As I was driving through deep West Texas, I was getting messages from some of my members, friends and eBook purchasers. Everyday I get a few messages and questions from people learning the hotshot business. It’s all part of what I do. One call was from someone who I talk to regularly. He started his own Authority business and had just completed his CDL. He had taken my advice, if you’re going to go in, go all in.
He reminded me that it had been close to a year since he started and he had followed my guidelines. He experienced many of the same hurdles, pitfalls, joys, and successes I wrote about. I asked him to explain it to me because I must admit, I spent two years writing this book, taking notes, talking into my phone notes recorder, sitting at truck stops, at rest areas, scribbling on a notepad. Spending hours at night, researching, asking questions of my partners, friends, dispatchers, and observing others.
However, since I had spent three months off from driving while I wrote this eBook, I had forgotten about what all I had wrote about. I came to a startling realization, wow! It has almost been a year anniversary since I first released this book on learning the hotshot business. It was August when I sold my first copy. It seems like so long ago.
Our Guide Has Helped Hundreds When Learning The Hotshot Business
In the year, this book has helped hundreds of people learning the hotshot business and to know if they have what it takes to be in this business. What kind of expenses you will be up against and what equipment you will need? Do you drive for or lease under someone? Do buy your own equipment and start your own LLC, Authority, and commercial insurance? Should you get a CDL or do you go the non-CDL route?
What do I do when I break down out on the road? What kind of truck and trailer do I need? How do I cut my expenses, get an auxiliary tank, fuel cards and what about an ELD? In fact, what is an ELD, HOS, CDL, DOT, FMSCA, CSA Score, GPS, MC #, IFTA, LLC, and so much more. Once I get started, how do I get loads? Do I use a dispatcher? How do I book my own loads? How much money can I make?
I tried to put everything one would need to know to get started in this business, in this guide. Truth is, I can tell you, you can study, you can watch YouTube videos, ask questions on Facebook groups, but until you must strap down your first loads, chain down 10,000 lb. pieces of equipment that have wheels, climb on top of a 8 foot high load and tarp it in the wind, NOTHING can take the place of experience.
Now I am no expert. A lot of the people I call experts that I often seek out for knowledge and experience. I have many years of driving all types of vehicles… box truck, van, Semi, and Hotshot. I must admit, I learn something new almost every day. Some of you know, I created and am Administrator of many Hotshot Trucking groups and have created a Hotshot trucking Resource website and Network. Since my book I have dedicated my energy to education, promoting the industry and helping my fellow drivers.
Our Goal
My goal is to make Hotshot trucking a well-known and respected trade. I have become a mentor to many but I run into more than my share of haters. Some think that the industry is too crowded and to many are jumping in and hurting all of us. Though, I don’t disagree that it has become oversaturated in many markets, especially with non-cdl. That is one of the main points I make in my book, if you’re going to start a business, why limit yourself to only certain loads? It is hard enough sometimes to find loads as it is.
However, these same people jumping into the business are going to start anyways. So why not teach them the right way? When other drivers screw up and damage vehicles, cargo and cause insurance to skyrocket and brokers to not use Hotshot, it hurts us all. At the end of the day, it takes a certain type of individual to sit in a seat for 11 hours or longer. To be out on their own through inclement weather, away from their family for days on end, to drive for hours in huge cities traffic. I try to explain exactly what you can expect as a driver.
We wrote this book to teach people the right way
Why did I write this book? As a driver or Hotshot business, we all get this. You pull into a jobsite or are filling up your truck and someone asks you, How do I get started learning the hotshot business? We see it hundreds of times on our groups. I would spend a lot of time, helping, emailing, sending people links and YouTube videos. I have had complete strangers come to my house so I could show them what it took to get started. When driving with my own mentor, I started writing notes. I decided that I was going to write the ultimate guide with stories and resources for those wanting to get started.
Last year, after a few years of driving, breakdowns, up and down business, I decided I was just going to take off a few months and get this book done. I worked on it day and night. I took on a graphic website designer that has been with me ever since. He helps me daily, edited my book and built my website. He is now a partner in everything I do. Together we have built a network of Hotshot trucking, Gooseneck trailers and Flatbeds, Interconnected social media and Internet websites. We have only just begun. We have taken on some great sponsors with many more in the wings.
