Requirements for Hot Shot Trucking Drivers

Hot shot trucking—freight hauled by a midsize class 3, 4 or 5 truck—isn’t just an innovative idea with a cool name. It’s also a fantastic career option for anyone who enjoys driving and wants to be their own boss. However, like with any job, there are some prerequisites you must fulfill before you hop in your truck and start hauling 10,000-pound freight loads. Keep reading to learn more about these requirements from your hot shot trucking company in Houston, TX:

• Apply for USDOT and MC numbers: Your first step in becoming a hot shot truck driver is registering for your DOT number, which is your unique identifying number used for safety reports, crash investigations, inspections and audits. If you plan on crossing state lines as a hot shot trucker, you’ll also need to apply for an MC number. Both of these applications can be filled out on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website.
• Purchase insurance: Once you’ve obtained your USDOT numbers and passed a drug test, it’s time to buy insurance. It should go without saying that hot shot truckers need a lot of liability insurance coverage—about $750,000 worth to be exact. Granted, you’ll only need to pay around $5,500 out of pocket for that coverage.
• Buy your equipment: Now that you’re insured, it’s ready to buy all of your equipment. You’ll obviously need a truck that can handle your freight, a flatbed and various chains and bungee cords to tie down your load. Many folks choose a Ford 450 or 550 (or a similar model from a different manufacturer). A smaller truck, like a Ford 250 or 350 could work, but heavy-duty loads put a lot of strain on smaller trucks.

Why become a hot shot driver?

Hot shot trucking wouldn’t be so popular right now if it didn’t offer a number of advantages over traditional truck driving! Here are a few reasons why more and more people are considering joining a hot shot trucking company in Houston, TX:

• Local loads: Hot shot trucking loads are typically only local or regional deliveries. That means you can spend less time on the road and more time back at home with your friends and family!
• High pay rate: The money is just as good (or better) for hot shot trucking as it is for class 8 drivers. Making the same amount of money while being home more often is a win-win!
• Simple licensing procedure: If you don’t have your CDL, don’t worry—as long as your freight is less than 10,000 pounds, all you need is a standard driver’s license to work as a hot shot trucker. Granted, you may want to obtain your CDL down the road so you can get more work.

If you think you have what it takes to become a hot shot truck driver, you should go for it—it’s a fantastic career choice that you’ll probably really love! If you’re already a hot shot truck driver looking for a new company, consider joining our team at Pro Delivery LLC. We’re the premier company in town for hot shot trucking, LTL shipping in Houston, TX and much more.

Categorised in: Hot Shot Trucking, LTL Trucking Company

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