Hotshot Resource Network – As a hotshot trucking owner operator starting out, I remember one thing very clearly. Trying to figure out the complexities of the business. The processes of starting a hotshot trucking authority was complex and intimidating. You can watch videos on YouTube, but those guys didn’t always have a clue or let their egos give exaggerated claims like making 10k a week. Not to mention, that while it is possible, and some do, not everyone, or most, won’t.
Then, you go to social media for help and get dogged by the trolls and haters. Plus, get a hundred different answers to the same question. “Yes, no, you’re a moron and shouldn’t be in business.” Truth is everyone does things differently and nothing beats hands on experience. I was very fortunate and blessed to have been in similar businesses most of my life, having mentors that I could ride with and learn with (best way). Also, having owned several small businesses before, I knew to look at it as a business… to research, to keep notes, to find answers. To go to people in the business and get the right answers, or even better, the experience.
There was a time when Hotshot Trucking was exploding and very profitable. Loads paid good and you made a profit. Every day, everywhere, someone was asking you- How do I get into the business? To this day, it is still the #1 question on all our groups. So, being the helpful, empathetic person I am, was always showing my friends and those that needed my help, what to do.
So, on those long trips where you think of the answers to everything but remember nothing, I formulated a plan. How can I help the most people and possibly create a revenue stream from it. I started a two-year process of taking notes at truck stops, rest stops and hotels. Talking into my Samsung Notes, creating files, organizing my chapters, thinking of everything that a new driver should know. Not just facts but experiences. Not what to do but what not to do. The pitfalls and must do’s of the industry.
I took several months off one summer and finished my book. Yes, we used to make that kind of scratch to save money to be able to take off. I published the book, built websites and partnered up with Jake Bellaire, my website guru. He helped me edit the book and we were published on Amazon Kindle. We designed our first website to promote and market our eBook. This book has helped hundreds of drivers get into the business. I still help my readers with questions every day. I have made a lot of friends through my eBook.
As an entrepreneur, I look for what is needed in this business to promote the industry. I decided to form Hotshot Trucking Shows USA. As an exhibitor and promoter in trade shows, festivals, State fairs, and gun shows, I understand the markets and potential for an industry trade show. This became my goal and focus. I was a little premature. I needed a platform, a base to promote, educate and offer a platform for the average driver to have access to help their business grow. We are still planning our shows, but we have Hotshot Trucking Summits and Jamborees, Gathering of the herd. Coming soon.
The first part of our hotshot resource network… I started my first Facebook group – Hotshot Trucking Shows USA as a way to get our message out. I wanted to help those that needed the help without being subjected to scammers or spam and to be Hotshot related. So much of social media is nothing but elaborate scams. I wanted my members to have a safe Forum for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, experiences, and advice.
I am a Hotshot owner operator and I wanted to build something just for us – A Network for Drivers, built by Drivers. We created Hotshot-USA Resource Network. A community of social media, websites, publishing blog articles, email newsletters and marketing. I have worked tirelessly, non-stop, and we are now over 20 groups on all platforms of social media, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and more.
We have specialized groups for Hotshot, Semi, Gooseneck & Flatbed trailers, Box Trucks, Car haulers and more. We have discussion groups and buy/sell groups, dispatcher groups, Diesel Maintenance and Rescue. As a network for drivers, we try to have every topic you need to grow your business.
My goal of our hotshot resource network is to bring our members the best. Everything you need to get started in the business, get rolling, and to stay rolling. One of the hardest subjects to find good answers without someone steering you wrong are the services, products, and companies that you need in this business. You need to be able to trust and to get expert advice, good customer service, and know that others have used the same.
I spent two years seeking out the right fit for our members. Everyone needs certain equipment like a good trailer and a dealership that can deliver nationwide. A commercial insurance agency that looks out for its customers and provides good service, get the best quotes and shop around with other underwriters. You need a good factoring company, one that is more than just factoring. One that works for you, is your partner, and can help you to save money.
We all need ELDs, they are a must. We kept hearing bad reviews from the largest companies and how they locked you into a two-year contract, charged way too much, and were foreign companies with limited English communication skills. So we found the best company and product for our businesses in our hotshot resource network.
As trucking businesses we also know that fuel was the #1 profit killer. It could make or break you. We had tried all the different cards and claims, but we found the best that instantly started saving us money from day one. I can say that it doubled our profits on some runs alone. We found the best deals with Load board, drug compliance, AC products and more.
We created our HOTSHOT CONNECTIONS section so that you can find trusted, vetted, resources that we stand behind and use. We worked hard on this and it is the highlight of our efforts. We have assembled and partnered up with companies that offer our members the best deals, service and recognize the needs and strengths of the Hotshot Nation.
My request, if you know me, you know how much I put into all of this. How many I help and how I do all I can to help the drivers, owners and operators and newbies. I just ask that you support our efforts. If you need any of the services, IF you are new and wanting to start, you have it all. We have training, we can help you get a CDL, we have a great eBook that lays it out for you.
Watch our new video to see how it’s done and use us. Feel free to contact me if you want to ask any questions, I can put you in direct contact with a representative of the companies.
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