Do your due diligence, research, study and ask questions when learning the hotshot business
What is the main message of my eBook? To do your due diligence, research, study, ask questions, watch videos, find a mentor and understand what you are getting into and what it will take for you to succeed. Number one bit of advice in my book- Run your business, like a business, minimize your expenses, maximize your profits. In other words, be organized, timely, don’t take chances, only take loads that you can make money on, maintain your vehicles and equipment, plan your work and work your plan. This business is much more than a career, it is a lifestyle.
Every action has a consequence. If you are not on top of your game legally, it will catch up with you. Violations cost you short and long term. The slightest infractions can cost you in insurance for years sometimes causing you to fold. Number two on the list of advice is to build up a nest egg of cash and expect problems, mechanical and otherwise. You should have enough to get you by for a few weeks if your truck breaks down, you trailer needs repairs, your put out of service, health problems, and so many other reasons. I can honestly say, I lose a few weeks every year and sometimes a couple of months.
This trade is especially hard on vehicles that were not made to run as hard as we need them to. Be prepared for anything. One more bit of advice, always think safety. This business can be treacherous and hard on you. Be sharp, be vigilant. Always secure your load like your life depends on it because it does. Yours and those around you. Don’t be lazy and cut corners. Over secure, over strap and over chain. Do it for your loved ones as if they were following behind you. Use the right equipment for the job.
How Has The Industry Changed?
What has changed since I wrote my book? A hell of a lot! The world has flipped on its axis. COVID Shutdowns, Supply chain shortages, equipment shortages, price increases, inflation, recession, Interest rates up and fuel is out of control. Examples: A Ram 3500 brand new used to cost $52k and a new 40-foot Gooseneck $16k. Now the truck is $68k or more and the trailer is $25-$30k. That’s if you can find the one you want.
Fuel was as low as $1.90 a gal. Today Kroger had diesel for $5.49 a gal. It takes me $400 to fill my two tanks and my aux.. So, you must have capital for fuel and keep your credit cards paid up. I let mine go for three weeks and I am still crawling out from under these debts. What has really hit all of us are parts and price increases. I used to pay $200 for brake assemblies for my 12k axles and now they are $560 each set plus racings, bearings, seals, and labor. Recently, I spent $3,600 on a complete overhaul and that was with my longtime mechanic.
You must be financially and mechanically aware of every aspect of running your business. You must be on top of your game and ahead of the curve. My book has helped those that do not have the experience and some of those that do. It has helped to see the whole picture, understand the options and to make the right decisions. A lapse in judgement can cost you dearly in this business, and most of all, time. The time it takes to make money and to get started. The good thing about this business is that you can start making money immediately, and if done correctly, you can catch up quickly. I have dug myself out of more holes than a grave digger.
Is this business still viable and profitable?
Can I still make a living at it? I have written a couple of articles in my Resource blog about how businesses fail? Is it worth it to add a driver? I explain that it is harder to make it a go and that I am seeing more hotshot businesses fail or get out. This is all true but probably the same in all businesses. To be perfectly honest, not to sugar coat it, this isn’t the best time to get in. The price of equipment and interest rates to finance it are out of a healthy range. Insurance is going up to be able to cover the increased cost of replacement, unsafe drivers, etc.
Finally, there is the fuel factor. Rates are not increasing at the rate of fuel increases. There are a lot of drivers and dispatchers vying for the same loads. Too many desperate drivers out there that are highly indebted and must produce some revenue. They take any load and that just hurts us all in the long run. Brokers know that someone will take their $2 a mile load and they have no reason to go up. I don’t think I would jump in with these factors, at least as an owner operator. Jump in as a driver with someone else’s equipment, insurance and their loads. Test the waters and learn the ropes. Learn all you can first. Read my book and I explain all of this. Know your options and your future. Don’t take chances with such a huge investment. Go in, go all in.
