People are quitting NON-CDL hotshot.... here's why
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- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
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The DOT inspects your vehicle to make sure it’s safe for THEIR roads. Have you seen their shitty roads? How about we inspect their shitty roads and see if maybe they’re tearing up our trucks.
Let's be honest, they inspect for money. Cut the profit out and DOT would go away tomorrow.
@@jasonbourne1596 shut your mouth
@@jasonbourne1596 yep. It’s all about revenue. The government doesn’t produce anything to fund itself...other than taxes, fines, penalties, and lotto...
To busy giving out tax dollars to Ukraine.
Hey Alex, I started my hotshot business business 2 years ago, and I've learned alot just by watching your videos. I bought a 2019 ram dually 4x4 tradesmen crew cab 2 years ago w a 35ft gator gooseneck. I am a established business now, so I hired a driver and I just bought another dually yesterday. I have 2 drivers now and business is good. I thank the good lord for all of my success. I give God all the credit. Tp, I am 48 years old a non cdl hotshot and after paying my driver's, insurance, fuel and maintenance, I am profiting 1800.00 a week. Thanks again, for all of your advice and encouragement.
Hello Alex, My wife and I want to buy a 40 ft like yours. What is the G.V.W.R on your trailer,? and how do I stay under 26000lbs?
Congratulations my man. Safe travels
The reason rates drop, is because drivers run cheap freight. Drivers don't make it because they don't know how to manage the money, bottom line. To many people live above their means.
Facts people will never understand this
Well know ur worth
$4a mile all miles over here. You get the rate you look for
@@tinystowingtinyunis2957 faxx; most have no business skills and no patience
They run cheap freight because they have no idea what their actual profit is. They think they are making more money then they are.
That and lots of guys have income coming from somewhere else and convince themselves it is “good enough”.
The guys at the top love it. An endless supply of drivers willing to work for peanuts.
I do agree with the comments, if drivers are willing to haul for cheap rates then the brokers will continue to put out the cheap rates. They have no problem pocketing the cash that drivers leave on the table, be smart drivers and know your worth! If you refuse to haul for cheap then they will not put out cheap rates.
Nice view point, but our world doesn't work that way. The crowd will act as it wills, the members of the crowd are powerless. It's like arguing with a flame or whirlpool. :)
If all the drivers hold the line like they did with game stop and stop taking cheap rates then rates will go up.
Lmao all gamestop did was make hedge funds richer, you clowns are hilarious
Problem is u got that one guy who under cuts or faces folding an doesnt care about everyone around him. He'll burn the whole industry if it means puting his ass in the house on the hill.
Yes👍
@@johnalexander4428 that's called CAPITALISM! This is 'Merica!
@@AztecDread have no fear a hammer an sickle is coming to a state near you!
I am a cdl hotshot and I haven't had a problem with the dot and on the insurance side I have progressive and they take all new mc number and owner operators.
I went with Progressive and got a great rate. I had an insurance broker call for NYC and I told them my rate he said "That's Awful". I said "what do you mean"? He said "that's awfully good, I can't give you a rate anywhere near that". True story.
Not in cali
What's your rate John mine is $11,000 a year in Ga.
@@dwaynedrake7533 Mine is $7500 per year here in Montana. We have fewer crazy drivers and NO cities.
Mine is 13200 in Colorado
i agree 100%! i love hotshot! wouldn’t change a thing! awesome content, Alex! Keep up the awesome work my friend!
I appreciate your point of view! Gotta stay positive and stay on track!! there's gonna be ups and downs with any business, its keeping it going long term that brings success..Nothing worth doing is easy...
As a business owner if you have some paid off equipment you can get a line of credit off that equipment. This will help you pay the bills during the slow times and then you pay it off once you get busy again. Try to find a small state bank to deal with. Don’t bother with the big national banks.
BEST ADVICE ON HERE!
What a it using Credit Unions?
The last semi I owned was in 2005. It cost me $1,000/week weather I started the truck or not. Then add fuel, maintenance, tires, food...... just because you are in a semi doesn't mean you will get good rates when you factor out your cost/mile.
Robert from sghs has finally gotten his cdl and truck and seems to really be enjoying it .
