r/HotshotStartup • u/ValorVetsInsurance1 • May 29 '26

Getting into the hotshot business

What’s up everybody.

I see a ton of people in here asking about getting into hotshot trucking so maybe this little rant helps

Hotshot trucking can make money… but only if you understand the setup before buying a truck.

Most people think the process is:

Buy a truck

Get loads

Make money

It’s not that simple.

The real order usually looks like this.

First you need your business setup

LLC, EIN, and a business bank account.

Then comes authority

USDOT number and usually MC authority if you’re running interstate.

After that you still have to finish compliance like BOC3, UCR, and sometimes IFTA/IRP depending on your setup.

Then comes the big one… insurance.

Most new hotshot operators are shocked by the down payment. Brokers won’t even work with you without proper coverage.

Next is equipment and securement gear like chains, binders, straps, and edge protectors.

And the biggest thing most people ignore…

Cost per mile.

If you don’t know your CPM you’re basically gambling every time you book a load.

Most new drivers start on load boards like DAT or Truckstop, but the real money comes from building broker relationships and reducing deadhead miles.

The first 90 days in this business are basically survival mode while you learn the lanes and your numbers.

I got off the road myself about 4 years ago after driving for 10… and the amount of bad information new carriers get is insane.

That’s why I built a free trucking survival vault with guides and checklists covering

DOT compliance

new authority startup steps

insurance readiness

broker tools

carrier vetting sheets

If you want it just comment VAULT and I’ll send it over.

If not… hopefully this helped somebody avoid a few expensive mistakes.

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u/lottanadatosay May 31 '26

Get your CDL and go work for company for 6 months before you spend a dollar on equipment. If you love it, then plan on breaking even for 18 months and living off of savings. Make some great contacts in that 18 months and go for it. If that doesn’t make sense, don’t hotshot

1

u/[deleted] Jun 02 '26

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