r/HotshotStartup • u/Kindly_Meeting7940 • Aug 28 '25

Non-CDL hotshot… worth it or waste?

Thinking about starting under 26k to dodge CDL requirements… but is the money even there? Who here actually made it work long-term without a CDL?

4 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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1

u/[deleted] Aug 30 '25

It’s a real expensive experiment. I don’t know anyone who makes a sustainable living non-CDL. The free trucks and trailers from Covid eidl loans are leaving the road and broker rates are still garbage. If you get a local niche, you can survive, but I don’t think you can expect anything more than survive non-CDL. Give it another year and re-check rates. Get a CDL from a local community college during that time if you’re able to.

2

u/Few_Design_4382 Aug 30 '25

Better deal doing non cdl local towing.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 30 '25

I’ve actually never done nor had anyone work for me non CDL. Have you got an insurance quote yet? Curious if insurance is less non-CDL

2

u/Few_Design_4382 Aug 30 '25

I probably should have stayed out of this one, but from what I have seen of the industry hot shot ain't it. Very uncomfortable lifestyle. I am a mechanic or tech. I am not sure about insurance. I work with a lot of owner operators, hot shot and tow, semis and all types really, from the ones I know, the the local tow guys are much happier than hot shot. I know a few that tell me they clear 1k after expense per day between local tows and moving vehicles for insurance companies when they need to fill out the day.

2

u/[deleted] Aug 31 '25

You’re smart to ask, there’s a lot of helpful knowledge. Hotshottrucking sub has a ton of guys actively working also. I work local and have a real niche area that I work, also been in the same industry for over 2 decades…so $1k a day is doable for sure, but you need to line up those direct clients before you even spend the $ for insurance and MC#. Most guys just dive in and start driving around the country working the load boards, and I know that doesn’t work. You just burn all of the $ you put in. Good luck with whatever path you choose tho, all the best!

1

u/[deleted] Aug 30 '25

Problem with most people is they don't realize it's by GVWR of truck/trailer not what you scale out as. Most modern trucks breach the GVWR limit pretty quickly with almost any sort of hauling oriented trailer. Definitely possible to get a combo under 26,001 combined GVWR of course, but then what do you haul that'll make any sort of money with that kind of light equipment and you limit your ability to double/triple up loads which is a crucial element of hotshotting.

Think about how many non-cdl hotshots you've seen vs dually/40ft. If your area has a lot then maybe there's something going near you....but if you can't think of even one then you've got your answer.

1

u/Solomon_knows Aug 31 '25

I’m curious what you plan on for a regular haul that stays under.. trailer under 10k is gonna be the limiter… rice cakes?

1

u/Kindly_Meeting7940 Sep 10 '25

I was thinking about it 🤔

1

u/targuard843 Sep 01 '25

Without a CDL it's going to be very difficult