I agreed with Alex, I don’t that often but I personally don’t like semi either. I have had semis and I personally enjoy hotshot I do get Hotels the back of a pickup doesn’t work for me. It all works out pretty much the same semis do cost more to operate. I hear you can buy a 30k semi blah blah yeah you can and you will be throwing money at it all the time, same thing as if you go buy a high mileage pickup for 10k. My 2 cents it’s all about what works for you and if you run it like a business and not a ATM most will succeed, know your cost of doing business build relationships with brokers and shippers and they will pay for reliable services
I’m a CDL driver and I get criticized for buying a hotshot even though I use to own semis...like yourself I prefer a hotshot over a semi...does not mean I won’t buy semis. I’ll just have drivers for those trucks😎
Maintenance is less I believe or is it close to the same?
I used to perform pm's on tractors/trailers which included parts running. Parts aren't cheap by any means.
@@tsi87supr60 Obviously costs are higher across the board for a semi . If you blow the engine up in your pickup, it's not going to cost 30k for another, nor is the transmission going to run you 12k.
Alex, love your attitude and all the information you provide. My wife and I are became "Hotshotters" mostly because of you. We love it. THANK YOU!
Life teaches me .... that is more important to stick with what you have and keep producing revenue than jumping around looking for the best" equipment or best" foula to make more money......
I agree
I just started using my semi and like it much better. Easier to find loads, better pay and much more comfortable to sleep in. Driving is more stressful though.
You’re an owner operator with your own semi under your own authority or partnered with a carrier? I’m new to trucking, working on getting my years worth experience with a good company and eventually get my own truck. I’ve heard bad experiences form people who lease their trucks with companies.
Yes, driving is much more stressful in a semi
@@magiccarpet6230 Why?
@@edman79 bigger truck. Taller truck. More regulation etc etc.
@@marioalvidrez6258 yes they sell the be your own boss scam an a lot of people fall for that crap but an reality they own you an they own the truck but you are making the payments paying the insurance in reality they sold you an illusion which is called be your boss don't fall for that crap run away as far as you can from those crooks.
I see the dot pulling straight trucks in these days more than anyone else
In my 15 years of driving semi every year the rates and freight drop off every year around tax time because the manufacturers do not want to pay taxes on the property they have in their warehouse so they slow production and ship loads but make the trucking company hold the product as long as possible because if it’s in a trailer and not setting on their property they don’t have to pay taxes on it and the receivers want to delay delivery if they are having their taxes done for the same reason if it’s setting on their floor they have more taxes to pay
This doesn't make much sense to me. Why woul a driver hold onto a load longer for less money?
Thanks for your time and God bless you and your family
Hey Alex the industry will level off the hot shot trucking industry will come back around
Get a cdl with a air brake restriction the test is easy and you know 95% of the knowledge and can take the test in a truck and trailer not a tractor only have to take 2 test at dmv and learn everything on CZcams
I can’t get a clear answer if the State of Michigan allows people to test for CDL A with a pickup instead of class 8 semi.
dboom64 they should. A pickup with a trailer can require a class A CDL. There would be a restriction on the license since you’d be testing in a truck without air brakes.
I really appreciate this video, I love non CDL hotshot and I’m almost old enough to get my CDL. I have my permit and everything but 2 months from being 21. I would like to keep doing this but the pressure is on to switch to semi. I’ve driven both and I can tell up you hot shot is so much better. It’s relieving to see my biggest influence on CZcams (Alex) committing to this business and not giving up like the others. Watching you just keeps my head in the game and inspires me to do better. Good luck out there Alex!
Alex huge fan. Our MC is less than a year old and my wife was able to figure all the insurance end, granted it took over a month, calling from Cali to New York and everywhere else.. They definitely don’t make it easy and with being in business less than I year there are any more hoops to jump through.. but well worth it sir!! Keep up the good job man
Oh man, the warnings are real. Class A, multiple warnings in Illinois. Raises your CSA points because in the FMCSA world a warning counts as a violation points.
