Saturday, February 8, 2014

What It Takes To Become A Hot Shot Trucking Driver

By Jerri Perry


To majority of long distance drivers, it is often difficult to differentiate hot truck trucking from expedited loads business. The similarity between the two is that in all cases, the shipment process is likely to be time sensitive. The type of truck used brings about the difference. The expedited loads are shipped by vans, tractors or straight trucks as opposed to hot shot trucking where flat-bed or medium duty (goose neck) diesel operated trucks are used for pulling the cargo hauling trailers.

The hot shot trucking business is a rapidly growing industry particularly with the advent of online shopping and home delivery of goods. Several companies that deal in time sensitive cargo are attracted to this form of transportation with drivers having opportunity to work as freelance drivers or lease their services and trucks to hauling companies that work as agents. This means that you just need a DMW driving license, inspection certificate, insurance and of cause a serviceable truck and trailer then you are good to go.

As an independent driver, you will get the opportunity to choose the load you prefer, choose the location and even the destination thanks to online freight matching providers. In this manner, there are no deductions from your earning and the related paperwork handling is done by drivers themselves. The earning depends on the nature of cargo and its size, the destination and the shipper but finding the business might still be challenge.

Leasing your services and truck to the brokerage company on the other hands also come with merits and demerits. Other than fulfilling the federal and state requirements, you must also fulfill the requirements set by the company.

It is best to ensure that the truck has dually and is diesel since the gas engine type may not be able to go for very many trips that you may be required to complete. As long as it is within your budget, try and get the longest truck that is four-wheel drive since the longer ones make trips better than the shorter ones. The cabin should also be spacious enough allowing for sleeping room after a long exhaustive trip.

In whichever the case however, there are necessary steps that must be completed before one can start. The first step would be to apply for a number from U. S Department of Transportation which can be done online, take insurance for property damage and bodily injury and then find an agent that can deal with legal summons or other documents arising from business. When starting business, you should try getting hauling contracts from the local manufacturers, agricultural businesses, larges stores or warehouses.

Both the freelance drivers and those who choose to lease their services have some process to complete before the business can start. You must first get the DOT number, inspection certificate, take an insurance cover for personal injury and property damage, get services of an agent to deal with paperwork and related summons (freelance drivers only) and then go into marketing of your services. The best targets are large agricultural business around, manufacturing firms, stores and warehouses.

The online presence is also a good technique where you send emails and establish a website. With the proper authorization from FMCSA and other relevant bodies, it is time to call it ago for your hot shot trucking business. You must however be well versed withal laws and regulations in your state of operation.




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