How to Become a Hot Shot Driver A Beginner’s Guide
“How to become a hot shot driver?” is a question that has been very popular recently. Skillful drivers looking for some side cash or an independent business view hot shot driving as a very profitable and flexible opportunity. In addition, starting a hotshot business is a very affordable start-up, and the risks associated with this kind of business are minor.
So, if you have some money and want to make the best of them by starting a safe, profitable business, our comprehensive guide on becoming a hot shot driver will be very advantageous.
What is a hot shot driver?
A hot shot driver transports small, sensitive loads using commercial vehicles such as vans, straight trucks, lowboy trucks, etc.
A hot shot driver’s job opportunities are endless; they can work freelance, with a company, or even start their own hot shot business, and that’s what we will guide you through in this article.
How to become a hot shot driver?
Research the market
The first and most crucial step before stepping into the market and announcing yourself as a hot shot driver is to get to know the market in detail. Knowing how competitors are operating and what are current people’s needs will help you stand out and know where and how to direct your effort.
Establish a budget
No matter how small, starting a business needs a considerable budget and sufficient money planning. So, do the math, and know exactly how much you can allocate to start with the rest of the planning phases on the right foot. Think about the area you will be covering and the kind of clients you’re targeting, and you can easily decide how many vehicles you need and how much manpower you should hire.
Get right with the law.
The law regulates every business, no matter how fresh. And when it comes to transport businesses, many parties could be in danger, including the passengers, other vehicles, your hot shot vehicles, and even yourself and your team. So, get right with the law to ensure your safety and others.
Depending on the loads you will be hauling, you will need a specific commercial driver’s license; the license rules and regulations differ from one state to another, so consider the state or states you will be operating in and get your license accordingly.
But that’s not all, as you must apply for a Department of Transportation Number (DoT.). This number will confirm to the FMCSA that you’re working as a trucking company and using your vehicles for commercial ends. An MC number is also needed if you operate in different states.
Purchase or lease the vehicles
After comprehensively understanding your market, clients, and specialty, picking the right vehicles will be plain. Hot shot drivers usually run pickup trucks, but the vehicle size will vary depending on the driver’s area and the loads they transport.
You can go for a class 3 medium truck as a start; it hauls up to 14,000 pounds safely and is suitable for light hotshot loads. This type of truck is also budget-friendly and has fuel economy. Once your business starts to spell success, you can go on expanding your fleet and operating with class 3,4,5 trucks.
Create a website
How will people know about you, and how will they hire your services if you don’t have a presence online? A website is the interface of your business, and it will reflect the quality and proficiency of your services. So, ensure you collaborate with a seasoned, experienced web designer to bring your business to life with an easy-to-navigate, flexible, and high-performance website.
A good website supersedes a land-based office, saving you time, money, and many office workers. As a matter of fact, not only hot shot businesses strive and make it to the top with a website only. Tempus Logix, one of the leading companies in the auto transport market, receives many shipping orders daily, all through their website.
Top skills you have to develop before diving into the market
Being a hotshot driver isn’t easy; you will spend long times on the road, dealing with different kinds of tense and easy-going clients. So, you have to be ready for this journey by trying to acquire some skills, including driving, communication, time management, mechanics, etc. And remember, no business would thrive without a good network of connections, including clients, other haulers, and even transport companies.
So, ensure you get all that done before going into the market and receiving orders, as a lot is waiting for you there.
The bottom line
Hotshot driving could be a very productive business if you play it right, know how to build a professional network, and collaborate with the right parties. But remember that the start will be rough, and it will take some time until your name becomes prominent in the market.
It’s about the start, so start by following the above mentioned steps on how to become a hot shot driver, and good luck with planning your new business.