Tennessee loves some Hotshots. See it every day up and down I40
I’m one of the guys that got my start in hot shot and bought a flat top Pete.... hot shot was way more fun because of the tighter places you can go IMO.... I only got pulled into scale with hot shot once a year and semi twice a year for inspection.... my advice about the rates is ditch broker out loads go direct you’ll pocket a lot more money 🤙🏻 #saynotocheapfright
This has to be one of your most transparent videos. This was dipped in awesome sauce
Best video you have made to date Alex. I was considering hotshot when I found you I am a cdl company driver but I’m currently moving to a full time owner operator of class 8 trucks. You know you stuff and it’s helped me make lots of good decisions. Thanks for the info. And because of you I am considering starting a real CZcams channel like you have as I move to owner operator. Good luck and thank you for all the videos and info I will definitely keep following you and recommending your channel. Hope to see you some day out on the road.
Hadn't ever drove a semi, studied the online tests for a week or so, watched some CZcams videos on pretrip, borrowed a log truck and went and got my CDL. Now I have hazmat, tankers, and double/triples endorsements. It ain't that hard if u have some common sense.
It might still be possible to take CDL exam without being forced to pay for truck driving school. Not that school is bad idea. But costs.
@@larrythompson8630 yeah they had postponed the mandatory school requirement but I'm sure it's coming soon.
not too many states left that allow you to get a CDL without a certified training course. Feds cracked down on that a while ago
@@Hardy_H_H They had postponed it, so has it went in effect now?
Many states require at least 10 hours of driving under supervision before they let you take the DMV road test so the CDL school is pretty much the only option in many states
It wasn’t meant to be a shot at you or non CDL guys. It’s just what I’ve been told from DOT! Yesterday actually I asked why they pick on hot shots and that’s what he told me. Keep it up Alex!
What did tell you
@@JuanPablo-kt4uh they told me that stopping hotshots are easier targets to get revenue and violations. And that’s because all a guy would have to do is buy a pickup, buy a trailer, get an authority started and just go to work. No special skills, or knowledge of the industry, no schooling, nothing. Whereas CDL guys can go to school, or whatever and take a special test to obtain their CDL.
@@chasethornton5986 Yeah but many hotshot drivers actually have a CDL. The truth is, they are lazy and do what's easier for themselves to bring in revenue.
If they don't like the fact we can haul 16k rig down the road without a CDL, tuff. They made this possible because you don't need a CDL if you aren't over 16k.
That's like the FAA messing with a Cessna pilot because he isn't also checked out on planes he doesn't even fly.
DOT are as corrupt as every other body of gov. They are all about squeezing the middleclass. They want you slaving for corporations.
@@chasethornton5986don't need the gov blessing to do anything, gov are there to protect it's citizens not squeeze them dry. Seems people forget what gov role is. Act like slaves and you will be treated as such.
I defiantly agree with you. You cant always chase the next the next thing. But at the same time dont settle. At the end of the day like you said its all a job and no matter what you have to work for it. Thanks for the vids. Keep on moving up!
Pay your guys percentage, on average they will take better care of your equipment.
Facts 25% or better and a driver will be motivated
20 years in business they either have it they don't...no mount of money changes a crappy attitude of an employee...shitty employees don't magically get better with more $$$....I have tried. When u do fin them..treat them well.
what a concept
That's right. Make then accountable and responsible.
Brother, I totally agree with you. I pay my guys 30% on each load and pay for their hotels for their 34 hour reset. I love the hotshot business and the smartest investment I ever made.
After 25 years of driving I always thought that going hot shot was something to do local around retirement time. Then it would be a single axle sleeper with a step deck
What make and model would you get?
@@arthurstitch9041 For used truck a cascadia single axle sleeper used 53 ft step deck with rear ramps for a new truck a T 680, a W900 or 389 pete check Ryder for used trucks because they have all the records and big varieties
Great video again. I’ll call you Wednesday pm to follow up on how we challenge all DOT and moving violations in front of a judge. Every one should know how the points effect their insurance rates. Our 49 year old company is rated A+ by the BBB.
Keep the great content coming
A lot of people are always looking down on Hot shots like they are the renta cops before you become a police officer. I give much respect to all drivers, all folks in security and law enforcement. It does not matter where you are as long as your working pumping the pump and providing for your family. What I mean by pumping the pump is getting your hustle on help be part of the economy. Making that money. Great video thanks for sharing.
The scale house inspections can find something wrong with any trucks.it just depends on how hard they look.
