chains and binders, most machinery has tie down points specifically for transport, and depending on weight that will tell me how many binders I’ll use to be as safe as possible. As far as tarps, nothing prepares you for that battle 😂😂.
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots Thanks man. Very interesting watching what you do and showing how much you are figuring out as you go. You know the tarp is miserable when you can't even take the time to film it haha. Probably make the entire video double R rated :)
@@bdlii😂😂 that’s a fact!!
How many feet do you have in 1 chain
The chains I used on the scissor lifts are 16ft each, and the chains I used on the mini excavator are 12ft or 14ft. A lot of people will buy all 20ft chains, but I’ve found I never need that much and it’s nice to have a variety.
Place your license plate on the back side of the ramp course would have to drill two holes
I probably would have done that if I was keeping the trailer, but now that I got the new one and they actually put the license plate in a good location I won’t have to worry anymore.
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots if you don't mind me asking, what Brand did you buy? I think just abought every damn manufacturer out there lol. You put your plate down below where immediately it gets ripped off
@@beauvaistrucking6365 I bought a LoneStar and the license plate is at the top of the left ramp with a single light over it, works so much better than these other ones dragging them around all day 😂
Hi, How much do you pay for insurance monthly?
I pay $2,300 monthly and that covers 2 trucks and 3 trailers as well as myself and our leased on owner operator.
hi, which trailer do you use?
It’s a 35+5 LoneStar with 7k axles and 14ply tires. I prefer 8k axles with 16ply, but what I have is plenty for the weight I put on the trailer.
What truck do you have 2500?
Ya, it’s a 2022 Ram 2500.
Do you have cdl
No I don’t. I’m about halfway done with it, but for my I run non CDL.
What you’re doing looks good but you shouldn’t hook to the rub rails of the trailer it has no structural integrity to the trailer and you can also receive a unsecured load citation as well as an out of service until it is corrected.
I appreciate the info. I’ve actually heard that before, and once a guy told me it’s ok if they are on the inside of the rub rail which I’m not sure about. It seems like they should be hooked to the L on the under side of the trailer? I’m always open to changing things, especially if I’m doing it wrong or someone has a better way.
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots yes, sir, you are correct your hooks should be on the inside of the rub rail to the trailer
WD40 is NOT a lubricant. (most people think it is) I like CRC Power Lube spray lube....
WD40 is a lubricant and it helps against rust, which is what I fight the most. There are other things I could buy and use, but I had a full can of WD and it works just fine on ratchets every time I’ve used it.
Does anyone CDL needs to have a Elog?
It depends. If you’re only going a certain amount of miles away from home then you don’t need logs. But if you’re looking into trucking then chances are you’ll need to go further and in that case CDL and Non CDL both require an ELD.
I always tack excess strap under tightened strap.
Why don`t you too...
Why go through all the trouble when a tarp is going over it all.
@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots Strap can fall off the trailer under the tarp, get on the wheel, and it will pull so hard it can damage the load.
Happened to me, can happen to anyone...
Sounds like there was a gap in the tarp then, gotta keep it tight and tarped correctly and that won’t happen.
Hey bud what do you average in a week after fuel food and if you stop at a hotel for the night what do you clear after expenses and taxes what's your average take home after everything is all said and done
It’s really hard to throw a number at you because I have other income due to another truck leased on as well as income from TH-cam. Also, everyone spends different on fuel (type of setup and fuel prices depending on where you haul), how you eat, I never have stayed at a hotel I think it’s an expensive and unnecessary thing, and taxes will be different depending on how much you know to get around certain things to pay much less. Sorry I wish I could help more with that.
What do you do normally haul no touch freight
Ya it’s all no touch. I’ve helped with a few little things before when delivering at job sites, but otherwise they need to pay more for help loading or unloading.