Hotshot Trucking: Can I Work Part-time or Weekends? This question comes up almost daily on our Hotshot-USA Resource Network of social media groups. Someone has a truck, maybe a trailer too? Or thinking of doing it as a side gig? Sometimes someone is retiring and wants to do something where they can get out and see the country, while making money.
Then there is the person who wants to work a few days, evenings or weekends. They don’t want to drive over the road, want to sleep in a pickup dually, or to stay local. There are a dozen reasons people think, “Hey, I have a truck, and I might as well put it to work. I hear Hotshot trucking is where the money is and I want some of it.”
• Hotshot trucking can be pursued part-time or on weekends as a side gig if you meet legal requirements.
• It is a regulated business requiring compliance for “For Hire” commercial vehicle operation.
Can I Work Part-Time or Weekends? Key requirements include:
• Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Passing a DOT physical exam for a Medical Examination Certificate.
• Adhering to Hours of Service rules for driving and rest periods.
• Maintaining adequate insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Properly registering and licensing the truck and trailer.
• Securing an operating authority and USDOT number for interstate commerce.
• Ensuring load securement and safety standards are met.
• Following weight and size regulations, including obtaining permits for oversized loads.
• Participating in mandatory drug and alcohol testing programs.
• Understanding and complying with federal and state regulations.
Can I Work Part-Time or Weekends? Rules & Requirements
Hotshot trucking requires a framework of rules and responsibilities for safety and legal compliance.
Some requirements apply specifically to CDL drivers, but the point stands. There is substantial onboarding, including paperwork, creating a Drivers Qualification file, and adding information to insurance, FMCSA, payroll, fuel cards, PrePass, or Toll transponders. Ensuring truck and driver compliance with safety, pre-trip inspections, ELD operation, HOS regulations, GPS use, and legal standards is crucial. Compliance issues can quickly harm a motor carrier and its insurance.
Investing in equipment to operate as a Flatbed Carrier includes GPS, ELD, dashcam, auxiliary fuel tank, tools, bottleneck jack, impact wrench, and hand tools. DOT-required gear includes 3 triangles, fire extinguisher, paper logs, extra fuses, etc. Proper PPE is essential: steel toe boots, safety vest, hard hat, safety glasses, and fire-retardant clothing for oil fields. Flatbed cargo haulers need securement gear like tarps, chains, straps, binders, corner protectors, pocket stakes, coil racks, and more, which all together can cost over $5000 per truck.
It is important to consider that the interested party will likely purchase a suitable Gooseneck trailer to meet their requirements, whether they possess a CDL or not. They should ensure the trailer includes necessary features such as strap winders, tool boxes, spare tires, quality tires, and well-maintained brakes, hubs, and wiring.
The primary cost factor that can impact the feasibility of part-time work in this field is commercial truck insurance and cargo insurance. The average annual cost ranges from $12,000 to $35,000 a year, with significant down payments and high monthly premiums.
Please consider this carefully. It is essential to generate sufficient income to cover your monthly insurance premiums, as well as the payments for your truck, trailer, and equipment after accounting for fuel expenses. On average, fuel costs can amount to approximately 25% of your revenue from loads; however, this figure is provided merely as an example.
Even if you meet all financial, legal, compliance, and investment requirements, consider this crucial point about part-time or weekend gigs:
• Most brokers work only Monday to Friday during regular business hours.
• 99% of shipping departments operate Monday to Friday, closing receiving at 2-3 pm.
• Most companies are not open on weekends, except for occasional oil rigs or work sites. Over many years, only a few weekend loads have been delivered.
Additionally, it is important to consider that the majority of Hotshot work is OTR (over the road), which involves staying out for extended periods. Revenue is determined by multiplying miles by rate, so more miles result in more money. There are some local Hotshot businesses; for example, one associate has built a successful local direct shipper business through effective communication skills and sales prowess. While regional and state-level driving, such as within Texas, was possible in the past when rates were higher, it may yield fewer numbers compared to OTR. However, this arrangement allowed for being home on weekends and sometimes during the week.
If you have the drive, motivation, and equipment, consider using delivery gig apps like Curri, Ferro, Shipt, Amazon Flex, Roadie, and Delivery.com to make extra money. Note that these opportunities are usually limited to weekdays.
So, I Voluntarily Revoked my MC due not enough revenue for Insurance? How do I get my Authority? By paying what I owe on insurance? And why is it still so high after 9mo. ?
Hey Ted! We work with a Hotshot Trucking insurance expert that can advise you on the best course of action. Send us an e-mail at dc@hotshotshow.com and we can point you in the right direct.