No depends on your color
I can say 99.9%
@@cryptoanalysts5793 bull shit. Depends on how old your mc is and how many you pass. I had 8 level 1 inspections in my first year. Got no major violations. My second year. I had 1 level 1. .
This video is spot on for me. The dot gang and the insurance mafia make it really hard to make a decent living
Good video, yep folks should find their lane and make it thrive; stop making their choice appear all or nothing. May we all be a blessing to our families
Your a hard worker, and know the business you’ll be successful
You're *
@@elijahrose7913 Thank you. I see that so much and can't believe people don't know the difference.
Im a victim of the “I’m giving you a warning to help you out” PA and WA both did to me. Left blinker wire pulled loose during hard turn into inspection area. (New truck and trailer, didn’t have the length correct on wires. Fixed as soon as he pointed out but still got a “warning”. Also warning for being over hours on log even tho ELD company edited a personal trip out but when logs were emailed they still showed up. All warnings but I get home to a letter from FMCSA and Prepass that my CSA score has dropped and now will be red lighted more at weigh stations and FMCSA says I need driver training for log violations... This system is literally an end run around the constitution. You are convicted without due process and without the opportunity to go before a judge. This makes the DOT officers judge, jury and executioner..... I know these guys have a job to do and I appreciate that, but they were not elected but hired...
Wow that's a crappy place to be, I hope things got better by now. The lack of due process is what really hurts.
@@richardcontinijr9661 agreed. Yes I’ve had 5 more inspections since and all were 100% pass so ratio has gone back to acceptable levels thankfully.
Love your determination and drive! Keep doing what you’re doing. You will go far. Don’t listen to the skeptics. You seem like you know how to make it work for you and your business. I am not in trucking, I am in criminal justice, but I love your videos, my man!
We drove side by side on your trip to Washington. I was in the white Chevy 2500 with the blue rock sifts on the gooseneck. It was awesome to see you on the road!
Lol pretty cool
As a cdl hotshot I haven’t experienced any of the above. I did get checked at first but now I get green lighted every day.
Agreed. Also a cdl hotshot, I get inspected on average once a month. I welcome it because I know my equipment is compliant. Every inspection helps my safer score. Never been harassed, every experience has been positive. Do a REAL pre-trip, keep paperwork organized in a binder. Never had a citation or even a warning.
You handsome devil, you.😏
Run oversize, and they'll ask for a permit every time. Running though Illinois, I either had to pull in, or got stopped, 3 times in two hours asking for the permit.
The best content! Inspiring. Motivational. Knowledge.
The best way to stay in business not matter if rate are up or down it is with very low operating cost and as we can see your operating cost are too high to compete
Don't accept cheap rates. Diesel prices gone up you know how much you worth. Brokers will have a hard time to moved that load the broker will lower they're commission. if not. Another broker will pick it up who can afford to lower commissions. Manufactures and companies want they're products to be shipped on time and make profits.
Heres why people are quitting Hot Shot: They dont have youtube income to keep them afloat.
100% right!!
OH NO HE DIDNT
Computer truckers hahah
@@highball7347 social blade isn’t accurate lmao
@@highball7347 you're way off bro.
I have been a CDL OTR truck driver since 1996. I want to downsize into doing hot shot rather than semi trucks. The rates are the same whether it's in a semi truck or a hotshot the rate per mile is usually the same but you have less expenses with a hot shot
Tow piglet: I recommend everyone to get there CDl. “I don’t want my CDL” 😩😩😩😂😂😂
In the long run having a CDL opens more opportunities and more doors I think it should go by the size of the setup you are running if you are running a 1/2 ton with a 16 / 20ft Bumper Pull You should be ok if you are running a 3/4 ton with a 35 / 40ft gooseneck trailer you should have a CDL we have 2 1/2 ton trucks and a Chevy Silverado 2500hd 2 16ft bumper pull trailers and a 20ft bumper pull trailer we have a Cargo Van
He scared
@@teeking4302 Who's Scared ?
@@phoenixarizona8441 i run a full ton with 30 ft trailer with 2 skid steers and also a 10 speed dump truck with a 18ft trailer behind it with no license
Yea for sure. I’m doing car hauling 3-4 car. When I got my Cdl I make way more there’s no limitations. I bring in atleast 1k more every trip after I got my Cdl.
