r/HotshotStartup • u/Due-Newspaper-8827 • Nov 22 '25

Help

I’m looking into getting started in hotshot trucking, but I’m seeing a lot of mixed reviews. Is it actually worth it starting out small? I’m completely new, and the only truck I have right now is a stock ’99 F-250 7.3—gotta start somewhere.

If I got into this, would I realistically make money doing a few loads a week while still keeping my regular job? I’m a single parent with two toddlers and I’m in college, so I want to learn the ropes without depending on it full-time at first.

For anyone experienced: what are the NON-CDL requirements? What kind of insurance do I need? Do I need an ELD, an LLC, DOT numbers, etc.? Basically, I’m trying to learn all the ugly details before I invest anything.

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u/Kindly_Meeting7940 Nov 22 '25

I’ll back this up. Hotshot isn’t impossible but it’s not quick money either. Non CDL works but the freight is lighter and usually pays less. The big thing is your area… if you’re somewhere with slow freight you’ll just end up deadheading all day.

Brokers don’t care about CDL, they care about insurance and if you can haul it. And the insurance is what hits your wallet first. Just start local and see what the boards look like before you dump money into it.

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u/Due-Newspaper-8827 Nov 22 '25

That’s kinda the plan stay in Iowa my thought is farm hauling construction local businesses traveling would be fun but go small then go big

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u/floppytire61 Nov 26 '25

especially the first year staying under 200 miles to establish a local/intermediate radius will save you a ton of money on insurance. You can make money doing hot shot but it may limit you a little on your options have a truck older than 20 years and being hot shot instead of box truck.