I remember that old video. Alex, I'm happy for you and proud of you for making this far in this journey. I know soon you'll be a small truck company with 5 drivers or more
Good video bro . I'm starting cdl school and your videos have given me options and hope
I'm a 3 year hotshot driver with a CDL and I love it I think there's more freedom with it than the big trucks. I don't care if a dot officer pulls me over because I know I got my s*** organize and safe. I just got complimented by a dot officer telling me I had a hell of a safety score. If that's all you're worried about is a DOT Officer pulling you over then you're not doing your job right also you can protect yourself get yourself legal protection I have it $13 a month it's a retainer in All 48 states I've used it one time and I won. I'm not knocking the Hotshot guys going 2 semi truck that's just what they want I'm happy for any owner operator that wants to move up that's what makes this country great opportunities. Very good video Alex I've been with you long time
20yrs driving big rigs. I'm going to move into hotshot. I like the extra freedom of movement you guys seem to have. That appeals to me.
there could be something called safety hazard involved, when a ford or dodge car is hauling an unmarked oversized load, many times its weight. it also doesn't help that load is tied with shoestring sized straps, and plastic sheets used as tarp, flapping in the wind
It's easier to sleep in a semi truck
Gospel.
In CA, its 90 day inspections for commercial vehicles
Actually I think the govt should stop subsidizing larger carriers like swift Warner pam ect for new drivers. Make them pay their drivers to keep them rather then planning on turn over. This would in turn force those major carriers to stop taking cheap freight and then... then you'll see true change in freight per mile
I just started watching you and I will say you tell some timely information. I will keep watching your videos.
The reason hot shots are being inspected more frequently is because comparatively speaking, the hot shot industry is fairly new. It typically attracts people with little to no commercial experience. That being said, there are a lot of hot shots not in compliance with federal regulations and I mean A LOT. The encounter with DOT should be an educational experience, not a put you out of business type encounter. However, I know it doesn’t always go that way across the country.
Lol they are about making revenue, they could careless about safety. You sound like a good little sheep
I've had my cdl over a year drive for TMC flatbed. I like it ok.
As always,very informative keep up the great work n be safe out there.
Great video man. Loving your content. Big shout-out from Brazil. Thanks bro.
I don't think it's because hotshot is easier. I think it's because some hotshots ate unprofessional.
I want to be one the ten drivers. Class A CDL unrestricted, with tanker. Have had my license for 4 years, driven single axle 8-tons and tandem dump trucks, box trucks, etc.
I'm eager to drive, learn the business and earn.
Alex they're not just picking on Hot Shot Truckers it goes in Cycles they want to bring each industry into compliance with the laws
They pick on hot shots for one simple reason. There’s literally no special skills or requirements for hot shots to start working. Semi guys, need a CDL. So you’re right, it is easier for them to inspect.
Alex I'm totally on your side having been in the industry all of my adult life hotshot is a great way to put bread on the table life is so much simpler in a pickup truck regarding the DOT issue just take care of business be professional and DON'T CUT CORNERS because it will come back and bite you in the ass
As always God bless you and stay safe out there 🙋♂️ 🇬🇧
Hot Shot trucking’s low threshold of entry really works against the driver’s pay. You should do an episode with one of the drivers who has moved from Hot Shot to Semi.
Watch SGHS. He made the switch.
people hate on this guy for what
I won’t hook up my trailer for under $2.00 a mile
Same Here - Until AOC's Green Deal starts coming after Diesel Trucks and spikes Fuel to $5 gal. plus....
Don’t think anyone should, we have the power to change it but some people are too desperate.
@@zhongwensiwo When fuel hits $5+ a gallon...remember it's not hitting just you. It'll hit the entire industry. Carriers will demand more so brokers/shippers will have to pay more. But when everyone has to pay more to move freight then they will have to increase the cost of goods sold. Inflation will rear it's ugly head.
Simple reason for DOT to get on Hot Shot is PIECE COUNT. End of the day hes got a dozen EZ stops rather than 6 full size trucks. Lookin to move up in the DOT???? Well then get your piece count up.
Yep, it's all about their quota. I got an inspection the other day with zero issues.. The inspection only took 25 minutes but he wrote down that it took him 1 hour... DOT is nothing more than money grabbing extortionists
I've had "level 1" inspection where officer never got out of his car. Didnt inspect anything. My feelings were not hurt. Lol
If hotshots are being "targeted" by the DOT wouldn't that counter Alex's willingness to stay hotshot? I mean if hotshots are being targeted, and you don't want a bullseye on your back, wouldn't it make sense to jump up to a semi? Bigger truck, more loads, better paying loads, less target=no brainer? LOL
Alex the idea is not pic the low pay loads if all the trucks drivers or hotshot. Keep doing... this idea to ouc sometimes cheap loads to don't back home empty is the reason many companies low the rate and make them keep lower and lower and never ends. Only the way is known your truck and and all the spending in the company cost and if every one pick low pay. Low pay stay... until every one star to sacrifice drive some longer to pick up good loads the price go coming more decent for everyone and the pay for the hard work and sacrifice in every day... thanks
Keep posting videos I follow you Chanel because y work for transportation all my life..driving, mechanic.. etc.. and is good to day is good get your CDL because is one way for a hotshot community to star to learn more and understand more clear..them by stop every time 9 of 10 because many don't see the laws and them too the equipment is not to safe for the overload in the speed, breaking and response for the combination of light trucks and tipe of trailer.. is good have nice speed for trucks pulling trailer and never forget we need good and efficient break Systems in the trucks and trailer too. Safety is first... I ting this is the reason way hotshot all ways by pull for the CHP..
And you are well established. And thats priceless! 👌🏼
With cost of operation just go full semi trucking. I found truck a for under 15k I just need it hold up for 6mos and that's just drive in and out 4 states. 70k for a pick up that's a new semi . At 3500k to 4800 net a week I will learn. I was to do car haul money don't add up for the work.
Alex is right that most DOT officers usually prefer doing inspections on Hotshot Companies and its true because its easier to do inspections on them versus Semi Companies. A level one is the most time consuming and usually the one that gets most of us in trouble. But what we have been doing is going to the closest weight station and have a voluntary inspection. What we do is make sure we have everything working in proper order and with no load go to get the level one inspection if we pass and usually do we will receive the sticker which helps us not to get another level one for 3 months , but maybe a level 2 or 3 which is so much easier to pass when your on the road. So every 3 months we do this and it helps us from being shut done. But if we fail they just tell us what needs fixing.. We are in texas and go to New Mexico for our inspections and tell them we want to makes sure we are following the law and they have been pretty good in helping and passing our drivers.. maybe this will help some of you out there. Especially if you feel like a magnet for DOT.. The other reason we do it is because it gives us a better self control of our maintenance and Safer scores.
I live in Colorado and took my truck/trailer in for an inspection (hoping for a lvl 1). I was told no. Per the state patrol "inspections can not be planned out". Then have to be spontaneous otherwise drivers/carriers could just make themselves look good for the inspection but later on let their maintenance schedule lag. I didn't think it was a good reason to not do the inspection but hey...can't really argue with the DOT.
Alex you make a lot more money then a lot of semi drivers i know!! With that said keep up the good work!
Good for you take your own path screw everybody else
One complaint that I have is these new hot shot owners are grabbing loads for less than 75 cents per mile. Even at half of a load for less than 75 cents. I absolutely refuse to haul for less than $1.50 per mile. So you just have to wait for these idiots grab these loads for cheap in the morning and I just have to wait for the good ones pop up later around noon time. It seem to be working for me. Now for all you idiots out there do not take anything less than $1.50 and rate will come up if you hold out and be patient.
right, like how are you even making money on .75 cent a mile?!?!?
Who the hell does 75 a mile. I’m hotshot no one I know runs that. That’s insane
@@billstrick91971 I think he was saying “some take a half load for $.75 a mile, hoping to get 2nd load to make $1.50 a mile”. Some people think getting a $1 a mile if it gets you where you want is better then driving empty.
@@billstrick91971 Very common if you watch the load board. They get snatch up in a heart beat. I have brokers tell me that they got idiot biting at their cheap rate that they laugh their ass off. They even tell me that they are making more than what they pay these f-ing idiots.
I run partial loads all the time. But I fill the trailer up. Not gonna run with just one
IMO if you have no trucking experience whatsoever, go to driving school and drive a company job for a couple years at a starter flatbed company like TMC is probably a better idea for most. That gets the CDL question out of the way early and gives plenty of experience to see if you even like trucking. Running out and buying a truck and trailer and starting your own DOT/MC and insurance...you *can* do that if you already know what you're doing and have a lot of startup money in the bank. If you only partially know what you're doing then leasing onto an existing carrier for awhile with your own truck and trailer is probably a better idea before attempting to step out on your own, to gain some experience on how the business side works.
Good thought. There’s a lot to be said for doing what you enjoy. Life is always a balancing act. 👍
Nothing like setting self goals and sticking to the no matter what anyone think. everyone have a right to their own opinion.
Look bro, I love you and been watching you for many years (willing to even offer your content to other nationalities in other languages) but don't you ever give Biden credit, that guy needs to be in elderly care home =) lol
What do you think the White House is? Haha
The reason they check out hotshots,are mostly non CDL. Most drivers that have there CDLs they know there more likely know your stuff . I’m hotshot and a CDL and haven’t had any issues at the scales.
Same.
TOW PIGLET AND J.B Hunt will do a partnership
Insurance is so high for non cdl hotshot is because there trying to cover all the Liability of a cdl - professional driver- commercial policy for a under Qualified driver,, so therefore they have a higher risk of accidents or claims 🤔 on paper no matter if its true or not there's alot more to having a cdl and the benefits of having a cdl other then the amount of weight you can haul,,, just ask your insurance provider how much your insurance costs will go down if you got you cdl
DOT goes after non-cdl because of the lack of training for beginners and not following the rules such as tinted windows and that's generally one of the first things they notice.
Love your honesty.Stay safe.
The reason I'm getting my CDL is because there's not many non cdl hauling jobs around in my area. Ive tried some locations in TN and TX, But they make location a big deal and deny me just because I dont live within 30 minutes. Despite them being able to give me a relocation package
Keep up the good work ...I’m working on CDL... would one day like to have my own truck ...
Aye bro let me come work for you lol I was gonna do cdl but now looking into hotshot, your videos are really helpful.
If it's working, keep working it
I want to try hot shot.
I really don't know why you are so keen on the big trucks. I started driving local in 86 got grandfathered in to a cell and ran OTR for 25 years. Now I do oilfield in a 3/4 ton and DOT exempt.
Just remember,the bigger the truck the bigger the cost and there is usually a lot more wait time in yards and docks due to other trucks. Big trucks are fun to drive but a bitch trying to park in a truck stop after 8 pm. With ELDs you can't keep going to the next one.
Get your cdl its not hard. Study and get it. Not sure if you have to go to school now but if you do its worth it. I have a chevy dually with a trailer and I have a peterbilt with a trailer. When the big rig loads are slow I use the dually. So do it you won't regret it.
I really don’t want to
Landstar requires you to get a inspection every 120 days
Constantly spending money 24/7/365 on equipment, insurance and endless expenses you never ever fully recover all the spending because Hotshot rates are just too low because you’re actually paying for the brokers to screw your over , great video Alex
Alex you are great 👍
Ive done semi and it’s frustrating sometimes Im transitioning frim semi to my own hotshot business in 2023 its gona be hard but im gona be working for myself thats all that matters.
Yes the rates are not low, but the broker set it low. Per say your load is paying $1000, you would be only paid $500. Yes thats 1/2 of the rake! The driver O/O takes it. Yes you can ask the broker what the real rate was after you have finished the load (Which is required by law), but is that broker going to give you any further load again.
The reason for DOT doing so much inspection, can it be the fact that Hot Shot has new DOT No? Maybe thats why more inspection.
If you are Non-CDL, you want tobe Non-CDL, don't suggest to get a CDL!
One big thing is NOT to live beyond your means. I do non-cdl hotshot and business is significantly down since I started 4 years ago. Over a year ago I decided to be more financially intelligent and it has paid off. You see a lot of hotshots get used to their 3k-6k weekly paychecks, but then struggle when work is slow, something breaks down, etc. I was one of these people. Now I'm about to pay off my truck in 4 years and depending less on the economy whether I can afford my mortgage or not.
I still think it's an awesome job, just more and more stressful as tbe years go. But I dont need a lot of money to survive so I'm not forced to sell my trailer, truck or anything if works is bad.